A Phoenix police officer finds himself under internal review for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content while on duty. The officer, identified as 30-year-old Christian Goggins, reportedly starred in and disseminated the explicit material through a Twitter account under the alias “Rico Blaze.”
While the alleged creation of the pornographic content predates Goggins’ employment with the Phoenix Police Department, the investigation centers around his alleged engagement in these activities while on home assignment for unrelated, non-disciplinary reasons. This case raises questions about the off-duty conduct of law enforcement officers and the potential consequences on their professional standing.
Chad Ayers, a former sheriff’s deputy and SWAT team member with experience in law enforcement protocols, provides insights into the potential ramifications of Goggins’ actions. Ayers emphasizes that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of conduct, both on and off duty, compared to civilians.
Ayers explains that departmental regulations often include clauses addressing conduct unbecoming of an officer. These regulations typically stipulate that officers must maintain a professional demeanor and refrain from engaging in activities that could cast a negative light on the department. Ayers argues that Goggins’ alleged actions, if proven true, would likely constitute a violation of such policies, as they do not reflect favorably on the Phoenix Police Department.
The case also sparks a debate about the boundaries of permissible secondary employment for law enforcement officers. Ayers draws a parallel to officers seeking additional income through means like landscaping or part-time jobs, which often require departmental approval. He posits that any secondary employment, particularly in industries with potential for legal and ethical conflicts, should be subject to scrutiny and approval from the department to ensure it doesn’t compromise an officer’s integrity or ability to perform their duties.
A key concern in Goggins’ case is the allegation that he was on duty while allegedly engaging in the production of pornographic content. Ayers emphasizes that being on duty implies an obligation to fulfill assigned responsibilities. Engaging in activities unrelated to those responsibilities, especially those with the potential to tarnish the department’s reputation, constitutes a serious breach of trust and professional conduct.
The internal investigation will likely involve a thorough examination of Goggins’ online activities, including analyzing timestamps of the content creation and distribution to determine if they coincide with his duty hours. Investigators will also likely conduct interviews with Goggins and relevant parties to gather evidence and testimonies. The findings of the investigation will then be presented to the department’s command staff, who will determine the appropriate course of action.
Ayers acknowledges that the outcome of the investigation remains uncertain and highlights the evolving landscape of internal investigations in law enforcement. He suggests that such allegations in the past might have resulted in swifter and more severe consequences. However, he emphasizes the importance of thorough due process and fair evaluation of the evidence before reaching a conclusion.
The case of Christian Goggins raises critical questions about the boundaries of acceptable conduct for law enforcement officers, even when off duty, and the implications of their actions on public trust and the reputation of the departments they represent.
