Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
Gift giving to police officers
Is it wrong to give a (relatively) expensive gift to a cop as a thanks for his service?
Gift in question is a breitling watch that was givin to a police officer by a close relative of mine but he refused to take it. it is a very insulting gesture in our culture to refuse gifts.
Could any one of the parties get in trouble had he accepted the watch?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Gift giving to police officers
The officer probably had no choice but to decline your gift. Many government agencies -- particularly those involved with law enforcement -- forbid their employees to accept gifts in appreciation for their work. Even those that permit employees to accept gifts usually forbid them to accept anything of significant value. Accepting such gifts could create the appearance of favoritism. Apparent favoritism could then taint criminal trials and cause the public to lose respect for the department.
I'm sure the officer appreciated the gesture, but was forbidden to accept the watch. You should not feel insulted, since the rule he was following is not directed at you personally.
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