Zero Tolerance Policy Analysis

Throughout the course of a probation officers’ career, their moral integrity is tested each day. Although there are a numerous amount of officers who act ethically on a daily basis, there are almost as many who act unethically. This paper examines a single incident where Meaghan Fields let her temptation and longing for love dictate her actions. These actions ultimately violated the zero tolerance policy (and other laws as well) that were upheld by her department. The issue with enforcing the zero tolerance policy results in a higher likelihood that people will violate it, thus leading to ethical dilemmas. Regardless of the issue of trying to enforce this policy, there are still ways to minimize sexual relations from occurring between probation …show more content…
The policy is very detailed and even provides a phone number in order to report “any behavior of a sexual nature between employees and offenders” (Virginia Department of Corrections, n.d.). It is evident that the Virginia Department of Corrections takes their Zero Tolerance Policy seriously, however; this policy is not as easily enforced as it is explained. It is ideal to have a Zero Tolerance Policy in place in order to discourage fraternization between officers and offenders, but the likelihood of finding out about these relationships are not very high. When looking at Meaghan Fields’s case, the only way authorities found out about her unethical actions was through a tip. Had they not received that tip, they probably would not have found out about her violation of the policy or the other probation officer she told on during her investigation. Based on the fact that there was more than one incident that violated this policy within the department, it is clear that it is hard to enforce the policy and catch those who violate it. Probation officers may not feel like their job and freedom is at risk when violating this policy since they know they are not likely to be caught, especially if there are no other people (i.e. girlfriends/boyfriends, ex’s, wives/husbands) that could possibly find out and tip off the authorities …show more content…
Most probationers and probation officers of the same sex will not be tempted to engage in any sexual activities. They could also require that two probation officers are present during visits/meetings since the temptation of engaging in sexual activity will diminish being that another officer is present. They can also rotate out different probation officers over the course of an offender’s probation in order to decrease the likelihood of sexual relationships from forming. Not only should the department strongly encourage the public to anonymously tip off authorities regarding sexual relations between probationers and probation officers, they should also have something for all probation officers to anonymously report misconduct within the department if they are too afraid to speak out against it and break the code of silence. Although these ideas would be somewhat difficult to organize and put into action, it will minimize the issue of relationships forming amongst probation officers and their