1
Discussion Thread: Ethical Issues
Author’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
2
Discussion Thread: Ethical Issues
In police departments, a deeply entrenched subculture creates a tacit "us vs. them" ideology that
often discourages officers from reporting their peers' improprieties. The ordeal of Detective
Frank Serpico certainly indicates that those who break this unspoken rule may face severe
repercussions (Babirad, 2018). While it may not be universally true that a "snitch" would be left
without backup, the fear of such a possibility could deter officers from reporting misconduct.
The "blue wall of silence" refers to a cultural norm within law enforcement agencies. According
to Westmoreland (2005), the blue code of silence refers to instances when officers refuse to
report their colleagues' errors, misconducts, or crimes, prioritizing loyalty over legality. As a
citizen, it deeply disturbs me that there might exist a bias among law enforcement to protect their
own, even when specific actions might be wrong or even illegal. This silent code suggests a
misplaced loyalty, prioritizing colleagues over duty, hindering justice, and perpetuating a
problematic culture. Most policemen and women are honorable public servants who genuinely
keep communities safe. However, the blue wall protects those who do not uphold these values,
staining the reputation of the entire system. This unfair generalization saddens and frustrates me.
According to Marshall (2019), officers with solid morals and values may struggle between their
ethics, the culture of silence, and the potential backlash from their colleagues. It reflects that an
officer's internalized values can indeed be constrained. Thus, in light of Hebrews 13:17,
influential leaders should balance enforcing group solidarity and maintaining a culture of
accountability. To encourage faithful followership, they must establish a positive organizational
culture prioritizing transparency and reporting wrongdoing. It requires creating safe channels for
reporting misconduct, ensuring no repercussions for those breaking the 'blue wall,' and holding
wrongdoers accountable regardless of rank or tenure.
3
In conclusion, the 'blue wall of silence' is a complex ethical issue within policing, entangling
individual morals, collective loyalty, and leadership influences. Eradicating the 'blue wall of
silence' requires a multifaceted approach, leadership commitment, policy changes, and, most
importantly, a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability.
4
References
Babirad, A. (2018). The Use and Abuse of Police Power in America: Historical Milestones and
Current Controversies. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 57(3), 229–230.
Marshall, S. (2019). Whistleblowing and Moral Dilemmas in Policing: An Analysis of Police
Culture and the’Blue Code of Silence’.
Westmarland, L. (2005). Police ethics and integrity: Breaking the blue code of silence. Policing
and Society, 15(2), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/10439460500071721
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
