South Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Officer Certification Course Flashcards
-Definition & Three Aspects of Ethics -The “5” Principles of Ethical Policing -Causes of Unethical Conduct -Ethical Choice Strategies (Bell, Book, & Candle) -What Constitutes Conduct Unbecoming of a Law Enforcement Officer in South Dakota -Definition of Moral Turpitude as defined by South Dakota Statute -Duty to Intervene and Report Officer Use of Excessive Force -The Continuum of Compromise
What is ethics?
A code of values which guides our choices and actions and determines the purpose and course of our lives
What are the three aspects to ethics?
Discerning right from wrong, committing to do what is right, and doing what is right.
What are the “5” principles of ethical policing?
Fair access, public trust (accountability), safety & security, teamwork, and objectivity.
Why is it important for you to learn about ethics? What’s in it for you?
Retirement, peace of mind, personal/internal awards, career development, and officer survival.
What are causes of unethical conduct?
Lack of impulse control (self-control), bias (explicit and implicit), loyalty and peer pressure, and entitlement and victimization.
What are the three ethical choice strategies?
Bell, Book, and Candle.
What is the Bell strategy?
Are there any “bells” or “warning buzzers” going off in my head as I consider my choices?
What is the Book strategy?
Do any of my choices violate any laws, written codes, rules, regulations, etc.?
What is the Candle strategy?
Will my decision be able to withstand the light of day or the spotlight of publicity?
What is the Continuum of Compromise?
A theory framework that shows how ethical decisions go from following high ethical standards to acting in an unethical way. It usually goes through steps like rationalization, normalization, and desensitization.
What constitutes the conduct unbecoming of a law enforcement officer in South Dakota?
This includes actions that violate professional standards, damage public trust, or reflect negatively on the officer’s ability to fulfill their duties. This can encompass a wide range of behaviors, such as criminal activity, excessive force, or unethical conduct.
What’s the definition of moral turpitude as defined by the South Dakota Statute?
Any act done contrary to honesty and good morals, or an act of baseness, vileness, or depravity in the private and social duties which man owes to his fellowman or to society in general.
What is the background for a law enforcement officer’s duty to intervene and report officer use of excessive force?
It’s the duty to intervene and report excessive force used by another officer, regardless of the officer’s rank or position. This duty stems from the ethical obligation to protect the public and uphold the law, even when it means challenging one’s colleagues.
