by Officer Richard Hampton

I was extremely disappointed by the content of the article concerning the allegation of an SIUC Police officer attempting to solicit a bribe during a traffic arrest (Feb. 5 Police Officer accused of soliciting bribe). In my opinion, as an officer of the SIUC Police Department, stating the incident is under investigation and possibly a misunderstanding exists, does not adequately address the circumstances of this allegation.

SIUC Police officers perform their duties in a multicultural environment where language barriers are a constant challenge. I am confident that the investigation of this incident will reveal that officer Charles Diggin’s and Sachiko Oishi were victims of a verbal communication breakdown.

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The process of posting bond seems simple enough to those experienced with traffic arrests. The arresting officer will take your driver’s license or offer the opportunity to allow you retention of our driver’s license should you wish to post cash bond. Often drivers are reluctant to surrender their driver’s licenses and will desire the cash option. When a language barrier exists, as it did in this incident, the confused offender may reach a false conclusion.

I have complete confidence in the honesty, integrity, and professionalism of officer Diggins. Oishi’s accusations are untrue but without malice. I consider this incident most unfortunate for SIUC, the SIUC Police Department, and involved parties.

Officer Richard Hampton, badge no. 33