NC May Ban On-Duty Sex for Police Officers Under New Ethics Proposal
RALEIGH, NC — Law enforcement officers across North Carolina could soon face explicit bans on having sex while on duty, in uniform, or in their vehicles — part of a proposed set of ethical rule changes intended to add clarity and accountability to officer conduct.
The Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission are both pushing for clearer guidelines. The move comes amid growing concern that the state’s current “good moral character” standard is too vague, leaving room for inconsistent disciplinary outcomes in serious misconduct cases.
Why New Rules Are Being Proposed
The current rule leaves interpretation up to state commissions, making it difficult for officers to know what behaviors might lead to losing their certification. “We want to be clear so folks can stay out of trouble and can remain certified to do their important work in their communities,” said Chris Blue, commission chair and former Chapel Hill police chief.
Sheriff Alan Norman of Cleveland County also voiced support, saying the sheriffs’ commission is pursuing updates to ensure deputies and detention officers have equally clear boundaries.
Embarrassment Sparks Reform Push
The proposed ban may sound like common sense, but even leaders in law enforcement acknowledge the need for specificity. Randy Hagler, former president of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, admitted the group was “a little embarrassed” it had to be written down — but didn’t oppose the change.
Cases over the years have exposed loopholes and inconsistent rulings. Officers in past misconduct cases have successfully argued they had reformed, maintaining their certifications even after being caught in compromising scenarios, like having sex in patrol cars while on duty.
Recent Misconduct Cases Highlight Loopholes
One of the most recent examples involved a former school resource officer in Jacksonville who began an affair with a married substitute teacher. Their relationship escalated to sex in a parked car while the officer was in uniform and on duty. Although the officer submitted positive character references and argued for reinstatement, the commission denied it, stating that more evidence was needed to prove rehabilitation.
Similarly, a former State Highway Patrol trooper who had lied about his residence was denied recertification, despite winning multiple appeals. The final decision is now pending before the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Stronger Oversight on the Horizon
Some legal experts believe the proposed ethics reforms may be premature until the high court provides clarity. Still, the commissions are pressing forward. A public hearing on the proposed rule changes is scheduled for August 1, where public comments will be accepted.
If passed, the new rules would standardize disciplinary decisions and provide clearer “guardrails” for officers across jurisdictions.
What do you think of this proposal? Should North Carolina make these rules official? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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