...On a daily basis, law enforcement officials are entrusted with the most crucial responsibility of safeguarding and protecting the rights and interests of citizens, organizations, and businesses, as well as maintaining law and order in a society. Police officers and attorneys have vowed to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens and combat mistreatment and violence imposed on individuals and the society as a whole. However, these prestigious positions are also not without their flaws, law enforcement officials more than any other profession are frequently challenged with numerous ethical dilemmas, making their daily tasks further burdensome. In their line of duty, honesty, loyalty, gratuities, the abuse of power, wrongful pursuit of personal...
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...The police who enforce and guard the rights of the individuals in our society should have attributes of strong moral fortitude and values. They are the enforcers of laws and are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, regardless of race, gender or culture. More importantly, police officers are expected to have a thorough understanding of justice and how to apply laws while remaining ethical. However, when agency’s fail to meet this standard the profession’s legitimacy is scrutinized by the public. To decrease instances of ethical issues and promote legitimacy, the creation and implementation of departmental policies, training and strong leadership play a vital role in this mission. At the forefront of any law enforcement...
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...The Purpose of a Code of Ethics within Police Agencies Abstract Ethic is one of law enforcement’s greatest training and leadership needs never has it been more vital then now that leaders in law enforcement confront the ethical issues that are facing the profession of law enforcement. This is a summary of law enforcement and ethics today. The major topic discussed are leadership, recruitment training and the police code of ethics. Also discussed is the alternatives and suggestions for impacting ethical misconduct such as modeling ethical behavior and the way ethics are taught by leaders in education. Introduction Integrity, courage, responsibility and honesty are all words that have been used to describe the term ethical. Ethics has become a popular topic in law enforcement. Law enforcement should represent the highest level of ethical conduct in a community, today the view of what is considered acceptable police behavior by society has changed. Throughout the country there is a decline of the public’s confidence in police and the entire law enforcement community. Most men and women in law enforcement hold the public’s trust as sacred they are hardworking police officers who are proud to serve their community with the highest standards of ethical behavior. The focus of this paper is to define ethics and its role in the law enforcement community. The areas of leadership selection and recruitment and training will be discussed along with the officer code of ethics. ...
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...______________________________ Charles Murphy, Ph.D. Committee Member ______________________________ Shelah Simpson, M.A. Committee Member ______________________________ Brenda Ayres, Ph.D. Honors Director ______________________________ Date ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE 3 Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to express the need for young men and women in law enforcement to endure ethical dilemmas through a Christian worldview. Ethical dilemmas and moral struggles in the criminal justice field are described in detail throughout the thesis. In the decision-making process during an ethical dilemma, an officer with a Christian worldview should make better decisions with the added guidance from the Holy Spirit. This thesis delves into the different aspects of ethics including reasons why some police officers make immoral decisions. The ethical issues in criminal justice have been a problem in law enforcement for years and this study identifies the importance of maintaining the honor of the police badge. ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE 4 The Problems with Ethics in Criminal Justice Through a Christian Worldview Introduction Law enforcement professionals are handed a great deal of responsibility to represent and uphold the standards of a given police department. Putting on a badge that...
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...Cover (host, time, place): Ethics in Criminal Justice Attendees: Law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and professionals within the criminal justice profession. 5 areas of ethical conduct: 1. Proper use of professional and ethical authority It is common for criminal justice professionals to act beyond the limits of their authority. Proper training to help officers learn to control their actions and to uphold their reputation will reflect positively on the agency. 2. Racial Discrimination Both fellow employees and the community are affected by discrimination in law enforcement. Treating all individuals fairly and ethically will show proper professional behavior, and help them be a positive role model for the criminal justice system. 3. Bribes Unethical behavior included the acceptance of gifts for bribes from the community, agencies, criminals, or fellow co-workers in return for special treatment. 4. Honesty Trust is necessary for a positive professional relationship with the community. Immoral or deceiving actions cause a lack of trust in the criminal justice profession. Law enforcement officers are held to a higher ethical standard because of their role to keep the community safe. They take an oath of office, are expected to comply with professional code of ethics, and are subject to various laws, rules, and regulations (Gleason, 2006). 5. Excessive force Officers need to be able to think critically in stressful situations, and learn to react...
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...Phoenix, 2015). And a proposal a seminar on due process and how there are several steps that fall into the classification of the professional standards and values that have to do with the criminal justice system. The due process model meets the criteria for professional and ethical standards that are within the criminal justice system. The model goes to show that those in the criminal justice system is conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manor that uphold the rights of all those involved from inmates to co-workers within the criminal justice system. Due process model “is a type of justice system which is based on the principle that a citizen has some absolute rights and cannot be deprived of life liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards” ("USLegal: Due Process Model Law & Legal Definition", 2001-2015). “The due process generally requires fairness in government proceedings” ("USLegal: Due Process Model Law & Legal Definition", 2001-2015). In example a person that is charged with a crime has the right to counsel, “right to a speedy trial and to be heard and represented by an attorney even if they cannot afford one” ("USLegal: Due Process Model Law & Legal Definition", 2001-2015). Crime control model “emphasis on reducing the crime in society through increased police and prosecutorial powers, and the due process model focuses on individual liberties and rights and it concerned with limiting the powers of government”...
