Major discipline · 2024[1]
Suspended 45 days- Rank as reported
- Sheriff's Officer
- Sustained charge(s)
- , Use of Derogatory Terms, Confidentiality
- Other sanction
- Training coaching or counseling
- Separated while IA pending
- No
Plain-language summary (this site, from the cited record only)
Sheriff's Officer Thien Tran was suspended for 45 days by the Camden County Sheriffs Office in 2024 and also received training, coaching, or counseling. The sustained charges were conduct unbecoming, use of derogatory terms, and confidentiality. On August 22, 2023, Tran admitted making disparaging and discriminatory comments about single mothers and transgender individuals to a female officer. The internal affairs investigation sustained the allegations.
Synopsis as reported by the agency
On August 22, 2023, S/O Tran arrived at the Hall of Justice to begin his regular tour of duty in the Sallyport and relieved a female officer just as he would typically do. The two engaged in a debate about relationships and raising children. During S/O Tran's interview he admitted to making disparaging and discriminatory comments about single mothers, however, he denied specifically directing them towards her. S/O Tran admitted to referring to single mothers as "used cars" and being "devalued" in the eyes of future partners. He admitted to saying that "modern day women" have become the men who they want in their lives not the women their supposed to be. S/O Tran also admitted to making a statement about individuals not following their biological roles and being the "downfall of western society." He explained during the interview that he was simply giving his opinions on how he felt women should raise their children to be successful and although he denied directing the statement towards the female officer, he was aware that she was a single mother and agreed that someone in her position would find the statements offensive. The Internal Affairs investigation sustained the allegation that S/O Tran made disparaging and discriminatory comments about single mothers, as well as Transgender individuals. The facts and information obtained during this investigation sustained the allegations. The investigation found that S/O Tran violated the following Camden County Sheriff's Office, Rules and Regulations: Standards of Conduct: A. Members and employees shall conduct their professional and private lives in such a manner as to avoid bringing the department into disrepute. B. Disorderly, immoral, dishonest, deceitful, and other conduct without a legitimate lawful purpose, shall be considered an officer and shall subject a member to disciplinary action if the conduct reflects poorly on the reputation of the Office of the Sheriff. Conduct Toward Superior & Subordinate Officers & Associates: Members and employees shall treat superior officers, subordinates, and associates with respect. They shall be courteous and civil at all times in their relationships with one another. When on duty, and particularly in the presence of other members, employees or the public, employees shall demonstrate a positive attitude and refrain from using sarcastic remarks of any kind. All officers of the department, when in the presence of the public, should be referred to by rank Confidentiality: Employees shall not reveal any confidential business of the Office of the Sheriff. They shall not impart confidential information to anyone except those for whom it is intended, or as directed by a commanding officer. Use of Derogatory Terms: Employees shall not use language that is derogatory to anyone because of race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, or influence. Violation of Camden County Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Policy #2.0 S/O Tran received a 90-day suspension and “last chance agreement” as the result of a settlement agreement.