Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Utah

Discrimination and Employment

My son is separated, going into a divorce. Because he is a police office in the same area the police department refuses to do things for me and my son such as a "keep the peace" trip to pick up items left at his old residence. They also pass information between the city police and the county police about what is happening in this matter. He has been told because he is an officer there they don't want to "get involved". They have also made statement such as "your son needs to decide how bad he wants to keep his job". Do we have any recourse in this matter?


Asked on 3/28/00, 2:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Discrimination and Employment

He cannot be discharged simply because he is involved in a divorce. He should make every effort to make sure that he (1) does not use his position or authority as a police officer to attempt to gain an advantage over his ex; or (2) make sure that the divorce does not influence, interfere or conflict with his work responsibilities.

As far as getting enforcement of divorce decrees or orders, he should get court orders for compliance through "Orders to Show Cause" why or why not the ex refuses to comply. Let the court sanction the ex for non-compliance through contempt orders rather than using the police.

Because of the fraternal nature of police and because most of the police are rather macho-istic, he should avoid using them to enforce what he needs. Take it from a former police officer. (Is the little bitty ex too tough?)

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Answered on 4/03/00, 4:27 pm


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