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Ethics And Integrity In Law Enforcement Essay

1178 Words5 Pages

One of the biggest concerns in law enforcement is maintaining professional conduct with ethics and integrity. When individuals become a part of law enforcement, ethics, integrity, and professionalism is presented in the academy. Whether that be the police academy or the probation department academy or any other department, these standards are highly embedded in the department and are expected to be enforced. Complying with these standards allows a safe environment for employees, personnel, and the community. Unfortunately, these standards are not always enforced by all government employees which then exposes departments to appear inadequate. “Law enforcement corruption can take on various forms including classic corruption (where officers misuse their position for personal gain); process corruption (where police may tamper with evidence); excessive force; general unprofessional conduct; internal corruption, including discrimination or favoritism; and unprofessional conduct when off duty” (Cawthray, Prenzler, & Porter, 2013). Once these negative incidents are reported by the media, …show more content…

The objective of law enforcement agencies is to obtain the communities’ trust in conjunction to providing protection to all civilians. “Failing to include disciplinary sanctions within a code can leave it open to being ignored, with law enforcement officials viewing it as empty platitudes espoused by their agency’s management” (Cawthray, Prenzler, & Porter, 2013). It is highly significant that law enforcement officials are reprimanded for their negative actions when ethical protocol is not up to par. Failure to do so raises controversy as to why law enforcement agencies are not properly addressing the communities’ concerns when law enforcement officials go against integrity, the code of ethics, and why they were not professional in addressing the

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As defined by Bob Harrison in Noble Cause Corruption and the Police Ethic, “Noble Cause Corruption is the concept of officers acting illegally,not for personal gain, but to fulfill moral obligations, stands as a testimony to the difficulties encouraged by those entrusted with the public's safety”. It is “a mindset or sub-culture which fosters a belief that the end sjustify the means, law enforcement is engaged in a mission to make our streets and communities safe and if that requires suspending the constitution or violating laws ourselves in order to accomplish our mission then for the greater good of society,so be it” (Steve Rothlien). Officers as well as other law enforcement officials are faced with ehtical dilemmas nearly everyday and have

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The Justice system has shown a pattern of taking the side of law enforcement. As of today, police brutality, specifically excessive force still remains as one of the most serious human rights violations. From the severe beatings, to the unjustified shootings, and inexcusable aggressive rough treatment all contribute to police officer misconduct. Many officers need to be opened minded about the way they address victims, suspects, and criminals. Yes, they have the upper power, but in any situation everyone is a human being and should be treated as such; the majority of this unacceptable behavior goes unnoticed or unreported.

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‘’Most officers enter law enforcement with minimal experience in the field or in handling the moral dilemmas that officers typically encounter. They learn how to perform their jobs, as well as recognize the organizational norms, values, and culture, from their peers and supervisors. While supervisors provide direct, formal reinforcement, officers’ peers offer friendship and informal rewards that, in many cases, hold greater influence than official recognition from the agency’’ (Fitch, 2011). Officers who come across situations where they are unsure what is morally and ethically best to do often turn to their peers for assurance and guidance. Good ethical behavior can easily be influenced by officers and those in law enforcement.

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