According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary (n.d.), ethics are defined as “the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” Ethics are a part of every profession in the world. They are standards by which individuals actions are guided in their respective fields. Ethics will always play a part of decision making for every person, whether they are a banker, a doctor, or a teacher.
In today’s law enforcement, ethics are a pivotal cornerstone upon which policing is based. It might be safe to say that there is no other profession that demands a higher ethical standard than that of law enforcement. The public demands that law enforcement be held to higher standards as they have great responsibilities bestowed upon them. Law enforcement professionals are responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and arresting criminals, all while being fair and impartial. They are given the authority to carry weapons and use lethal force if necessary. There is even a code of ethics to which all law enforcement officers swear to abide by.
The California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission displays the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as follows:
“AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against …show more content…
Frustration in the legal system could possibly influence decision making. An officer might arrest a drug dealer after doing everything by the book. The officer then sees the drug dealer out on the street a few days later in the same location he was initially arrested. This time the officer, instead of doing everything by the book, makes an arrest without building probable cause and conducts an illegal search. The officer finds drugs on the suspect and writes the police report to reflect that he had probable cause to search the suspect, when in fact the officer violated the suspect’s civil
In today’s law enforcement, ethics are a pivotal cornerstone upon which policing is based. It might be safe to say that there is no other profession that demands a higher ethical standard than that of law enforcement. The public demands that law enforcement be held to higher standards as they have great responsibilities bestowed upon them. Law enforcement professionals are responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and arresting criminals, all while being fair and impartial. They are given the authority to carry weapons and use lethal force if necessary. There is even a code of ethics to which all law enforcement officers swear to abide by.
The California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission displays the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as follows:
“AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against …show more content…
Frustration in the legal system could possibly influence decision making. An officer might arrest a drug dealer after doing everything by the book. The officer then sees the drug dealer out on the street a few days later in the same location he was initially arrested. This time the officer, instead of doing everything by the book, makes an arrest without building probable cause and conducts an illegal search. The officer finds drugs on the suspect and writes the police report to reflect that he had probable cause to search the suspect, when in fact the officer violated the suspect’s civil