Wednesday, August 22, 2012

False reporting

False reporting is a huge story in Lincoln right now, but I would like to discuss the issue generally, rather than the specifics of the case that is gathering all the attention. 

False crime reports are a very small percentage of all reported crime, but any experienced police officer has dealt with some of these cases. It is very important for officers not to become jaded by these cases, so that they do not look askance at an unusual crime report, and to keep an open mind at all times.  A critical mistake in any criminal investigation is to fall prey to tunnel vision, and only interpret evidence that tends to confirm your initial hypothesis. 

People report crime falsely for many reasons: to get even with an enemy, to seek financial gain, to seek attention or sympathy, to explain their own bad behavior, to reap financial gain, and due to mental illness or emotional disturbances.  The point is this: despite the fact that these false reports may stand out in your memory, they really are rather rare, and you must not allow them to negatively affect your interaction with crime victims or the the quality of your investigation. 

Of all the false reports, those that concern me the most are child abuse cases.  I cannot tell you how many times I have heard an experienced police investigator or child protective services worker minimize a report of abuse or neglect with these words: “It’s a custody dispute….”  This comment is not merely descriptive, it carries a subtle meaning. The unspoken remainder of the sentence is, “…it’s probably a false report.”

It is a sad fact that sometimes parents will make up or exaggerate claims of abuse. Think, however, about the multitude of factors that may underlie a contentious divorce: financial stress, infidelity, anger, domestic violence, drug abuse, alcoholism, abusive gambling, addiction, obsessive control issues, rages, jealousies, criminality, emotional detachment, narcissism, paranoia, and so forth.  Do not all of these also increase the risk to the children in the family?

And consider this: if two parents are so self-absorbed that one or both would use their children as a weapon to falsely accuse the other of abuse or neglect, do you think that is pretty good evidence that the children are in a situation that is placing their emotional, if not physical, well-being in jeopardy?

So, whenever you hear a police officer or CPS worker say, “It’s a custody dispute,” I want you to complete the sentence, “…so we should be particularly concerned about the safety of the children.” Never marginalize a child abuse report that is wrapped inside an ugly custody dispute, and never assume that it is a false report.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why doesn't the department charge and prosecute false reports of officer misconduct in the same manner? For instance, someone comes in, swears to the fact an officer raped, assaulted, or otherwise violated their rights. The officer is run through the ringer, only for the " victim" to later recant and admit they were lying, when confronted with inconsistencies. With no recourse, and leaving the officer the only victim, with their false accuser walking away free and clear.?

Anonymous said...

I think it was Abe Lincoln who is credited for saying that if you tell the truth, you'll never have to remember exactly which lies you have previously told.

Tom Casady said...

7:13,

Your assumption is quite mistaken. The marching orders to Internal Affairs during my entire tenure have always been to investigate false reports and refer these to prosecutors whenever the evidence is strong enough to support a criminal charge. This has happened several times. Don't take my word, ask Sgt. Koziol, Capt. Kawamoto, Capt. Butler, Sgt. Richards, and Sgt. Domangue what their instructions from me have been during the time they served in IA.

The problem with some complaints that have no merit is that they boil down to a perception or feeling, rather than to facts that can be investigated and conclusively proven or disproven.

While the job of IA is to impartially investigate complaints, I will not tolerate intentional lies to police investigators that constitute criminal offenses, whether the investigator is assigned in Internal Affairs or in any other assignment.

7:29,

In my experience, the more complex the lie, the more likely it is to unravel, for that very reason--the liar loses track of their previous statements.

Tom Casady said...

7:13,

I forgot Assistant Chief Marti (Port Orchard PD).

Steve said...

It's a good thing the Supreme Court decided lying is protected as free speech by the Constitution. Imagine how many calls our poor police department would have if it were illegal. It would make the illegal watering calls look like a drop in the bucket.

I think you need a break from this watering thing, Tom. I've seen more typos in your recent posts than all others combined. I'm thinking you're a little stressed.

Anonymous said...

7:13,

I'm not a LEO, but it would seem just in such cases, as it should be in all cases of false reporting, for the fabricator to be punished with the same penalties as would be handed down for the false crime they fabricated. For example, make a false report alleging a Class 3 Felony, get the sentence for a Class 3 Felony. That would put a damper on most false reporting in a hurry.

Tom Casady said...

Steve,

A brake from watterring? Your absilootley wright about that, for shure.

Steve said...

Now, I think I know who made most of the posts over on the LJS web site! :)

"G" said...

Thanks, I was feeling left out, and I confim your "marching orders"..."G564"

Tom Casady said...

G,

Nice to know you're present in the blogosphere.

Anonymous said...

I too (an officer) can attest to a former IA Sgt. holding ground and working diligently to find the truth in a completely fabricated and malicious claim against me several years ago. Not only was the subject summoned to court by Sgt. Richards, but the judge also saw the maliciousness in the subjects claim. $500 fine, plus $42.50 court costs, plus the original $292.50 ticket for speeding and no seat belt. Grand total for his lie, $835.00.

SA Student said...

Great Article praising LPD and DA office.

http://seamusoriley.blogspot.com/2012/08/lincoln-police-district-attorney-praised.html

Anonymous said...

" I will not tolerate intentional lies to police investigators that constitute criminal offenses, whether the investigator is assigned in Internal Affairs or in any other assignment."

You're not the Chief any more, let it go Mr. Director.

Anonymous said...

@7:24
Right, he's the Director now. Now he doesn't want you to lie to investigators OR firefighters.

Anonymous said...

Off the subject a little but I was curious how many accidents have happened in the Cyclone of Death at 14th and Superior since it opened. I'm sure hearing a lot.

Anonymous said...

anonymous 7:24: I have a feeling Casady will NEVER get over the high standards he has for others, his belief in good ethics, his expectation for honesty, no matter WHAT his job title is. To that, I say: 'thank goodness!' I hope he NEVER 'gets over it.'

Tom Casady said...

Gun Nut,

With a pending criminal case, I just can't post your comment. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I understand Director. I would have posted it on the LJS site but since they started charging hard earned dollars to post on their Blogs and then have the temerity to censor comments I just kick my neighbors dog or cat. (tongue in cheek PETA people).
Gun Nut

Steve said...

Gun Nut:

So it was your footprint on my dog's fur the other day!