BLET 03 -Ethics Flashcards
Questions
Answers
What is the primary responsibility of law enforcement officers?
To serve the community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, and ensure rights to liberty, equality, and justice.
Define “morals” in the context of law enforcement ethics.
Principles of right and wrong.
Define “ethics” in the context of law enforcement.
The discipline of determining good and evil and defining moral duties.
What is the “Crime Fighter” model in law enforcement?
Emphasis on repression of criminal conduct, efficiency, and presumption of guilt.
What is the “Public Servant” model in law enforcement?
Emphasis on preventing mistakes, protecting process, and rejection of shortcuts.
What does “honor” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
One’s word is given as a guarantee.
How is “betray” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
Breaking faith with public trust.
What does the “badge” symbolize in law enforcement?
The symbol of one’s office.
How is “integrity” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
Being the same person in both private and public life.
What does “character” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
The qualities that distinguish an individual.
How is “public trust” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
A charge of duty imposed in faith toward those you serve.
What does “courage” mean in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
Having the strength to withstand unethical pressure, fear, or danger.
How is “accountability” defined in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
Being answerable and responsible to your oath of office.
What does “community” refer to in the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor?
The jurisdiction and citizens served.
What is the fundamental duty of a law enforcement officer according to the Code of Ethics?
To serve the community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, and respect constitutional rights.
What is “noble cause corruption” in law enforcement?
The rationalization that the “end” of crime fighting justifies “means” that might otherwise be illegal or unethical.
What is the “blue curtain” or “code of silence” in law enforcement?
A misguided sense of interpersonal loyalty that overlooks or covers up misdeeds and wrongdoing.
What is the “slippery slope” concept in law enforcement ethics?
The idea that engaging in minor illegal or corrupt behavior can lead to greater levels of corruption.
What is the “Mama Rosa’s Test” in law enforcement ethics?
A scenario where acceptance of gratuities serves as a ritual indoctrination into more corrupt activities.
What is “graft” in law enforcement unethical behavior?
Using one’s position for personal benefit in the form of cash, property, or other goods.
What is “process corruption” in law enforcement?
Interfering with the process of gathering and presenting evidence.
What is “brutality” in law enforcement unethical behavior?
Using more force than is necessary to meet a threat.
What is “on-duty unprofessional conduct” in law enforcement?
Miscellaneous conduct directed toward the public without clear benefit to law enforcement.
What is “workplace deviance” in law enforcement?
Harassment, discrimination, or substance abuse among colleagues.
What is “off-duty unprofessional conduct” in law enforcement?
Behavior in personal life that reflects poorly on the department and profession.
What are the four main types of ethical dilemmas in law enforcement?
Dilemmas of discretion, duty, honesty, and loyalty.
What is the primary difference between law enforcement and most other professions?
The level of public trust placed in law enforcement.
What document outlines the fundamental duties of law enforcement officers?
The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
What is the purpose of the Canons of Police Ethics?
To provide ethical guidelines and responsibilities for law enforcement officers.
What is the first duty of a law enforcement officer according to the Canons of Police Ethics?
To know the bounds of their authority in enforcing the law.
According to the Canons of Police Ethics, what should officers do regarding the law?
Assiduously apply themselves to the study of the principles of the laws they are sworn to uphold.
What does the Canon on “Utilization of proper means to gain proper ends” emphasize?
The importance of using legal means to achieve law enforcement goals.
How should law enforcement officers cooperate with other public officials, according to the Canons?
Fully cooperate regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudice.
What does the Canon on “Private conduct” stress?
The importance of maintaining decent and honorable conduct in private life.
How should law enforcement officers conduct themselves toward the public, according to the Canons?
In a manner calculated to instill respect for laws and police service.
What does the Canon on “Conduct in arresting and dealing with law violators” emphasize?
The importance of using arrest powers strictly in accordance with the law and with due regard for citizens’ rights.
How should law enforcement officers handle gifts and favors, according to the Canons?
Refuse gifts, favors, or gratuities that could be interpreted as influencing their judgment.
What is emphasized in the Canon on “Presentation of evidence”?
The importance of presenting evidence impartially and without malice.
How should law enforcement officers view their profession, according to the Canons?
As an honorable profession rendering valuable service to the community and country.
What is a common rationalization for unethical behavior in law enforcement?
Loyalty to colleagues comes before anything else.
What belief about the public can contribute to unethical behavior in law enforcement?
The belief that the public, or most of it, is the enemy.
What misconception about due process can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that due process is a barrier to getting the job done.
What rationalization about deception can contribute to unethical behavior?
The belief that deception and lying are okay if it means getting the “bad guy.”
What misconception about policing can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that “real” policing (crime control) is what’s important, not “garbage calls” (social service).
What belief about the public’s strength can contribute to unethical behavior?
The belief that the public is weak.
What rationalization about force can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that the use of force is justified in the face of opposition.
What victim mentality can contribute to unethical behavior in law enforcement?
The belief that police officers are victims due to low pay and public misunderstanding.
What sense of entitlement can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that the public owes police officers for their service.
What misconception about force can contribute to unethical behavior?
The belief that force is the only thing “these people” understand.
What dangerous belief about the law can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that you don’t have to obey the law when you are the law.
What rationalization based on public perception can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that since the public thinks every cop is a crook, there’s no point in trying to be honest.
What rationalization about taking money can contribute to unethical behavior?
The belief that if one doesn’t take the money, someone else will.
What rationalization based on pay can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that taking money is justified due to low wages.
What rationalization based on good intentions can lead to unethical behavior?
The belief that using ill-gotten gains for a good cause (e.g., family needs) is justified.
What is “denial of responsibility” in the context of unethical behavior?
The belief that actions are predetermined by criminals, higher-ups, and political pressures.
What is “denial of victim” in the context of unethical behavior?
The belief that criminals deserve punishment, regardless of the means used.
What is “denial of injury” in the context of unethical behavior?
The belief that minor theft or misconduct won’t hurt anyone.
What are the two most frequently given factors for noble cause corruption?
The belief that legal technicalities make the job impossible and the belief that the offender is guilty.
How can the “blue curtain” or code of silence develop?
When an officer covers for another’s mistake, creating a cycle of mutual protection.
What is the danger of accepting gratuities in law enforcement?
It can be a first step towards more serious corrupt activities.
What is a “dilemma of discretion” in law enforcement?
A situation where an officer must decide whether to strictly enforce the law or consider alternatives.
