Ask Amy: Corrupt cop’s legacy is kept a secret
Dear Amy: My father in-law is a retired law enforcement officer. Due to scientific advances since his retirement, it turns out that much of his career was a sham. DNA evidence has exonerated many of the people that he put behind bars – to such a large extent that a television network chose to air a story about him and his corrupt practices a number of years ago.
He claims that he did the best with the information that he had.
Nevertheless, it has become obvious that he let his own biases and prejudices, and yes, racism, get the better of him and he put innocent people in jail.
This has become the family secret that no one talks about.
My children, now almost adults, only know that their grandfather had a distinguished career in law enforcement.
He is now in poor health and I am struggling with whether or not my children deserve to hear the truth about their grandfather.
On the one hand there seems to be nothing to gain by telling them the truth, but on the other hand, well, it's the truth and perhaps they should know it.
Your Advice?
– On the Fence
Dear On the Fence: Yes, your children do deserve to know the truth about their grandfather, but I don’t believe this is the right time, or you are the right person, to deliver it.
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