POLICE ETHICS

Lieutenant John Manago

Loveland Police Department

Course Outline

1. Instructor Introduction2. Course Objectives3. Ethical Perspective4. Pre-Test5. Definitions- Ethics, Values6. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics7. Ethical Standards of Police Officers8. Unethical Behaviors of Police Officers (Code

of Silence, Gratuities, Use of Force)9. Correct Handling of Unethical Behavior

Course Outline Cont.

10. Application- tools for moral decision making

11. Department Values

12. Scenarios

13. Test

14. Evaluation

Course Objectives

1. The student will be able to define the term Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and identify the purpose of the code..

2. The student will be able to name at least 5 provisions of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as presented in class and discuss why they are important.

3. The student will be able to discuss the components of unethical behavior of police officers.

4. The student will be able to discuss the correct methods of handling unethical behavior among police officers.

5. The student will be able to identify and discuss the tools for moral decision making.

6. The student will be able to identify and discuss Department Values.

Ethical Perspective

Why have this class?

1. Career Survival

2. Understand Department Expectations

Ethics

Ethics- a set of moral principles or values

Values- norms, things that are held as important. LPD Values

Where do ethics come from- values, standards norms of society. Different in different cultures, location, and era

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

1. Definition- the principals of conduct governing an individual or group (Law Enforcement Professionals)

2. What is the purpose of the code- a clear statement of who we are and what we believe

a) Established Values- taught, instilled, reinforced, rewarded

b) Build Integrity- recognized, reinforced, rewardedc) Affect attitudes- change, modifyd) Affect Behavior- monitor, regulate

Ethical Standards of Police Officer

1. Provisions of the Codea. Primary Responsibilities of a Police Officerb. Performance of the Duties of a Police Officerc. Discretion d. Use of Forcee. Confidentialityf. Integrityg. Cooperation with Other Officers and Agenciesh. Personal/Professional Capabilitiesi. Private Life

Ethical Standards of Police Officers Cont.

Why are these important?a. Human Life- compassion, caring, life

threatening

b. Integrity- honest, truthful, high ethical standards

c. Constitution- liberty, equality, and justice

d. Accountability- community role model, I.A. investigations, acknowledge mistakes

Unethical Behavior of Police Officers

1. Code of Silence2. Gratuities3. Lies4. Excessive Force5. Double Standard- Above the Law6. Problems associated with these behaviors Ostracized by peers Loss of integrity Civil Suits Misperceptions of officers

Correct Handling of Unethical Behavior

1. Reporting- External/Internal

2. Internal Affairs Investigations

3. Training

4. Disciplinary action

5. Why is this important- maintain values, integrity, and accountability

Application

Do you agree with the Code of Ethics?Do you agree with the double standards

for police officers?Do you understand the importance of the

code? It is what stands between the good and the bad guys.

Application

1. Tools for moral decision making*.1. The Bell

2. The Book

3. The Candle

4. The Camera

*Reputable Conduct, John R. Jones, Daniel P. Carlson

Department Values

What are the things we value?

a) The Law

b) Communication

c) The People We Serve and Each Other

d) Organizational Excellence

e) Our Public Image

Scenarios

Evaluation

Test reviewTest