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Brothers I need your help. I am facing a complaint against me. The guy is saying I was cursing at him. This might not seem like a big deal but in the military bearing and professionalism are a very big deal. What is the best way to prove my case to my leadership. This guy is just pissed he got two tickets and was embarrsed in front of his peers.

Ok few things. Did you curse at him? What rank is he? Any witnesses? Answer these and we'll work on more

Ok, no problem tell the truth and when it comes time to go to the Oldman call in the two witnesses also you record should speak for it's self.

Have witnesses come forward to side with you.  Explain that he was upset that he got two tickets from you and was trying to get back at you by fileing a complaint. 

A little food for thought...I audio record all my stops...

Hope this helps

I wouldn't worry to much about it....Its probably not the last time someone will complain...

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In car video with audio is wonderful.  If you don't have that, you tell the truth.  You tell the truth no matter what you have done.  A lie is always going to bite you in the butt.  Keep professional at all times, especially when someone you have detained is angry at you.  Use your fellow Officers to verify what they heard, and of course they must tell the complete truth.  I had my Chief Deputy tell me one time that he did not worry about me trying to hide anything, I always come tell him when I have messed up.  Better to confess something before your Sheriff hears  what I did from someone else.

ALWAYS Tape record your contacts.  I can't tell you how useful that tape recorder is.   You don't have to tell the person they are being recorded unless you are in a closed room with the door closed.   And if they file a false complaint and you have the tape as evidence you can charge them with filing a false police report.  

Are your witnesses willing to give written statements pertaining to your actions?

shellgame says ...

DFrost says ...

Your problem isn't unique to the military. People complain about "unprofessional" treatment all the time. Tell the truth, if you cursed him, say so and why. If you didn't say so and stand your ground. It won't help your case if you lose your temper or get angry during the meeting. Request an in-car camera. Barring that, start carrying a pocket recorder. At least you can have the audio of any contacts you might have.

Just make sure your state allows "one-party" recording, meaning that you don't have to tell the subject they are being recorded.  And make sure the military doesn't have a policy against using a tape recorder on duty.  Several agencies I know do not allow staff to use them.

 

That's outrageous!  Our courts, and I THOUGHT the US Supreme Court, has ruled that you have NO expectation of privacy when talking to a Law Enforcement Officer.  We even record people sitting in the back of our cars (provided theyre equipped) with no officer in the car.  Same thing, no expectation of privacy sitting in the back of a cruiser.  If they do expect it to be private, take your complaint and shove it!

shellgame says ...

DFrost says ...

Your problem isn't unique to the military. People complain about "unprofessional" treatment all the time. Tell the truth, if you cursed him, say so and why. If you didn't say so and stand your ground. It won't help your case if you lose your temper or get angry during the meeting. Request an in-car camera. Barring that, start carrying a pocket recorder. At least you can have the audio of any contacts you might have.

Just make sure your state allows "one-party" recording, meaning that you don't have to tell the subject they are being recorded.  And make sure the military doesn't have a policy against using a tape recorder on duty.  Several agencies I know do not allow staff to use them.

It's like tape recording a conversation in the back of a cruiser, there is no expectation of privacy.  Of course I can't speak for all states, I know in ours as long as it's an official contact, I can record all I want without the other person being aware of the recording. Just like running an in car camera. I don't have to tell them I have one. I sometimes do tell them, it limits the amount of BS, sometimes.

That's the problem with folks today....do something wrong....DON'T accept responsibility....shift the focus and blame elsewhere...

"Colonel.... Your SP was rude and abusive towards me....nevermind that I was speeding and then ran a Stop sign on your installation. That doesn't give him the right to "harass" me...."

Stick with the advice the others gave you....and make DARN sure that it's OK to use a pocket recorder....it's 1 thing if the vehicle is equipped with audio/video recording devices...if it's not kosher in your state, it's not your liability...but if the state you're in is a 2 party consent state and you record them without consent with your personal equipment, you could face serious criminal charges....believe it!

Just tell the truth. You shouldn't have to prove anything. You can't defend something that you didn't do. If you did curse at the man, tell them you did. I always tell officers if your called in by a superior and asked a question, they allready know the answer.

I wouldn't worry about it. I was told once that if you're getting complaints it only means you're doing your job. From my experiece it has always seemed the people I have let go with a verbal warning have been the ones to complain, and most times it comes as a complete surprise. I think you should call any witnesses to the incident, but one thing to keep in mind also is the qualtiy of your reputation. If you have a good reputation and maintain a good professional attitude, that will go a long ways in the eyes of your peers and supervisors. Good luck.

Bossman,

Just like any other complaint or problem the citizens/ public/ military have... People are required to sign a complaint before it can be investigated.. So if they didnt sign the complaint...  TYPICALLY what happens is they are advised about false reports, and ask if they really want to sign a complaint. If you didnt cuss or dis anyone.. Then this dipshit wont step up.. If you did, lesson learned! 

Id offer you to buy a personal digital recorder, and carry it with you. ALways turn it on and put it in your upper Blouse pocket. That way you have proof of what you say.  My dept didnt instal a camera system in my cruiser so I did it. The first time some lame dick jack decided to complain about me..  I pulled the recorder out and showed my Boss...  The higher ups left me alone after that...

Good luck

No big deal and don't worry about it. You have two witnesses to back your side up and he has....himself. Also if you haven't been getting complaints like this frequently then it would be out of character for you and they know it. Once you get into the civilian world trust me, complaints like that will be commonplace and much, much worse. If you do your job you will be accused of the most outlandish things you have ever heard of from asking for a bribe, asking for sex if you let them go, talking very disrespectful and profane, being a racist, stealing, etc. Hell, I was accused of stealing a bums, excuse me, urban outdoors-man, glass eye once! One claimed I stole something like $10,000 in cash and other things that were crazy so get used to it. If you are professional and proper in your handling of whatever you do while the complaints will still be there, they will roll off your back  like water on a ducks back.