Cup of Coffee

[Deland Jessop]

You are working as a police officer on uniform patrol. During your shift you walk into a coffee shop and order a cup of coffee. The server behind the counter gets your cup of coffee and tells you it is on the house. Is there anything wrong with this? How would you respond? (All poll answers are confidential, and no data is collected on your answer choice.)

[tan leather]

well I'm not sure this is a trick question.....I thought it was standard practice for police to be offered gratuitous coffee while on the job. A well-intentioned public servant expressing gratitude for ensuring the safety of the community-no harm in that is there? Now, if there was mention of a dozen crispy cremes on a regular basis, well then, that might be pushing the ethical envelope.......

[Froz]

I would have to go with following the police service policy - that's' just me. If the policy states not to accept gifts than that is what I would follow. Take the dollar amount out of the equation, whether it is free coffee of free Krispy Kremes, it is still considered a gift. If there is a policy in place, than both are in the wrong to accept. I would thank them and and acknowledge their kind offering and state that you are unable to accept it. I am sure they will understand.

[tan leather]

I would have to go with following the police service policy - that's' just me. If the policy states not to accept gifts than that is what I would follow. Take the dollar amount out of the equation, whether it is free coffee of free Krispy Kremes, it is still considered a gift. If there is a policy in place, than both are in the wrong to accept. I would thank them and and acknowledge their kind offering and state that you are unable to accept it. I am sure they will understand.

Yes, very diplomatic of you Froz, and makes sense. I wonder if police policy discusses how to handle these ethical situations. Of course, following policy is paramount. I'm fairly certain police get gratuitous offers on a daily, regular basis. There is a limit of course, coffee notwithstanding. Let's not even consider the crispy cremes.

[pretty]

A tricky question but i think it would be safe if you know already the coffee shop or much better maybe the server is your friend. We never know he/she might a bad intention on you.

[AuxPolice]

Free cup of coffee? No thanks!

[fjacky]

i like free coffee

[tan leather]

fjacky you're hilarious. however, I think we all know the 'ethically correct' response to this question.......

i like free coffee

[Lynch]

Nothing is 'free'. When you show up to a coffee joint, you are providing a service. It's free security. Why do you think timmies dont see a lot of robberies? :P

[pretty]

Coffe is great for the body.