BPOC 736, Professionalism and Ethics

Question 1

What was the earliest meaning of “professionalism”?

Answer 1

The act of professing a spiritual commitment, a range of academic expertise, or both.

Question 2

What is the meaning of “profession” according to the Oxford Dictionary?

Answer 2

(1) “The occupation which one professes to be skilled in, (2) a vocation in which professed knowledge of some branch of learning is used. (3) Applied specifically to the three learned professions of divinity, law, and medicine; (4) also, the military profession.”

Question 3

What is the meaning of “profession” according to Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary?

Answer 3

(1) “A vocation or occupation requiring advanced training in some liberal art or science, and usually involving mental rather than manual work, as teaching, engineering, writing, etc.,” especially, medicine, law, or theology (formerly called the learned professions.’).” (2) Professionals define a “profession” as one who is “engaged in one of the learned or skilled professions, or in a calling considered socially superior to a trade or handicraft.”

Question 4

What is the meaning of “professional”?

Answer 4

(1) The members possess a specialized body of knowledge, not easily acquired, accomplished through advanced education or training. (2) The members share a commitment to serving the public (or community they serve), to promoting the common good, (3) the members share a professional creed or code of ethics that effectively holds them and their colleagues to a higher standard of behavior than is the norm for other professions.

Question 5

What is the best way to understand the concept of “Professionalism”?

Answer 5

(1) Consider other occupations that are considered a “profession.” (Lawyer, Doctor, Pharmacist) (2) Compare the characteristics displayed by police officers to the key characteristics associated with other accepted “professions.”

Question 6

What are the advantages of “professionalism”?

Answer 6

(1) Offers a competitive advantage, (2) Helps you gain recognition, (3) Attracts new clients, (4) Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, (5) Ability to handle stress, (6) Compliance with ethics, (7) Appropriate appearance, (8) High level of accountability.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of “professionalism”?

Answer 7

(1) Stress/Anxiety, (2) Uncomfortable physical and social situations, (3) Negative impact on relationships, (4) Unwelcoming work environment, (5) Burnout

Question 8

Why is professionalism required as it relates to procedural justice, legitimacy, and unbiased law enforcement decisions?

Answer 8

(1) necessary expertise, skills, and knowledge to handle their duties efficiently, (2) promotes trust, accountability, fairness, justice, and community support

Question 9

What are some positive and negative examples of professionalism?

Answer 9

Positive: (1) Measured temper (a) Able to calmly handle interactions, (b) Speaks clearly in language all can understand, (c) Exercises restraint. Negative: (1) Excessive Drinking, (2) Inappropriate language, (3) Speeding in a police vehicle, no lights or sirens, (4) Inappropriate use of force

Question 10

What are the characteristics of professionalism?

Answer 10

(1) Desire to serve and protect, (2) Ability to Assess the needs of others, (3) Knowledge obtained through Academy, (4) A Code of Conduct, (5) Ethical Standards, (6) A Professional Association to maintain standards, (7) Continuing education and lifelong learning

Question 11

What is “Police Legitimacy”?

Answer 11

(1) “Police legitimacy” (2) trust and confidence in police, (3) accept police authority, (4) believe officers are fair

Question 12

How do officers build confidence?

Answer 12

(1) Treating people with dignity and respect, (2) Making decisions fairly, (3) Giving people “voice,” (4) Community members believe they will be treated with goodwill in the future.

Question 13

Research supports that when departments employ principles of fairness and respect, they receive what?

Answer 13

(1) Higher levels of cooperation from the public with police efforts to address crime, (2) Increased compliance with the law, (3) Stronger public support for police, and (4) Greater deference to police in interactions with community members.

Question 14

What is the first pillar of procedural legitimacy?

Answer 14

Fairness and Consistency

Question 15

How is fairness determined?

Answer 15

(1) The process used to reach the outcome (fairly and consistently applied), and (2) the outcome, (3) Often, the outcome is less important than the interaction itself - did the parties experience a respectful conversation and interaction with the police.

Question 16

What is the second pillar of procedural legitimacy?

