The room had a long wooden table, several chairs, a large display screen, and framed photographs of former department commanders along the walls.
A folder containing the department's latest operational reports sat at the head of the table.
The director placed it in front of Nathan.
"Commander, I sincerely regret that your first experience here was so unpleasant."
Nathan removed his identification card and placed it beside the folder.
"I appreciate that. But I don't want anyone treating this as an unfortunate personal inconvenience."
The director looked concerned.
"Of course."
Nathan took a seat.
"I came here because I wanted to understand how this department operates before making changes. I wanted to meet people, observe the working environment, and see whether the values written in our policies were reflected in daily conduct."
The director nodded.
"And what is your initial impression?"
Nathan looked toward the window.
"That we have work to do."
The director opened his folder.
"Would you like us to arrange a formal meeting with the division heads?"
"Yes. But before that, I want to review the internal complaint records."
The director paused.
"All of them?"
"All complaints involving officer conduct over the past two years. I want to see which cases were investigated, which were dismissed, and which resulted in disciplinary action."
The director made a note.
"That will take some time."
"Then begin today."
Nathan continued.
"I also want reports concerning the treatment of visitors at the main entrance. Security procedures, use-of-force incidents, complaints about verbal abuse, and any allegations involving intimidation."
The director nodded.
"I'll have the relevant departments prepare the documents."
Nathan looked at him.
"And I want to know whether there are patterns involving particular officers."
The director hesitated.
"Commander, are you suggesting that there may be systemic issues?"
"I'm saying we shouldn't assume that every incident is isolated simply because each report is filed separately."
The director leaned back slightly.
Nathan continued.
"If one officer repeatedly treats people with contempt, that's a personnel problem. If several officers behave the same way, and supervisors repeatedly ignore it, that's a leadership problem."
The room became quiet.
The director understood that Nathan was not planning to make a symbolic change or deliver a speech about professionalism.
He intended to investigate.
"Understood, Commander."
Nathan opened the folder and began reviewing the first few pages.
For the next several minutes, he asked detailed questions about staffing levels, disciplinary procedures, public complaints, and supervisory responsibilities.
He did not raise his voice.
He did not threaten anyone.
But every question made it clear that he expected precise answers.
Downstairs, Daniel was escorting Ryan to the administrative office.
Ryan walked silently.
His earlier arrogance had been replaced by nervousness. He kept adjusting his uniform, checking his radio, and glancing at the officers passing in the hallway.
When they reached the office, Daniel opened the door.
"Take a seat."
Ryan sat down.
Daniel placed a notepad on the desk.
"We're going to document what happened this morning."
Ryan rubbed his hands together.
"Lieutenant, I know I shouldn't have thrown the coffee."
Daniel looked at him.
"Then why did you do it?"
Ryan stared at the desk.
"I was frustrated."
"That explains how you felt. It doesn't explain your actions."
Ryan sighed.
"I thought he was being disrespectful."
"How?"
"He kept questioning me."
"Did he threaten you?"
"No."
"Did he attempt to strike you?"
"No."
"Did he try to force his way into a restricted area?"
Ryan hesitated.
"Not exactly."
Daniel leaned forward.
"Then tell me what actually happened."
Ryan looked toward the door.
"I asked him where he was going. He said he had a meeting. I asked for identification, and he started reaching into his jacket."
"And then?"
"I lost my temper."
"Why?"
Ryan did not answer.
Daniel waited.
Finally, Ryan spoke.
"I thought he was trying to challenge me."
Daniel shook his head.
"An officer asking a visitor for identification is a normal security procedure. A visitor asking you to behave professionally is not a threat."
Ryan looked down.
"I understand that now."
Daniel's expression remained firm.
"You should have understood it before."
Ryan rubbed his forehead.
"Lieutenant, I've worked here for years. I've never had anything like this happen."
Daniel studied him.
"Are you sure?"
Ryan looked up.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you never received complaints about the way you speak to people?"
Ryan hesitated.
"There have been a few disagreements."
"Disagreements?"
"People sometimes don't like being told what to do."
Daniel sighed.
"That's not what I asked."
Ryan became silent.
Daniel opened a file on his desk.
"Your supervisor has received two written complaints about your conduct in the past year. One involved a delivery worker. Another involved a visitor who claimed you refused to explain a security procedure and threatened to have him arrested."
Ryan shifted in his chair.
"Those situations were different."
"How?"
"The delivery worker was trying to enter through the wrong entrance. The other man was being difficult."
Daniel looked at him.