Police Ethics and Corruption

Term Paper # 117857

Criminology
Ethics

An examination the general elements of the police code of ethics that are subject to individual interpretation and what standards police officers should follow while on duty to gain the support and trust of the citizens.

2,527 words () | 11 sources | MLA | 2009 | United States

Published on: Dec 22, 2009

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses police corruption as a longstanding problem in society. It discusses the conceptof a code of ethics and examines the general elements of the police code of ethics that are subject to individual interpretation by each police officer in the fulfillment of their duty. The paper specifically questions what standards police officers should follow while on duty to gain the support and trust of the citizens.

From the Paper:

"The dark side of law enforcement represents a series of red flags that the police officer should be watching for, should they be asked to engage in this type of behavior over the normal course of duty. In effect, the police officer must remain aware of the fact that first and foremost they are servants of the public; even if they are asked do engage in what appear to be acts of criminal behavior they are only doing it for the greater goal of obtaining a crucial piece of information or reaching a source for organized crime. The officer must be aware of the fact that this behavior is immoral, and realize that this is not who he is, or who he wants to be, or behavior that is part of the ethical responsibilities and duties he upholds. It is temporary, transitory, and only done in the interests of the greater goal of serving the public. This implies further accountability on the part of the officer."

Sample of Sources Used:

Abuse of Power: Standards of Conduct. 2008: http://www.abuseofpower.info/Culture_Standards.htm
The Brotherhood: Becoming a Police Officer. 2008: http://www.abuseofpower.info/Culture_Brotherhood.htm
Canfield Police Department Uniform Standards of Conduct: http://www.cboss.com/ssin/members/canfield/standards_of_conduct.htm
Curtius, Mary. "Despite Progressive Policies, S.F. Police, Public at Odds," Los Angeles Times, July 21, 1997.
Ethics and the Police: chapter 4. 2008: www.loyno.edu/~wlhicks/Police_&_Society/Chapter_4.pdf