Answer 16

Giving voice to all parties

Question 17

What does giving voice to all parties involve?

Answer 17

(1) giving all people the ability to be heard and the knowledge that their voice counts, (2) giving everyone a measure of control over their fate, (3) making everyone feel that someone is listening to their side of the story and taking them seriously, (4) making everyone feel someone is giving consideration to their concerns

Question 18

What is the third pillar of procedural legitimacy?

Answer 18

Transparency and Openness of Process

Question 19

What is the fourth (and last) pillar of procedural legitimacy?

Answer 19

Impartiality and Unbiased Decision Making

Question 20

How is the term “professionalism” misused in connection with police officers.

Answer 20

People see an image of an officer who is: (a) cool and aloof, (b) showing no feeling, (c) with a crisp uniform, (d) shined shoes, (e) reflective sunglasses, (f) using high technology as an expert at fighting criminals

Question 21

What are the advantages of the professional model for law enforcement?

Answer 21

(1) Public is better served, (2) Quality of peace officers is improved, (3) Ethical conduct, (4) More effective problem-solving, (5) Stronger community support and respect, (6) Stronger role in the criminal justice system, (7) More effective innovations, (8) Financial rewards

Question 22

What are some disadvantages of the professional model for law enforcement?

Answer 22

(1) Cost of training and development, (2) Higher salaries or remuneration for job occupant, (3) Limited entry into the work force from poor because of limited opportunity for educational attainment

Question 23

Law enforcement agencies frequently partner with outside organizations and agencies. Name some of these partnerships.

Answer 23

(1) Local government agencies, (2) Local departments, (3) Community groups, (4) SART, (5) Nonprofit organizations, (6) Social service providers, (7) Private businesses, (8) Members of the media

Question 24

What are the benefits of a collaborative partnership?

Answer 24

(1) To jointly develop solutions to problems, (2) To increase trust

Question 25

Name the key components to community partnerships?

Answer 25

(1) Scanning: identify and prioritize problems, (2) Analysis: Research into what is known about the problem, (3) Response: Develop solutions to bring about lasting reductions in the number, (4) Assessment: Evaluate the success of responses, (5) Use the Crime Triangle (victim, offender, location) to focus on immediate concerns

Question 26

Name the principal duties of a law enforcement officer according to the Code of Ethics of the International Chiefs of Police.

Answer 26

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is: (a) to serve the community; (b) to safeguard lives and property; (c) to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and (d) to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.

Question 27

Name the principal personal attributes of a law enforcement officer according to the Code of Ethics of the International Chiefs of Police.

Answer 27

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

Question 28

Name the principal ethical responsibilities of a law enforcement officer according to the Code of Ethics of the International Chiefs of Police.

Answer 28

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice, or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

Question 29

Name the principal attitude a law enforcement officer should have toward the pursuit of justice according to the Code of Ethics of the International Chiefs of Police.

Answer 29

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

Question 30

How should a law enforcement officer look at their personal standards of professionalism according to the Code of Ethics of the International Chiefs of Police.

Answer 30

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession… law enforcement.

Question 31

What is “Ethical Behavior”?

Answer 31

(1) the definition and achievement of what is good or bad, right or wrong, in relation to moral duty and obligation. (2) the need to act in accordance with the principles of right and wrong governing the conduct of a particular group, such as doctors and lawyers. (3) Suggested police ethics have been spelled out in the Code of Ethics of the International Association of the Chief of Police (listed above). (4) the motive is as important as the act; if a person refrains from stealing only because s/he fears prison, s/he cannot really be viewed as ethical.

Question 32

What is the “Ethical Role” of a police officer?

Answer 32

(1) Being objective, impartial, neutral, and ethical in personal behavior and in functioning as a respresentative of the criminal justice system, (2) Being professional in all they do, (3) Do not separate or differentiate between legitimacy and procedural justice

Question 33

Name the elements of the Ethical Role of a police officer.

