Topic 2:Professionalism and Ethics workbook Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why should officers exemplify the highest ethical and moral standards both on-duty and off-duty?
It promotes professionalism, gains public support, earns respect and confidence of peers, maintains self-worth and pride
Professionalism includes skill, good judgment, and polite behavior expected from trained individuals.
Define ethics in the context of law enforcement.
A discipline dealing with what is good and bad, a set of moral principles, and a guiding philosophy
Merriam-Webster defines ethics as a code of values guiding choices and actions.
List sources of ethical behaviors.
- Parents
- Education
- Religion
- Military
- Departmental Standards
- Peers
Identify some ethical violations in law enforcement.
- Use of obscene language
- Harassing incarcerated persons
- Fraternizing with fellow officers or incarcerated persons
- Covering up a fellow officer
- Making derogatory remarks
- Sleeping on the job
- Falsifying a report
- Giving special treatment
- Drug and/or alcohol use
- Introduction of contraband
True or False: An officer should report misconduct to a supervisor immediately.
True
What are potential consequences of an officer failing to uphold high ethical standards?
- In-house discipline
- Written reprimand
- Dismissal, suspensions, demotion
- Civil and/or criminal liability
- Fines and loss of personal belongings
Identify the negative effects when a law enforcement officer violates the law.
- Public disrespect for law enforcement
- Mixed messages about law applications
- Loss of public trust
- Negative public perception and reviews
What should an officer do upon witnessing unethical behavior by a coworker?
- Express verbal disapproval
- Discuss continued infractions with a supervisor
- Report misconduct immediately
List problems associated with the acceptance of gratuities.
- Different treatment expected
- Erosion of public confidence
- Impression of influence based on gratuities
- Potential gateway to corruption
What are the ethical parameters for a professional relationship between an officer and offenders?
- Be professional
- Treat offenders as human beings, not friends
- Avoid personal relationships with offenders
- Keep interactions work-related
Identify the law enforcement code of ethics.
- Serve mankind
- Safeguard lives and property
- Protect the innocent
- Respect Constitutional rights
- Maintain personal integrity and self-restraint
- Obey laws and regulations
- Avoid unnecessary force and gratuities
- Cooperate with justice agencies
What potential problems can arise from inappropriate officer use of social media?
- Damage to organization’s reputation
- Controversial posts or opinions
- Inappropriate content
- Violation of agency policy
What are safety implications of social media for officers and their families?
- Privacy concerns
- Exposure of personal information
- Risks from careless posting
- Threats toward staff
How can the use of social media by offenders negatively impact staff?
- Influence public perception
- Threats toward staff
- Damage credibility and integrity
- Cause officers to second-guess their work
