Page 17 - January 2016

Ignore detractors; remain a professional
DANIEL HERBERT
of silence.”
My friends, however, wanted instant results. They were not interested in being vindicated months or years down the road. I told them that it was in their best interest to ignore the lies and resist the temptation to defend themselves from the unwarrant- ed attacks. This did not sit well; however I explained by way of personal experience.
Recently, I was socializing with some of my long-time police friends. After the compulsory conversations concerning family and the state of our local sports teams, the subject shifted to the dismal state of affairs facing law enforcement today. Days earlier, the Mayor had indicted Chica- go Police Officers to the press and the City Council. While sobbing, the Mayor condemned the officers under his command, stating that they routinely committed criminal acts against minorities and covered up their crimes via a “code
I said this was a great opportunity to demonstrate the integrity of the Department. After all, I said, “Adversity does not build character; it reveals it.” Bring on the scrutiny; the media atten- tion; the Justice Department. Let them see the true character and professionalism of the men and women of this Department.
My friends were outraged by the false allegations and ground- less attack on their character. They were irritated that this mis- information was enthusiastically accepted by the media and the public at large. I agreed with them that the comments were unfair and irresponsible and made by someone who was moti- vated by self-interest alone. As the night grew longer, the plotted retaliatory schemes became more interesting. It was then that I offered my advice, which I am hesitant to do considering I am imperfect myself.
Several years ago, I, along with several other attorneys, were the subject of a smear campaign by a handful of individuals who published false and disparaging remarks about us in an attempt to further their own political interests. I was incensed by the baseless and patently false allegations. I felt I needed to defend myself and I prepared my attack. I spent the next couple of days drafting a lengthy and detailed complaint outlining in detail the falsities of the statements. I was prepared to file the lawsuit before consulting with some colleagues/mentors who advised
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