As part of a grand jury inquest, two Orange County sheriffs testified that they didn’t know it was against the law to falsify police reports. To virtually no one’s surprise but their own, these deputies were fired and prosecuted.

Bryce Richmond Simpson and Joseph Anthony Atkinson Jr. were caught up in a department-wide evidence scandal that was unearthed in 2019. The two were asked to account for discrepancies in their daily police reports; their reports showed them submitting evidence, when in reality they’d failed to do so.

These two were part of a group of 17 deputies investigated for failing to adhere to proper chain of custody protocols regarding evidence collection. The investigation was sparked by an internal audit, which revealed that over a two-year period, 27% of the deputies were found to have delayed evidence submissions by at least 31 days.

Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Carrie Braun told reporters that the investigation has prompted new requirements and more robust testing protocols. Braun wrote, “Evidence booking protocols now require deputies to include confirmation of the booked evidence in their report, which is then reviewed by a supervisor before being signed off. The Department also conducts randomized spot checks every month … to ensure evidence is booked as documented.”

Possible Preaching Angle:

Christians ought to be known for a commitment to honesty and integrity, especially if we occupy positions of power; otherwise, our witness is compromised.