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How much privacy does a public employee deserve? An example...
- A recent local issue had a police officer found sleeping in his patrol car while on duty. Someone took a picture and sent it to the newspaper. Big controversy. The police department launched an investigation, but absolutely refused to release any conclusions or details of the investigation, citing it as a "private personnel matter". They did announce later that it had been resolved, but refused any comment beyond that.
Is the officer deserving of privacy in this matter as a private citizen? Or, does his public status as a publicly-funded employee, especially one entrusted with public safety, change things? Should he be held accountable to those who pay him, albeit pay him indirectly. (Note: I've never accepted the "I don't see your signature on my paycheck" crap. If you're that simple-minded, just wave the white flag now.)
Thoughts?
ETA: Please keep in mind that the example I gave is only an example, and is meant for discussion in an overall sense of what amount of privacy a public employee deserves. It is not meant as a discussion on the relative issues the employee might have done.
- A recent local issue had a police officer found sleeping in his patrol car while on duty. Someone took a picture and sent it to the newspaper. Big controversy. The police department launched an investigation, but absolutely refused to release any conclusions or details of the investigation, citing it as a "private personnel matter". They did announce later that it had been resolved, but refused any comment beyond that.
Is the officer deserving of privacy in this matter as a private citizen? Or, does his public status as a publicly-funded employee, especially one entrusted with public safety, change things? Should he be held accountable to those who pay him, albeit pay him indirectly. (Note: I've never accepted the "I don't see your signature on my paycheck" crap. If you're that simple-minded, just wave the white flag now.)
Thoughts?
ETA: Please keep in mind that the example I gave is only an example, and is meant for discussion in an overall sense of what amount of privacy a public employee deserves. It is not meant as a discussion on the relative issues the employee might have done.
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