Q: Are police allowed to file a false report knowing it is false.
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- Tennessee
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- Answered
A: Yes.. LEOs are not under any ethical duties. They cannot lie under oath however, which would be the Affidavit portion of an Arrest Warrant.
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A:
No, police officers are not legally allowed to file a false report knowing that it is false. This would be considered misconduct and potentially a criminal offense.
Key points:
1. Filing a false police report is illegal for anyone, including police officers.
2. For police, knowingly filing a false report would likely constitute:
- Official misconduct
- Perjury (if the report is sworn)
- Obstruction of justice
- Abuse of power
3. Consequences for officers filing false reports can include:
- Criminal charges
- Disciplinary action up to termination
- Civil liability
4. Many jurisdictions have specific laws addressing false reporting by law enforcement.
5. Filing false reports undermines public trust and the integrity of the justice system.
This is a serious issue that goes against police ethical standards and legal obligations. If you have evidence of an officer filing a false report, you may want to report it to the department's internal affairs division or seek legal counsel.
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