BLET 03 -Ethics

Question 1

Questions

Answer 1

Answers

Question 2

What is the primary responsibility of law enforcement officers?

Answer 2

To serve the community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, and ensure rights to liberty, equality, and justice.

Question 3

Define “morals” in the context of law enforcement ethics.

Answer 3

Principles of right and wrong.

Question 4

Define “ethics” in the context of law enforcement.

Answer 4

The discipline of determining good and evil and defining moral duties.

Question 5

What is the “Crime Fighter” model in law enforcement?

Answer 5

Emphasis on repression of criminal conduct, efficiency, and presumption of guilt.

Question 6

What is the “Public Servant” model in law enforcement?

Answer 6

Emphasis on preventing mistakes, protecting process, and rejection of shortcuts.

Question 7

What does “honor” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 7

One’s word is given as a guarantee.

Question 8

How is “betray” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 8

Breaking faith with public trust.

Question 9

What does the “badge” symbolize in law enforcement?

Answer 9

The symbol of one’s office.

Question 10

How is “integrity” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 10

Being the same person in both private and public life.

Question 11

What does “character” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 11

The qualities that distinguish an individual.

Question 12

How is “public trust” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 12

A charge of duty imposed in faith toward those you serve.

Question 13

What does “courage” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 13

Having the strength to withstand unethical pressure, fear, or danger.

Question 14

How is “accountability” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 14

Being answerable and responsible to your oath of office.

Question 15

What does “community” refer to in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?

Answer 15

The jurisdiction and citizens served.

Question 16

What is the fundamental duty of a law enforcement officer according to the Code of Ethics?

Answer 16

To serve the community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, and respect constitutional rights.

Question 17

What is “noble cause corruption” in law enforcement?

Answer 17

The rationalization that the “end” of crime fighting justifies “means” that might otherwise be illegal or unethical.

Question 18

What is the “blue curtain” or “code of silence” in law enforcement?

Answer 18

A misguided sense of interpersonal loyalty that overlooks or covers up misdeeds and wrongdoing.

Question 19

What is the “slippery slope” concept in law enforcement ethics?

Answer 19

The idea that engaging in minor illegal or corrupt behavior can lead to greater levels of corruption.

Question 20

What is the “Mama Rosa’s Test” in law enforcement ethics?

Answer 20

A scenario where acceptance of gratuities serves as a ritual indoctrination into more corrupt activities.

Question 21

What is “graft” in law enforcement unethical behavior?

Answer 21

Using one’s position for personal benefit in the form of cash, property, or other goods.

Question 22

What is “process corruption” in law enforcement?

Answer 22

Interfering with the process of gathering and presenting evidence.

Question 23

What is “brutality” in law enforcement unethical behavior?

Answer 23

Using more force than is necessary to meet a threat.

Question 24

What is “on-duty unprofessional conduct” in law enforcement?

Answer 24

Miscellaneous conduct directed toward the public without clear benefit to law enforcement.

Question 25

What is "workplace deviance" in law enforcement?

Answer 25

Harassment, discrimination, or substance abuse among colleagues.

Question 26

What is "off-duty unprofessional conduct" in law enforcement?

Answer 26

Behavior in personal life that reflects poorly on the department and profession.

Question 27

What are the four main types of ethical dilemmas in law enforcement?

Answer 27

Dilemmas of discretion, duty, honesty, and loyalty.

Question 28

What is the primary difference between law enforcement and most other professions?

Answer 28

The level of public trust placed in law enforcement.

Question 29

What document outlines the fundamental duties of law enforcement officers?

Answer 29

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Question 30

What is the purpose of the Canons of Police Ethics?

Answer 30

To provide ethical guidelines and responsibilities for law enforcement officers.

Question 31

What is the first duty of a law enforcement officer according to the Canons of Police Ethics?

Answer 31

To know the bounds of their authority in enforcing the law.

Question 32

According to the Canons of Police Ethics, what should officers do regarding the law?

Answer 32

Assiduously apply themselves to the study of the principles of the laws they are sworn to uphold.

