Sheriff's new rule prohibits adultery

[DoYouEverWonder]

February 8, 2006

LARGO - To his agency's list of policies and procedures, Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats has added one of the Ten Commandments.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

At least, not with another sheriff's employee.

The policy, the first of its kind among Tampa Bay's large law enforcement agencies, bans the sheriff's 3,000 employees from having adulterous relationships with their colleagues. It applies both to single and married employees.

"I felt it was necessary to make it clear to the members of our agency that we have a moral image and obligation to the public," Coats said in an interview Tuesday. "If we openly allow it, what kind of example does that set?"

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/08/Tampabay/Sheriff_s_new_rule_pr.shtml

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. What an idiot.

The only "moral obligation" law enforcement has is to not commit crimes themselves, and adultery isn't a crime (yet).

[RC]

2. Single people cannot commit adultery

So does that mean single sheriff's employee can still co-mingle in private?

[rodeodance]

8. you are right technically, but if this person is the partner,he/she will

be under disciplinary action also.

[Crazy Dave]

3. I should have known it would be down here in Florida

Prince Jeb Bush

[zbdent]

4. and the Republicans on the force protest

. . . ruins their breaktimes . . .

[Gman]

5. I have no problem with a non-fraternization policy

if it contributes to the smooth operation of an organization. But whey someone puts it like this, I want to just go do it in the closet with someone just to piss him off.

[DoYouEverWonder]

7. A lot of companies have anti-nepotism rules

wouldn't that be enough? I think this guy just wants to create a controversy.

[sadiesworld]

12. Who EXACTLY is trying to create controversy here?

Read the whole article.

[LostinVA]

10. Exactly, but this isn't it!

I've worked places before where management and staff can't date, and I understood it was for the common good, even if I didn't 100% agree with it. But this? Not the same thing.

[LittleOne]

6. We had a judge in New Hampshire decide a few years back

that a married woman having an affair with another woman was not committing adultery.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/newdex.php?display=rednews/2003/11/08/build/nation/90-adultery.inc

[LostinVA]

9. There's no way this is legal -- sorry

[noonwitch]

11. That depends on whether adultry is illegal in Florida

If it is, then the Sheriff is only asking his employees to obey the law. If not, then....

I'll bet Florida still has laws on the books forbidding adultry.

I think it's stupid and unenforceable, but from a legal perspective, he might be able to get away with it.

[LostinVA]

16. No, adultery is not illegal in Florida.

Unless it is "lewd cohabitation."

[stepnw1f]

13. another Religious Extremist Shoving His Religion

down other's throats.

[donsu]

18. yes, I was wondering what preacher he's been llistening to?

isn't one of those mega churches near there? the one where the preacher is a frequent visitor to the W.H.

[msongs]

14. how about shooting and KILLING people??? that must be ok nt

[Javaman]

15. Oh come on, that would be the sane thing to do...

we all know the religious right only pick and choose the commandment of choice to fit their bizarre agenda.

[MrPrax]

17. Like any archaic rule...

regarding workplace vice and moral habits...it is leverage that management can use to get rid of employees they don't like.

You can find moral lapses in anyone, but the act of digging deep for them is usually reserved for the special few 'sinners'.

Best way to get rid of hypocrisy, is to get rid of 'nutbar' rules.