Criminal Justice Ethics (for Henry)

I think this is one of the biggest issues that faces police and people in general these days. We are having a harder time finding that line between right and wrong. It is such a fine line because we want it to be right to reward the people around us, we want it to be right to say thank you to the ones who protect and serve us. But then there are the few that come in and only give so that they may use it as leverage later and it puts everyone else in a situation to be questioned for their generosity.

I think in the last 25 years or so it has become more of an issue to look into police misconduct. People have become more corrupt and police have had a harder time figuring out where to draw the line as things change. I think that people have also demanded that we watch those who watch us a lot more closely. I think that 50 years ago was the start of looking into the ethics of our justice professionals.

I think that the biggest ethical issue here is what he will do in the situation. I think that this situation will determine how the patrol officer conducts himself for the rest of his career. I think that as a higher up you are supposed to set a good example and show the younger ones what to do and how to handle themselves. I think that showing the younger officer the correct thing to do is the best thing that this chief can do.

If this was me and I was in this predicament I would have to write the ticket. I know that my relationship with the community is important but they also have to know that I am going to do my job no matter what. I think this is a hard situation because this could be the drivers first offense but I know that I cannot let him off just because we have built up a rapport. I must show them now that I will do my job even if someone offers me a bribe so that the people of this community may feel safe with me in charge.

I think that ticketing the store owner would show the officer that I am not afraid to do my job no matter the circumstances that are in front of me. I think that it will help show him direction in his own career so that he may make the right decisions later, when he is on his own. I think that it can benefit this officer to see that you can make these decisions even when a friend or even an acquaintance is involved. I think that other officers in the district may be a little hurt especially if the store owner decided to stop providing the free items. I think that there may be a little resentment even.

I would address this issue by reminding them that we must do our jobs no matter what. I would remind them that if we bend the rules for some then we will have to bend the rules for everyone and then we would not be effectively doing our jobs. I would also remind them that this person broke the law even if we do know them and we do appreciate what they do for us. I think that I would have to remind them that no matter what two wrongs do not make a right and that the man was wrong for speeding but he was even more wrong for assuming that he was above the law that we had sworn to protect.

From Staci