Professionalism & Ethics Flashcards
What is the early definition of professionalism?
Its earliest meaning comes from those professing the vows of a religious order. It
meant the act of professing, a spiritual commitment, a range of academic expertise or
both.
What is the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of profession?
The occupation which one professes to be skilled in and to follow the three learned professions of divinity, law, and medicine; also the military profession.
What is the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of Professional?
One who is “engaged in one of the learned or skilled professions, or in a calling considered socially superior to a trade or handicraft.
What makes Law Enforcement a “Profession”
-The members possess a specialized body of knowledge, not easily acquired, accomplished through advanced education or training.
-The members share a commitment to serving the public (or community they serve).
-The members share a commitment to promoting the common good.
-The members share a professional creed or code of ethics that effectively holds
themselves and their colleagues to a higher standard of behavior than is the
norm for other vocations.
What are the characteristics of professionalism?
- Service to others
- Assessment of needs to others
- Theoretical body of knowledge obtained through extended pre-service education.
- Standards for entry, practice, and ethical conduct
- Professional association to maintain standards.
- Continuing education and lifelong learning
What is “Police Legitimacy?”
Means people have trust and confidence in the police, accept police authority and believe officers are fair.
How do officers build “Public Confidence?”
Treating people with dignity and respect
Making decisions fairly, based on facts, not illegitimate factors such as race.
Giving people “voice,” a chance to tell their side of the story.
Acting in a way that encourages community members to believe that they will be
treated with goodwill in the future.
What are the 4 Pillars of Procedural Justice?
1.) Fairness & Consistency
2.) Giving Voice to All Parties
3.) Transparency
4.) Impartiality
What does it mean to “Give Voice to All Parties?”
All people want to be heard and involving people or groups in the decisions that affect them affects their assessment of a given situation.
What does “Impartiality” mean?
Impartial decisions are made based on relevant evidence or data rather than on personal opinion, speculation, or guesswork.
What are the advantages of the “Professional Model for Law Enforcement?”
- Public better served.
- Quality of peace officers is improved.
- Ethical conduct
- More effective problem-solving
- Stronger community support and respect
- Stronger role in the criminal justice system
- More effective innovations
- Financial rewards
What are the disadvantages of the “Professional Model for Law Enforcement?”
- Cost of training and development
- Higher salaries or remuneration for job occupant
- Limited entry into the work force from poor because of limited opportunity for
educational attainment
What are “Partnerships?”
Refers to collaborative partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust.
What are some examples of partners with law enforcement?
Partners with law enforcement may include local government
agencies or departments, community groups, SART, nonprofit organizations,
social service providers, private businesses, and members of the media.
What is “Problem-Solving?”
Refers to the process of engaging in the proactive and systematic examination of identified problems to develop and rigorously evaluate effective responses.
What are the components of problem-solving?
Scanning: Identifying and prioritizing problems.
Analysis: Researching what is known about the problem.
Response: Developing solutions to bring about lasting reductions in the number and extent of problems.
Assessment: Evaluating the success of the responses.
Using the crime triangle to focus on immediate conditions
(victim/offender/location).
What is the “Ethical Role?”
The ethical role is performed by being objective, impartial, neutral, and ethical in personal behavior and in functioning as a representative of the criminal justice system.
What are the “6 pillars of Character?”
(Cornerstone of the ethical role)
- Trustworthiness
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Fairness
- Caring
- Citizenship
What is Ethical Behavior?
Ethics involves the definition and achievement of what is good or bad, right, or wrong, in relation to moral duty and obligation.
What are obstacles to Ethical Behavior?
- Self-interest
- Pursuit of happiness
Motivation for Ethical Behavior:
- Inner Benefit: Virtue is its own reward
- Personal Advantage: It is prudent to the ethical. It is good business.
- Approval: Being ethical leads to self-esteem, the admiration of loved ones & the respect of peers.
- Religion: Good behavior can please or help a deity.
- Habit: Ethical decisions can fit in with upbringing or training.
What is Moral Sensitivity?
The ability to recognize the presence and nature of ethical issues; the awareness that a situation represents an ethical problem that requires an ethical decision.
What is Moral Judgment?
The ability to make the right ethical decision; to determine the morally correct and wisest course of action. This requires the use of critical thinking skills and the ability to prioritize competing ethical principles and values.
What is Moral Motivation?
The desire to do the right thing and to be a good and ethical person.
