ETHICS Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is the mission of the Boston Police Department?
Dedicated to working in partnership with the community to fight crime, reduce fear and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods
The mission emphasizes Community Policing.
Why should Police Ethics be part of the recruit curriculum?
To prepare for the moral challenges of police work
What are some reasons it is necessary to prepare for moral challenges in police work?
- Authority/Discretion
- Extraordinary situations
- Crisis Environment
- Police are mandated to respond
- Unusual temptations of police work
- Peer pressure/loyalty
What do police ethics seek to achieve?
- Reinforcement of moral resolve
- Moral sensitization
- Imparting moral expertise
Define ‘Authority’ in the context of police work.
The legally granted right to issue commands or give direction to others
What is a ‘Bribe’?
Money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupt the behavior of a person or public official
What does ‘Conflict of Interest’ mean?
A conflict between a person’s private interests and public obligations
Define ‘Corruption’.
Inducement of a public official by improper means to violate duty; forbidden acts involving the misuse of office for gain
What is ‘Deception’?
The act of misleading or state of being misled; fraud; artifice; trickery
What is a ‘Dilemma’?
A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives
Define ‘Discretion’.
The authorized capacity to make judgements and choose from among a variety of actions to resolve a problem within the limits of the law and Department policy
What is ‘Ethics’?
Standards of principles of conduct governing a profession; the rules of conduct or duty
What constitutes a ‘Gift’?
A thing given willingly to someone without payment, a present
Define ‘Graft’.
The acquisition of money, gain, or advantage by dishonest, unfair, or illegal means, esp. through the abuse of one’s position or influence
What is a ‘Gratuity’?
Something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service, especially a tip
Define ‘Integrity’ in the context of police ethics.
Soundness of moral principles; character
Rule 3 states that integrity requires every recruit officer to conduct themselves at all times in a completely honest and forthright manner.
What is ‘Malfeasance’?
The performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to the law
Define ‘Misconduct’.
Behavior not conforming to prevailing standards or laws; impropriety, wrongdoing, violations of department rules and procedures
What is ‘Misfeasance’?
The wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; performance that one is obligated or permitted to do in a manner which is improper, sloppy, or negligent
What are ‘Morals’?
Capability of distinguishing between right and wrong; conduct or behavior with regard to right and wrong
Define ‘Moral Perspective’.
A point of view that highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of actions and events
What does ‘Nonfeasance’ refer to?
The omission of some act that ought to have been performed; failure to perform an act which one is obligated to do
What is a ‘Principle’?
Statement defining rules of conduct in general terms
Define ‘Professional’ in the context of police work.
One whose career or occupational behavior is based in specialized knowledge, training, and skill, governed by standards of ethical performance
