Ethics and Code of Conduct Essay Example

Three (3) Reasons Ethics and Integrity Will Be Important In MY Future Career Choice In Law Enforcement.

Ethics and integrity are critical in the law enforcement system. Ethics is a system of moral behaviors or set of norms and codes that offers guidance to a profession, organization or a society. Integrity refers to the quality of upholding moral principles and being honest. Both ethics and integrity will be important in my future career in law enforcement. They will enable me to become more aware of moral issues and what I am expected to do not only in the line of duty but in both personal and social life. Law enforcers are expected to demonstrate ethical leadership in society (Williams & Arrigo, 2015). Therefore, engaging in some activities such as stealing is unethical, and law enforcement officers should not engage in such acts. Application of ethics will enable me to understand how the department of criminal justice maintains law and order by following the rule of law. This will help me to execute my duties by following orders from my seniors to achieve goals in my career. Such understanding is also helpful in undertaking my role within the confines of authority bestowed to me to serve in the law enforcement department. Application of ethical principles is crucial in policing roles. They will help me to offer the service without any discrimination which is expected in this field. It is unethical to apply the law selectively since everyone should be treated equally regardless of the distinct characteristics of the individuals (McCartney & Parent, 2015).

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Integrity is central to the law enforcement mission (Williams & Arrigo, 2015). It will assist me to perform my duties even without supervision or under watch. Not everyone in policing does what is right without being supervised. Some of the law enforcers engage in malpractices such as corruption. However, I will always do what is right at any time. The virtue of integrity will also help me to interact and serve the members of the public while observing all the professional practices. When I find suspect, I will take the necessary legal actions rather than giving in to the pressure of mob justice. As a law enforcement officer, it is crucial to undertake duties within the confines of the law (Williams & Arrigo, 2015). Integrity will also help me to demonstrate good leadership to both my colleagues and members of the public. When all the officers become trustworthy, even the public gains confidence in the entire field.

Aspects In Which Ethics, Morality, and Law Differ in Regards To Affecting The Decisions Of My Local Law Enforcement Officers.

The aspects of ethics, morality, and law are crucial as they help the law enforcement officers to apply them in decision making differently. Ethics is the accepted behavior in a society based on moral values and principles (McCartney & Parent, 2015). It shows how individuals are expected to conduct themselves. Although they are established by society, it is not possible to enforce ethics. Also, ethics is not universal since it does not apply to all communities. A particular behavior may be accepted in one society but may not be allowed elsewhere. For example, teaching the public on how to protect themselves such as self-defense from criminal activities such as terrorism is not wrong. However, it does not apply to everyone since some may consider it wrong as it may encourage unlawful activities.

Morality is the degree to which the action is right or wrong. The law enforcement officers should be guided by the principle of morality (Williams & Arrigo, 2015). They are required to uphold moral values while undertaking their roles. Unlike ethics where an action is considered right or wrong based on the outcome, morality is not entirely based on the result. For example, if a police officer found a suspect being lynched by the mob, it is not morally right to join the members of the public to help such people to kill a suspect. It requires taking a legal step. The moral actions are not consistent as they vary depending on the situation. However, police officers should act morally right.

Law is a set of rules and regulations and breaking or failure to obey results in punishments. The law must be universal as it should not be applied selectively. Every person must abide by it not only some few individuals and thus law enforcement officers have to ensure every person abides by the law. It is a requirement for the law to be written and published and enforced by the right people, and one is liable for punishment for disobeying it based on the degree of the offense (Williams & Arrigo, 2015).

Recommendation Of At Least Two (2) Ways Law Enforcement Officers Should Use Ethics, Morality, and a Code of Conduct In Both Their Professional and Personal Lives.

The law enforcement officers have a primary role of protecting the lives and properties of the people. They should undertake their duties while upholding professional ethics and act morally upright. It is inappropriate and unprofessional to use their authority to intimidate others. Actions of the individuals should benefit civilians instead of instilling fear. Additionally, they should respect the rule of law. With an aim of improving professionalism in the police department, some actions such as use of excessive force have been prohibited. Thus, officers should exercise restraint, especially when dealing with citizens even during violence (Prenzler, Porter & Alpert, 2013). Such measure improves the service delivery while in the line of their duties.

The law enforcement officers should respect the constitutional rights of the individuals at all time (McCartney & Parent, 2015). They are required to perform their work within the legal framework. The law is anchored on ethics and morality. Any action that goes against the provision of the constitution is considered wrong. The law forbids the law enforcement officers from discriminating against the people they serve regardless of the race, color, gender, and religion among others. They should treat all people without partiality even in their professional lives. They should not allow personal feelings, friendship and prejudice to influence their decisions. Giving in to these factors can cause them to make a decision that does not resonate with ethics and morality. Thus, it is crucial carry out their duties while respecting provisions of the constitution.

Identification and Discussion Of The two (2) Most Important Aspects of the Code as They Relate to Law Enforcement Activities in My State.

Discretion and use of force are two most essential aspects in the law enforcement activities in my state. An officer ought to responsibly use the discretion conferred in his position and ensure it is exercised according to the law (Williams & Arrigo, 2015). Reasonableness guides the officer in determining if a legal action should be taken after considering all the circumstances. The brilliance in the use of discretion based on competence helps to maintain a warm relationship between the law enforcement officers and the public. Even though it can be hard in making decisions concerning the conflicting courses of action, a word of advice may be appropriate in some circumstances compared to arrest to achieve the desired result. An officer cannot use excessive force or violence but can only do reasonably in various circumstances. The use of force with restraint can happen after discussions, negotiations and persuasions and found to be appropriate in some situations (Prenzler, Porter & Alpert, 2013). This ensures that no individuals can suffer from unnecessary infliction or suffering as a result of law enforcement activities.

References

McCartney, S. & Parent, R. (2015). Ethics in Law Enforcement. Victoria, British Columbia: BCcampus. http://solr.bccampus.ca:8001/bcc/file/03897e9e-cb62-40ed-aecc-feef5caae9d2/1/Ethics-in-Law-Enforcement-1429297609.pdf

Prenzler, T., Porter, L., & Alpert, G. P. (2013). Reducing police use of force: Case studies and prospects. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 18(2), 343-356.

Williams, C. R., & Arrigo, B. A. (2015). Ethics, crime, and criminal justice. Place of publication not identified: Prentice Hall.