When It Comes To Being an Officer, It’s Time To Go When Corruption Reigns

Corruption sets in all too easily for people.

It’s easy for someone to be “bought” into doing the wrong thing, especially in a day and age when people need money or something else just to get by. And it’s painful to watch, as you can see signs that someone is corrupt, even if it’s just from a few simple moves.

The case surrounding San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus has simply become too big to ignore.

According to a report from Law Enforcement Today, residents of the county actually voted on a measure that would give the board of supervisors the ability to fire the Sheriff, with more than 85 percent voting yes, that she needs to go.

So I decided to take a closer look into why the members of this county feel that way and…holy cow.

Various reports indicate that Corpus has been involved in a number of activities that many feel are not just corrupt, but also dangerous when it comes to the working environment of a police station.

Many former officers have made note that Sheriff Corpus has created a toxic work environment, one rife with her usage of racist and homophobic slurs.

I can tell you right now – this is not how a police officer should be behaving.

People are going to be people and tired of how certain groups are, and have no problem calling them out on social media. But when it comes to a professional work place like a police station…there is simply no room for it.

It’s completely out of line. And, worse yet, shows off the judgment of your character.

But hang on, I’m not done yet.

It turns out that Corpus reportedly had an inappropriate relationship with a colleague who ended up being promoted to assistant sheriff as a result.

That’s…insane.

I know that there are people in the past that have gotten involved in relationships, something that could get in the way of the job to begin with. But to hand down a promotion because of it? Instead of nominating someone that should be given the role based on their experience and active duty? That’s absolutely ridiculous.

Corpus has denied these claims and refused to resign, indicating that she’s simply being targeted for being a “Latina” and a woman in power.

But, um, Christina, have you taken a look at how your community has reacted?

I reiterate that 85 percent of the community – in which a great deal of represented with the vote – wanted you out. That’s not just a troubled few and certainly not a bunch of “racists” that are out to get you. These are hard-working, dedicated citizens that feel like you’re not up to par for your job.

Even the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriff’s Association feels that Corpus should leave her job. Not a representative of the Association, mind you. The Association itself.

“They deserve someone who is not going to be committing these abuses, who is not going to be corrupt, and who’s not going to be causing all these problems, so much to the point that we had to have a special election just because of it.”

Of course, everyone is entitled to tell their side of the story. But I can’t help that think when this many people are angry with Corpus – including, once again, an entire association and several unions – then it appears that the problem lies with her. Especially if this story about her promoting someone she had a relationship with is true. That’s entirely unprofessional.

Apparently this measure will move forward this week, with the request to see which supervisors believe that Corpus should be removed from her role. I certainly hope justice is done in the right way, and the community is given a leader that will be proud of, and not so much embarrassed by.

There simply is no room for corruption when it comes to police. Again, people will be people, but when you’re in a professional role that involves so many innocent lives, there should be no leeway to let corruption enter the picture. Period.