ETHICS

Question 1

What is the mission of the Boston Police Department?

Answer 1

Dedicated to working in partnership with the community to fight crime, reduce fear and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods

The mission emphasizes Community Policing.

Question 2

Why should Police Ethics be part of the recruit curriculum?

Answer 2

To prepare for the moral challenges of police work

Question 3

What are some reasons it is necessary to prepare for moral challenges in police work?

Answer 3

• Authority/Discretion
• Extraordinary situations
• Crisis Environment
• Police are mandated to respond
• Unusual temptations of police work
• Peer pressure/loyalty

Question 4

What do police ethics seek to achieve?

Answer 4

• Reinforcement of moral resolve
• Moral sensitization
• Imparting moral expertise

Question 5

Define ‘Authority’ in the context of police work.

Answer 5

The legally granted right to issue commands or give direction to others

Question 6

What is a ‘Bribe’?

Answer 6

Money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupt the behavior of a person or public official

Question 7

What does ‘Conflict of Interest’ mean?

Answer 7

A conflict between a person’s private interests and public obligations

Question 8

Define ‘Corruption’.

Answer 8

Inducement of a public official by improper means to violate duty; forbidden acts involving the misuse of office for gain

Question 9

What is ‘Deception’?

Answer 9

The act of misleading or state of being misled; fraud; artifice; trickery

Question 10

What is a ‘Dilemma’?

Answer 10

A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives

Question 11

Define ‘Discretion’.

Answer 11

The authorized capacity to make judgements and choose from among a variety of actions to resolve a problem within the limits of the law and Department policy

Question 12

What is ‘Ethics’?

Answer 12

Standards of principles of conduct governing a profession; the rules of conduct or duty

Question 13

What constitutes a ‘Gift’?

Answer 13

A thing given willingly to someone without payment, a present

Question 14

Define ‘Graft’.

Answer 14

The acquisition of money, gain, or advantage by dishonest, unfair, or illegal means, esp. through the abuse of one’s position or influence

Question 15

What is a ‘Gratuity’?

Answer 15

Something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service, especially a tip

Question 16

Define ‘Integrity’ in the context of police ethics.

Answer 16

Soundness of moral principles; character

Rule 3 states that integrity requires every recruit officer to conduct themselves at all times in a completely honest and forthright manner.

Question 17

What is ‘Malfeasance’?

Answer 17

The performance by a public official of an act that is legally unjustified, harmful, or contrary to the law

Question 18

Define ‘Misconduct’.

Answer 18

Behavior not conforming to prevailing standards or laws; impropriety, wrongdoing, violations of department rules and procedures

Question 19

What is ‘Misfeasance’?

Answer 19

The wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; performance that one is obligated or permitted to do in a manner which is improper, sloppy, or negligent

Question 20

What are ‘Morals’?

Answer 20

Capability of distinguishing between right and wrong; conduct or behavior with regard to right and wrong

Question 21

Define ‘Moral Perspective’.

Answer 21

A point of view that highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of actions and events

Question 22

What does ‘Nonfeasance’ refer to?

Answer 22

The omission of some act that ought to have been performed; failure to perform an act which one is obligated to do

Question 23

What is a ‘Principle’?

Answer 23

Statement defining rules of conduct in general terms

Question 24

Define ‘Professional’ in the context of police work.

Answer 24

One whose career or occupational behavior is based in specialized knowledge, training, and skill, governed by standards of ethical performance

Question 25

What is ‘Public Trust’?

Answer 25

Exercising public authority within the legal limits and according to the ends for which it was created

Question 26

What does ‘Quid Pro Quo’ mean?

Answer 26

‘This for that’

Question 27

Define ‘Socialization’.

Answer 27

The process within society that forms the character of a person, including norms, values, behavior, and social skills

Question 28

What are ‘Rewards’ in the context of public service?

Answer 28

Something given in return or recompense for meritorious service in the public interest

Question 29

What is the ‘Rule of Law’?

Answer 29

Exercises of authority grounded in published principles or laws enacted by a duly authorized official

Question 30

What is meant by ‘Value’?

Answer 30

Principles, standards or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable

Question 31

List the Five Standards of Ethical Policing.

Answer 31

• Fair Access
• Public Trust
• Use of Discretion
• Teamwork
• Objectivity