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The Politics:
When it comes time to make decisions, the decision makers need to justify the decisions they make. There are two common ways that they do this. The first is that the candidate is qualified, has received the necessary training and has some experience, usually by being involved in an incident and/or case that is similar to the assignment.
The second is that the candidate has great potential, i.e., has never been in trouble, has an outstanding record, numerous accolades and is very easy to get along with.
What happens when there is one position to fill and ten candidates who applied for the position? (Assuming that your department even bothers to solicit resumes for the position).
One person wins and nine lose. Feelings are hurt and the decision makers are put on the spot to justify their decision. Officer "A" got the position because he is a brown-noser, because he is the Chief's chauffeur, because he washes so and so's back.
What happens when the rumors start to fly?
People get angry, tempers and egos flare (the nature of the law enforcement beast), and then........discipline is imposed.
Conduct Unbecoming an Officer
This "one size fits all" charge wreaks havoc throughout law enforcement agencies nationwide. It is the single most used charge against officers and the most difficult to defend. There is almost no way to defend this charge as it is not defined beyond conduct that someone deems inappropriate for a law enforcement officer. This charge can garnish any discipline from a letter of reprimand to getting fired, or be escalated to a criminal charge of Official Misconduct.
Insubordination
The second most abused charge in law enforcement. This charge is equally difficult to defend as it pits a superior against a subordinate.
Is it hopeless?
No. The EdPD has been developed to track these charges and the disciplinary trends of departments and regions in an effort to identify and define these areas whereby reducing the ability of the Department to randomly use these charges against its members.