Public Safety & Police Department Cliques

Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol.  

Let’s talk about cliques in the workplace. A clique is basically a group of people who have common interests or purposes. And who’s activities do not include everyone. 

Of course, not all of these groups are bad. But some are. And that is what I want to talk about today.  

The bad behaviors associated with these cliques may include intimidation of new officers, promoting racist or sexist ideologies, or subverting the chain of command.

The word clique has a bad connotation when the behaviors of the group are negative, unethical, or unlawful. Their common purpose might be to subvert policy. Undermine the agency’s mission. Or promote behavior that is contrary to the core values of the agency. 

In some agencies, these bad cliques have been around for a long time. Occasionally they are exposed. Identifiers like a common tattoo or a crew name or motto illustrate the exclusive nature of these cliques. 

The bad behaviors associated with these cliques may include intimidation of new officers, promoting racist or sexist ideologies, or subverting the chain of command. This misconduct can escalate into crimes such as planting evidence, using unlawful force, or obstructing justice. You heard me right. Cops committing crimes. 

Here’s my advice. Resist the temptation. Stay away from these groups that are doing bad things. Don’t condone it. Don’t be part of it.  

You belong to a noble profession with common values and mission. You are here because you met a tough standard. Now you have the duty to uphold the trust of your agency and the public. Be true to your values and do the right thing. 

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off. 

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