An article in the February 21st Ann Arbor News describes a case of an employee being fired for lying to someone about something he did while on his own time. Both the alleged act and the lie occurred off the employers premises and on the employees scheduled time off.
This stemmed from an apparent "dine and dash" case where Deontae Turner and several friends left a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant without paying for a meal. The dishonesty part occurred sometime between being stopped by police and discussing the incident with his employer.
Turner was not quoted in the article. His boss, Gerald Champagne said "This is an unfortunate situation." and "In addition to the crime that was allegedly committed, there was matter of untruthfulness."
At this point some may question whether an alleged petty crime and dishonesty while away from work might warrant termination. Nothing in the article pointed out prior misbehavior. Most people charged with misdemeanors might wind up with small fines or community service hours for such an offense. But losing one's livelihood?
I applaud Mr. Champagne's quick, decisive action. Perhaps another employee might be allowed such an indiscretion, but Mr. Turner is different. He was at the time an off duty police officer for Van Buren Township where Chief Champagne obviously believes in doing what is right.
Society has a right to demand great leaders who will stand up for integrity, especially in such a sensitive job as law enforcement. It is a difficult thing to address employee misbehavior, even when it is occurring in the workplace, in full view. Van Buren Township has reason to celebrate and take pride in its PD, and all its honest, dedicated employees.
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