Answer 33

(1) a belief in the fundamental value of ethical behavior and that you have a duty to apply this value to your job. (2) Conducting daily activities in an objective manner, striving to be uninfluenced by emotion, personal prejudice, or insufficient evidence. (3) Providing objective, constructive assistance or information to all people, regardless of your personal feelings. (4) Embracing fairness, consistency, transparency, and impartiality, and giving voice to all parties.

Question 34

Name the pillars of ethical character that define the Ethical Role of police officers.

Answer 34

(1) Trustworthiness, (2) Respect, (3) Responsibility, (3) Fairness, (4) Caring, (5) Citizenship

Question 35

What is known as the “degradation of legitimacy”?

Answer 35

When officers ignore the Ethical Role, their actions tend to: (a) Confuse people, (b) Cause people to lose confidence in the system, (c) Run counter to the reason the system exists.

Question 36

Name the benefits of role performance.

Answer 36

(1) Sometimes short-term goals (such as getting promoted), or those of the agency (such as getting a new computer or obtaining approval of a budget), seem to be the most important. (2) When this is allowed to happen, the long-term goals established for the organization, such as crime prevention, justice for all, and protection of the rights of the individual and society, tend to become obscured or displaced by the short-term goals. (3) To prevent this from happening, remember: The prime beneficiary of the criminal justice system is the public served.

Question 37

What motivates your personal ethical behavior?

Answer 37

(1) Inner Benefit: Virtue is its own reward. (2) Personal Advantage: It is prudent to be ethical. It is good business. (3) Approval: Being ethical leads to self-esteem, the admiration of loved ones, and the respect of peers. (4) Religion: Good behavior can please or help a deity. (5) Habit: Ethical decisions can fit in with upbringing or training.

Question 38

Name two obstacles to ethical behavior.

Answer 38

(1) Self-interest, (2) Pursuit of happiness

Question 39

Name the components of consistent ethical behavior.

Answer 39

(1) Moral Sensitivity, (2) Moral Judgment, (3) Moral Motivation, (4) Moral Character

Question 40

What is “Moral Progress”?

Answer 40

(1) our individual willingness to improve the consistency of our ethical judgment and behavior and to apply the same principles to the conduct of others.

Question 41

What are “Ideals”?

Answer 41

(1) To convince someone that they have a duty to do something, (2) Our decision of what to do in a given situation based on our understanding of basic ethical principles, (3) The professional behavior of police officers and others in the criminal justice system needs to come closer to ideal ethical behavior than may be possible in private life.

Question 42

Name the elements of “Ethics” from a business perspective.

Answer 42

(1) Some in the business community live by the concept of “anything for a price.” (2) Some politicians seem to believe they would do “anything” to stay in office - and some may. (3) Both groups defend themselves by saying, “But everybody’s doing it.” (4) It would be easy for us to believe that people of integrity and honesty no longer have a place in our society; however, officers who do display these characteristics are the major reason confidence in our system still survives.

Question 43

Why is practicing honesty and integrity in our personal lives important?

Answer 43

(1) As we interact with people we serve, doing what is right rather than what may be more rewarding financially or simply more expedient is even more important. (2) It contributes to legitimacy within the law enforcement profession, but more importantly, the legitimacy of the community and police partnerships that are established. (3) The reason a peace officer’s behavior has a great impact on larger numbers of people inside and outside the system is because of their place of honor and their highly visible job.

Question 44

Name the phases of the Ethical Decision-Making Model.

Answer 44

(1) Is it legal? (2) Is it permitted by the Organization’s Code of Ethics? (3) Is it permitted by the Organization’s shared values? (4) Is it a True Dilemma? Do both appear right? (5) Can you apply the EDMM to your organization?

Question 45

How are relationships with the community impacted by an officer’s ethical behavior?

Answer 45

(1) Personal standards of right and wrong must be consistent with legal standards. (2) Officers must hold themselves ethically (and legally) accountable in the same way they hold others accountable. (3) Advice to friends must be consistent with the officer’s private actions. (4) Attitudes and actions must be in line with moral codes and laws.

Question 46

Describe the ethical cycle many officers go through over the course of their service to the public.

