Indicate whether the following behavior is proper or improper for a clerk (P,I): Asking an officer to not file a traffic ticket against a friend.

• A. Proper
• B. Improper
• C. Optional
• D. Not Addressed

Answer: (B)

Influence and impartiality in official duties are essential. A clerk must carry out responsibilities without bias and avoid any attempt to sway an officer’s decisions due to personal relationships. Asking an officer to not file a traffic ticket against a friend is trying to shape an official outcome for personal reasons, which is improper. It breaches ethical standards of fairness and integrity and can undermine public trust in the enforcement process.

The correct approach is to apply rules consistently and to use the established procedures if there’s a concern about a ticket—seek guidance from a supervisor, or pursue the proper review or appeal process—without involving personal relationships or special favors. This keeps decisions objective and transparent.

Options that imply it’s acceptable, optional, or not addressed don’t fit, because the behavior clearly raises an ethical issue requiring proper, impartial action.