Question 33

What does the Canon on "Utilization of proper means to gain proper ends" emphasize?

Answer 33

The importance of using legal means to achieve law enforcement goals.

Question 34

How should law enforcement officers cooperate with other public officials, according to the Canons?

Answer 34

Fully cooperate regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudice.

Question 35

What does the Canon on "Private conduct" stress?

Answer 35

The importance of maintaining decent and honorable conduct in private life.

Question 36

How should law enforcement officers conduct themselves toward the public, according to the Canons?

Answer 36

In a manner calculated to instill respect for laws and police service.

Question 37

What does the Canon on "Conduct in arresting and dealing with law violators" emphasize?

Answer 37

The importance of using arrest powers strictly in accordance with the law and with due regard for citizens' rights.

Question 38

How should law enforcement officers handle gifts and favors, according to the Canons?

Answer 38

Refuse gifts, favors, or gratuities that could be interpreted as influencing their judgment.

Question 39

What is emphasized in the Canon on "Presentation of evidence"?

Answer 39

The importance of presenting evidence impartially and without malice.

Question 40

How should law enforcement officers view their profession, according to the Canons?

Answer 40

As an honorable profession rendering valuable service to the community and country.

Question 41

What is a common rationalization for unethical behavior in law enforcement?

Answer 41

Loyalty to colleagues comes before anything else.

Question 42

What belief about the public can contribute to unethical behavior in law enforcement?

Answer 42

The belief that the public, or most of it, is the enemy.

Question 43

What misconception about due process can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 43

The belief that due process is a barrier to getting the job done.

Question 44

What rationalization about deception can contribute to unethical behavior?

Answer 44

The belief that deception and lying are okay if it means getting the "bad guy."

Question 45

What misconception about policing can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 45

The belief that "real" policing (crime control) is what's important, not "garbage calls" (social service).

Question 46

What belief about the public's strength can contribute to unethical behavior?

Answer 46

The belief that the public is weak.

Question 47

What rationalization about force can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 47

The belief that the use of force is justified in the face of opposition.

Question 48

What victim mentality can contribute to unethical behavior in law enforcement?

Answer 48

The belief that police officers are victims due to low pay and public misunderstanding.

Question 49

What sense of entitlement can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 49

The belief that the public owes police officers for their service.

Question 50

What misconception about force can contribute to unethical behavior?

Answer 50

The belief that force is the only thing "these people" understand.

Question 51

What dangerous belief about the law can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 51

The belief that you don't have to obey the law when you are the law.

Question 52

What rationalization based on public perception can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 52

The belief that since the public thinks every cop is a crook, there's no point in trying to be honest.

Question 53

What rationalization about taking money can contribute to unethical behavior?

Answer 53

The belief that if one doesn't take the money, someone else will.

Question 54

What rationalization based on pay can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 54

The belief that taking money is justified due to low wages.

Question 55

What rationalization based on good intentions can lead to unethical behavior?

Answer 55

The belief that using ill-gotten gains for a good cause (e.g., family needs) is justified.

Question 56

What is "denial of responsibility" in the context of unethical behavior?

Answer 56

The belief that actions are predetermined by criminals, higher-ups, and political pressures.

Question 57

What is "denial of victim" in the context of unethical behavior?

Answer 57

The belief that criminals deserve punishment, regardless of the means used.

Question 58

What is "denial of injury" in the context of unethical behavior?

Answer 58

The belief that minor theft or misconduct won't hurt anyone.

Question 59

What are the two most frequently given factors for noble cause corruption?

Answer 59

The belief that legal technicalities make the job impossible and the belief that the offender is guilty.

Question 60

How can the "blue curtain" or code of silence develop?

Answer 60

When an officer covers for another's mistake, creating a cycle of mutual protection.

Question 61

What is the danger of accepting gratuities in law enforcement?

Answer 61

It can be a first step towards more serious corrupt activities.

Question 62

What is a "dilemma of discretion" in law enforcement?

Answer 62

A situation where an officer must decide whether to strictly enforce the law or consider alternatives.