Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Nebraska

Racial Slur Scrawled On Break Room Sign

I had some of the men in my command get a little carried away with some fun we were having with the Midwest Guardians, an exclusively black police officers organization in Omaha.

One of them scrawled the word ''Nigger'' on a sign in the break room at the Northeast Precinct Station in Omaha. I know who it was, but have yet to come forward.

I need to know if I will be held responsible for this mess if I report the perpetrator to city authorities? Quite a big deal is being made about this racial slur in the city of Omaha with city council members calling for a federal investigation along with lie detector tests to determine who it was. It happened in a secured, ''police only'' area. I KNOW WHO IT WAS.

Should I take the lie detector test? Should I confess my part in the scheme? I have already been implicated in numerous drug trafficking and organized crime scandals in Omaha and this will most certainly end my career, whether I did it or not, simpy because I knew about it and it was my men that committed this silly little indescretion.

I don't know why these police officers are making a federal case, quite literally, out of this? What do I do?


Asked on 2/22/03, 2:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Racial Slur Scrawled On Break Room Sign

Racial slurs are indeed a federal matter, and it is no wonder those affected are making a federal case out of it. You may wish to reflect upon your sensitivity to racial issues.

Your best advice is to come forward and identify the culprit. It may result in negative consequences, but think of what they will be when the truth is uncovered and you are charged with attempting to cover it up!

As most police officers advise most offenders it will go easier on you if you cooperate and tell the truth about what you know.

Good luck.

Read more
Answered on 2/22/03, 3:11 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Nebraska