Answer 46

(1) Idealistic, (2) Frustrated, (3) Defiant, (4) Resigned, (5) Aware, (6) Decisive, (7) Commitment.

Question 47

How do ethics apply in community relations and education programs?

Answer 47

Peace officers must (1) maintain the highest standards of personal and professional behavior possible, (2) serve the entire community and never represent any particular special interest group, (3) remain impartial, (4) present their views on ethics in community relations and education programs.

Question 48

How do ethics apply to working with other criminal justice personnel?

Answer 48

You can earn the respect and trust of other criminal justice agencies when you always follow basic ethics, the law, and departmental regulations.

Question 49

What is the definition of “Objectivity”?

Answer 49

the expression or use of facts without distortion by personal feelings or prejudices; neutrality.

Question 50

How can a law enforcement officer achieve “Objectivity”?

Answer 50

(1) Gather all available relevant information, (2) Establish the validity of the information, (3) Ensure the accuracy of drug and alcohol testing, (4) Compare witness accounts to actual events for common elements, (5) Check the reliability of informants

Question 51

How can objectivity (neutrality) be learned and improved with practice?

Answer 51

(1) Objectivity requires studying your own personality for personal feelings, blind spots, and implicit biases, (2) You can then view things in their proper perspective

Question 52

What is the difference between “implicit bias” and “unconscious bias”?

Answer 52

(1) “Unconscious Bias” is an automatic reaction: “I hate broccoli!” You don’t think about it; it is just something you feel. (2) “Implicit Bias” is less direct and less clear. “If they were doing x, then maybe they weren’t fully aware of what they said or did.”

Question 53

Name three ways to reduce implicit bias in policing.

Answer 53

(1) Raise awareness of the existence of implicit bias in everyone, (2) encouraging officers to get to know the members of their community, (3) getting to know officers of various nationalities to help ease some of the differences in cultural beliefs.

Question 54

Why does neutrality in an officer’s personal behavior impact his objectivity on duty?

Answer 54

(1) If biases, animosities, and friendships are allowed to influence your personal decisions, they will very likely influence your professional decisions. (2) Associating with people of questionable moral character in your private life may carry over into your professional life. (3) Practicing objectivity in your private life makes it easier to apply objectivity in your professional life.

Question 55

How does respect and trust enjoyed in a professional capacity influence the efficiency and effectiveness of a police officer’s work life?

Answer 55

(1) If word gets around that an officer is biased, prejudiced, and unfair, his/her ability to serve is diminished. (2) If word gets around that an officer is fair and objective in their work, their ability to serve is increased. (3) Devote time to exploring motives, possible omissions, and assessing the truth in order for justice to be served.

Question 56

What is the difference between “courage” and “moral courage”?

Answer 56

(1) “Courage” - the state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery; valor. (2) “Moral courage” - the courage to act for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences. (3) Courage is required to act when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. (4) Moral courage therefore involves deliberation or careful thought.

Question 57

Name examples of physical courage.

Answer 57

(1) Facing barricaded, armed suspect, (2) Duty to intervene.

Question 58

Name examples of moral courage.

Answer 58

(1) Refusing gratuities, (2) Refusing to participate in cover-up, (3) Refusing to participate in ethnic or gender-based humor or practical jokes, etc. (4) Duty to intervene.

Question 59

What type of officer behavior may be subject to federal prosecution?

Answer 59

(1) Unethical conduct, (2) Violations of civil rights

Question 60

Who is tasked with investigating those offenses?

Answer 60

The FBI in Washington DC

Question 61

What is the punishment range for a violation of 18 USC 242, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, based simply on a person’s race or color?

Answer 61

$1,000 fine or imprisonment not more than 1 year

Question 62

What is the punishment range for a violation of 18 USC 242, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, based on a person’s race or color that results in injury?

Answer 62

$1,000 fine or imprisonment not more than 10 years

Question 63

What is the punishment range for a violation of 18 USC 242, Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, based on a person’s race or color that results in death?

Answer 63

Imprisonment for any term of years or for life