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...Ethical Dilemma Walter Thibodeaux CJA 474 May 21, 2012 Evan Cohen Ethical Dilemma Individuals face many challenges when entering into new employment or profession. The new job’s culture is not quickly learned; therefore, one has to observe and take notes on his or her new job’s way of doing things and adapt. In this ethical dilemma, a police officer has just transferred to a new department. In his transition to the new department, the officer witnesses another officer violating the department’s ethical code of coduct. The officer witnesses another officer taking gifts from the community members and local businesses he services. As a new member to the department, the officer debates on what actions if any he should take in this situation. What measures do you take in regarding this type of ethical conduct? What measure would you take? “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” In this situation, the officer faces a difficult dilemma of integrity. Reporting the situation would not only show the officer’s integrity but also labels him as one who tattles. On the other hand, the officer does not want to cause any ways because he is new to department. In this situation, I would first speak with the officer informally about his actions in private. Taking this action will make hopefully the officer conscious of his unethical behavior; hence, discontinuing his dishonorable behavior. Although the unscrupulous officer...
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...of Law Enforcement are found in the theories of Immanuel Kant. Kant’s main theory is that we all have the wisdom to make right decisions. We make those decisions based on our “duty” to morally exhibit good behaviors, regardless of the consequences. The duty of law enforcement officers is to enforce the good will and morals of society. This essay with show the links between Kant and Law Enforcement. INTRODUCTION Every profession is governed by a Code of Ethics. This code is specific to each individual profession, and shows the underlying values of that profession. This code also serves as a behavior guide for business professionals to follow. In a perfect world, everyone would make ethically moral business choices. German philosopher Immanuel Kant developed a moral philosophy/ethical theory based on this. In summary, his theory states that as humans, we are to act moral because, it is our duty to; it is our duty to make good decisions, with respect to the expectations of society, regardless of the consequences. In A Kantian Approach to Business Ethics (2008), Norman E. Bowie writes, “Kant argued the highest good was the good will. To act from a good will is to act from duty. Thus it is the intention behind an action rather than its consequences that make that action good,” (p. 57). From a Kantian perspective, law enforcement is built on the premise of duty, and moral standards. This means that law enforcement officers are bound, by the law, to...
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...http://hwminute.com/ Week One: Ethics and the Criminal Justice Practitioner Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Explain the importance of ethics to the criminal justice practitioner.1.2 Distinguish between morality, ethics, duties, and values.1.3 Explain common theories related to ethics in criminal justice. 1.4 Analyze ethical decision-making processes. Reading Read the Week One Read Me First. Reading Read Ch. 1 of Justice, Crime, and Ethics. Reading Read Ch. 2 of Justice, Crime, and Ethics. Reading Read Ch. 3 of Justice, Crime, and Ethics. Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. 4 of 7 days 1 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. DQ1 due day 3DQ 2 due day 5 3 Learning Team InstructionsLearning Team Charter Select Learning Team members who work together throughout the course.Create the Learning Team Charter. Day 7 Learning Team InstructionsWeekly Team Review Review the Week One objectives and discuss insights and questions you may have. Learning Team InstructionsEthical Decision-Making Paper (Preparation) Begin working on the Ethical Decision-Making Paper due in Week Two. IndividualEthics Awareness Inventory Complete the Ethics Awareness Inventory (EAI), located on the student website, in preparation for the Week Two...
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...Every society has rules to go by and laws that must not be broken and along with that is the criminal justice that even gives the criminal rights. Criminals in the United States are to be given their rights and not to have harm to them in any way under the justice system as they may be freed from their prosecution and their case be acquitted if found in their favor if an act of unjust or immoral conduct has been found. Law enforcement professionals must execute justice by upholding the law in an ethical and constitutional manner. “The United States Department of Justice seeks to prevent or resolve community conflicts and tensions arising from actions, policies, and practices perceived to be discriminatory on the basis of race, color, or national origin (CRS National Office).” Every officer must follow and obey the law in and out of vested uniform. The Constitution of the United States are most relevant to the ethical standards of law enforcement professionals by the prohibitions against warrantless search and seizure are parts of the United States Constitution which are relevant to the ethical standards of law enforcement. Law enforcement professionals ensure that they uphold the Constitution by following Law Enforcement Oath of Honor this is recommended as by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as symbolic statement of commitment to ethical behavior: “On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will...
