Question

Criminal Justice Ethics: 1. Why is being a policeman such an ethical challenge? What types of challenges do they face?

Book reference-The Path of the Warrior Second edition, An ethical guide to personal and professional development, Harry Jetmore, isbn 1-932777-20-2

Answer 1

The book is intended primarily for police officers and students of law enforcement who are searching for practical ways to resolve the ethical dilemmas that are a part of their chosen profession. It is also useful for others in the caregiving professions who are questioning the significance of the work they do and who want to make positive changes in their personal and professional lives. The book's primary focus is on how today's police officer determines the "right" thing to do. Four chapters investigate 25 specific subject areas, including: ethical decisionmaking in a combat environment; police discretion; organizational effect on police ethics; ten ethical dilemmas facing police officers; activating your belief system; corruption, politics, and crime; the law enforcement code of ethics; and observations and discussions based on philosophical writings from the past .

Why is being a policeman such an ethical challenge?

Answer: Ethics: "Ethics" is doing the right thing, whatever that might be. The "right thing" is based on those values society holds dear. Ethical principles are premised on the notion that right is always right and wrong is always wrong.

Why-

Day after day, we read stories of officers doing bad things. Theft, excessive use of force, misuse of public office, abuse of authority and simple things like speeding are all examples of unethical behavior on the part of those the public has entrusted to serve and protect them.

The vast majority of police officers remain truly good, hard-working and dedicated people. They strive to serve the public and do the right thing at every turn. Unfortunately, the good work that law enforcement does rarely makes the news. When it does, it doesn't carry the same lasting memory that bad news seems to.

A single disreputable act committed by a single unprofessional officer can impact the entire profession. At the end of the day, all police officers look and act the same in the eyes of the average citizen. An important thing for officers to remember is that what they do in uniform affects not only themselves as individuals, but their entire agency and, perhaps, the entire profession.

All of this is well and good, but how do officers apply this code to their everyday professional lives? The short and easy answer is "do the right thing." Because ethics, including police ethics, are based on societal values, it is not difficult to discern the difference between right and wrong in nearly any situation.

Of course, the oath contains provisions about protecting, upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States. It also includes promises to conduct oneself soberly, honestly and honorably, to avoid offensive behavior, and to obey superior officers within the individual departments.

Officers swear to be honest, upstanding citizens. They promise to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Above all else, they promise to follow the rules, regardless of whether they like or agree with them.

Understood within the concept of acting honorably is the idea that officers should own up to their mistakes. Far more respect is reserved for those who screw up and admit it than those who try to hide their misdeeds or blame others for their shortcomings.

What types of challenges do they face?

Answer: 5 of the biggest issues facing by policemen-

• Active shooter response.
• Police transparency and public records.
• Officer recruitment.
• Immigration and sanctuary laws.
• Police use of force and de-escalation policies.