By Greg Smith

I have been in law enforcement for all of my adult life. Blind loyalty to one’s police chief always has been a requirement for promotion. 

My personnel reviews in the past have reflected “does not show loyalty to the department.”

I long have disagreed with this, and I have responded, “I am loyal to the organization first and individuals second.” 

I do not believe in blind loyalty.  When Judge Percy Anderson sentenced six ex-Sheriff’s Dept. deputies to state prison on Tuesday, he stated “Blind obedience to a corrupt culture has serious consequences.”

All law enforcement officers should heed this warning.

If the order from above is questionable, then ask the right questions. Do not follow them blindly. It may cost you future promotions. But they will find someone else willing to follow blindly, and they probably will go a long way in the organization. 

One positive note for those not following blindly is you probably won’t go to prison. 
 
Mr. Smith, retired veteran of the Culver City Police Dept., operates SCS International Investigations. He may be contacted at  scsinvest@sbcglobal.net or
www.scsinternationalinvestigations.com