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...exists because of society not agreeing with decisions made by law enforcement. High profile cases like the beatings of Robert Davis and Rodney King have stirred a distrust of police among society. The general idea is that police possess a civic duty to protect and serve individuals, but like most people who hold a position of authority, their powers are sometimes abused. Society has disputed with misconduct and corruption issues for as long as it has had police officers. Through the mid-to-late nineteenth-century law enforcement has dealt with many issues of civil rights. The twentieth century saw multiple legal, administrative, and scholarly approaches to the problem. Development of...
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...the unnecessary use of force by law enforcement agencies and security officers. This issues continues to happen in our state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. These issues need to be address and our society are looking for answers. Law enforcement officers and security duties are to service and protect the citizens. Although, they have power and authority, it is unethical to abuse that power and authority with illegal use of force. Hates crimes and racial profiling are examples of use of force issues citizens’ face in our society. It can sometimes be violent acts intended to harm, hurt, or intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Here are some use of force issues, hate crimes, deadly force, racial profiling, hot pursuit, and corrupt police. These are very important and major issues the citizens within a society face daily. Many law enforcement officers are changing from good to bad and becoming corrupted. Accepting bribes from big time drug dealers and then taking the law into their own hands with excessive use of force and ending with deadly use of force. Law enforcement are racially profiling people with the traits and behavior of a certain race. The officer then use it to decide if the person or group of people is guilty or not guilty. Once the decision is made about their suspicion, then the officer will, stop, search, or arrest the person. These are the issues that will continue in America...
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...Privacy and ethics have become somewhat of a lost art. Two things we as Americans used to hold as part of our highest core values. However, now it appears as though privacy has become a thing of the past and ethical behavior is just something you hear about once in a while. It seems as though little by little pieces of ourselves are being chipped away, and we are standing by allowing it to happen. We continually allow our privacy to be invaded on a daily basis by our smartphones, social media, and many other outlets that we try to connect ourselves to just to attempt to feel as though we are alive? That is just a small piece on a colossal scale of privacy and ethical issues we face. Look at the Edward Snowden case and how he put the government on blast over the PRISM program. Did he do the right thing? Technically speaking, no. I believe his actions were unethical to his job. He took an oath, and he betrayed that. I have many trade secrets from my job, would it be right for me to share them with the world just because I thought people needed to know something? I do not believe it would be. To me it is unethical to break a promise, to go against your word. God does not want us to lie and be deceitful, therefore, I believe, he should have kept his mouth shut. Do I think the government is right for spying on everyone? Not necessarily, but yet I also want to be safe, so where do we draw the line? How do we know where to far is? If the government can keep a major terrorist attack...
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...forensic evaluator, and consultant. Each of these roles has different duties/ responsibilities and may assist in or concentrate in different areas/ environments within the legal system. As a psychologist, within the legal system you will examine many individuals from the police officer to the victim. Being a psychologist within the legal system has many ethical obligations or issues that can arise. With this in mind, I will discuss more in detail the roles a psychologist plays in each environment within the legal system and some of the ethical issues. Basic Scientist There are many environments a forensic psychologist may choose to take part in. These environments are law enforcement, corrections, court system, and academic. Even though a psychologist can play a role in many environments, not all environments need every role of the psychologist. ”A basic scientist pursues knowledge for its own sake and studies a phenomenon for the satisfaction of understanding it and contributing to scientific advances in the area” (Greene, & Hailbrun, 2010 p18). As a basic scientist, there are some opportunities for the psychologists, in law enforcement and corrections. The psychologist can do training in a specific area; if the psychologist has knowledge of the particular area. The basic scientist usually conducts work in the areas of academics and clinical researchers. In the academia environment, the psychologist teaches at a university. The psychologist conducts researches for personal knowledge...
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...Ethical Scrapbook Part II Students Name CJA/324 Ethics in Criminal Justice Date Instructor Ethical Scrapbook Part II Ethics are a part of nearly everything that we as a society do. Whether we are late for work or even filing your federal taxes, an ethical decision is being made. Life is about choices, morals, and principles. In the field of criminal justice, ethics can be applied as well. Just as police are sworn to serve and protect by oath for the principles by which they are governed, so are most professions today. “Should All Jurisdictions Have a Good Samaritan Law Requiring an Individual to Help Another if They Are Able?” Requiring persons to help another when they are able without percussions of being sued against death or permanent damage to the victim has been helpful in certain situations where ambulatory assistance has not yet arrived. Often times a person can prevent death or stabilize a person until help arrives. If a person moves another person in need and actually causes permanent damage to them, they are not held accountable for that; in other words, they cannot be sued. I believe that there should be a law regarding Good Samaritans; however, I do not believe that it should be required. While the law is helpful, it can also be hurtful. For example, going back to my example above, should the person in need now be permanently immobilized, they cannot go after the person that helped for financial or medical money or charges incurred because...
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