Interview Analysis

Interview with: Detective Lakshan De Silva with the Placer County Sheriff's Office

Why are ethics and character so important in the field of law enforcement?

Our whole job is based on our character and ethics. We are the good guys. People depend on us to do the right thing. If we don’t do the right thing then we are the bad guys. We are the line that keeps the bad from the good. Being on that line we get tempted and tempted to do bad things, but it’s your character, your beliefs and ethics that stop you from doing bad and make you do well.

Do you feel that police are more ethical today, or were they more ethical 10 years ago?

I believe today. We have more restrictions governing us. We have police officer standards and training monitoring law enforcement officials. We have more training and have more background checks than before. Back in the day they could pick anyone off of the street to do this job. If people needed money they became a cop. Now the cops who do this job want to catch the bad guys and do well. Agencies look for these people and choose them for those qualities.

Why do police officers become involved in misconduct?

Cops are human. Everybody makes mistakes. Some bigger than others. Some folks get tempted by money Cops are human. Everybody makes mistakes. Some bigger than others. Some folks get tempted by money or drugs or lies or women and men. As cops we all want to help people. But those people drag us down or the items or things bring us down. Over all it’s in you to make the right decision and that’s where the ethics and character come in.

Do you feel that there is enough training offered in Ethics at the police academy level? If not, why?

I do. I believe to be law enforcement you have a duty to be honest, have integrity and respect for others. You either have this or you don’t. You should not have to be taught to do the right thing. You should just do it. This is where you background comes in. What have you done all of your life to prepare to be a cop.

Should ethics training be offered as an ongoing process for law enforcement officers?

I do. It’s a good reminder why we got into this profession and why we do our job. What we stand for and who we are and who look up to us to do right

Do you feel that education and/or training in ethics would reduce incidents of police corruption?

I think it is a good reminder to have training in it, but overall I think it’s instilled in everyone and if you have it you have it. If you don’t you don’t. Some folks change but majorities don’t.

Day in and day out, I read about and heard stories from my department about the wrongdoings of some of our police officers. I heard stories of officers speeding and using their position to get them out of a ticket. I have had this happen to myself a few times in the past when I was coming up through the ranks. Luckily we had a standing policy that we would give no breaks during traffic stops.

Another ethical issue I recall happening on one of my shifts was an officer was caught on duty having a sexual relation with his on again and off again girlfriend. We were working double patrols and I had asked to meet up with this officer. Now he did not give a time or how long it would be, so I decided to head to his location. Upon arrival I discovered what a surprise to me and my patrol partner was. Now we all knew what had to be done here and this patrol did everything he could to save his back side. He offered to work extra shifts for us to even trying to bribe us with money. I knew what I was supposed to do even if it meant being the bad guy in this situation. I was the senior ranking patrol under our supervisor and I told him what was going to happen. I requested for the supervisor to come out to our location and I briefed him on what was discovered. The female was placed under arrest and the supervisor directed the other patrol to go to the station. I am not sure what happened after that, but the friendship I had with this patrol was now ruined for doing what I knew was the right thing. I was faced with two ethical issues here with the money and the relationship on duty. I knew if I had hid this, the behavior would go on and I would be at risk of getting in trouble for knowing and not addressing it right away.

Our department has a code of ethics. Under these codes our officers should be setting the example for our citizens. This includes on duty and off duty. Sadly, this does not always happen. The last issue I recall facing was a fellow officer who ended up drinking and driving. We were all out and had agreed we would either get a cab or we already had a DD with us. One of the young officers we worked with ended up having a bit too much alcohol. I decided that it would be best we get a cab and have one of us ride with him to get him home safely and get his car in the morning. I already spoke to the owner of the bar we were at, and he was fine with us leaving his car there. Well, before I could get the keys from him, an argument started and he got into a physical altercation with a patron at the bar and ran off outside. Before I could catch him, he jumped in his car and drove off. So now, I have a drunken officer who is a danger to everyone in the community. I called our dispatch and had to report this. I gave them our location and our supervisor on shift knew where this kid lived and knew the route he took from this location. I want to say within 10 minutes they had found him, car wrecked. He was okay. This was an unfortunate even as he was in his probation so after everything was said and done, he was let go from the force. I knew if I had not said anything and he ended up hurting himself or possibly killing someone, I would face some sort of punishment. I have played that event over in my head a few times; trying to find ways this could have been prevented.