After Sex Scandal, Police Chief Candidates Will Be Asked About Relationships

Atlanta Partner C.R. Wright was interviewed by The Detroit Free Press on October 9 for an article about the effects a recent sex scandal will have on the selection process of a new Detroit police chief. The last chief was forced to step down following an alleged affair with a subordinate. This was the second time he faced such an accusation in his two years on the job. His predecessor was forced to resign, in part, because of a similar incident. As a result, candidates for Detroit's next police chief will be asked a touchy question during the selection process: Have you ever had an intimate relationship with a subordinate? C.R. said hiring authorities can ask candidates whether they have been accused of harassment or involved with a subordinate in a past or current job. He said employers have the right to know "if there are any personal relationships that might interfere with their ability to be effective in the position, then they are certainly able to consider that criteria." C.R. noted that employers can't ask job candidates questions about their gender, pregnancy, age, ethnicity and race -- all categories covered by federal discrimination laws. A person's involvement with someone at work is not a protected activity under federal discrimination laws.