For decades, police officers in North Carolina had to follow one rule. Demonstrate “good moral character.” But after multiple recent incidents, the state government is realizing it needs to be more specific. A commission has drafted several blunt standards, including no sex in your official squad car or during your shift.

In 2017, a married police officer engaged in sex in his patrol car, and on its hood. In 2023, an officer was caught having sex with two women–while on duty. Both officers have been rehabilitated and went back to work.

It’s Attorney Mikael Gross’s job to defend officers at disciplinary hearings. He suspects that the commissions have tolerated indiscretions in the past because of officer shortages. But he believes that’s all changing. Cue the new guidelines.

North Carolina considers stricter guidelines for police officer behavior

The state’s first draft of its guidelines include: No sex on duty. No sex in uniform. No sex inside police vehicles. And no sexual relations with subordinates or trainees.

Commission chair Chris Blue hopes the guidelines can finally help officers “understand where the guardrails are.” He explains, “We want to be clear so folks can stay out of trouble and can remain certified to do their important work in their communities.”

Randy Hagler, former president of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police says, “Obviously, we expect our officer members to be moral and tell the truth.” He admits, “Some of our members are a little embarrassed it had to be made this clear.”