CRIMINAL JUSTICE 220 - WEEK 9 - DISCUSSION 9

Critical Ethical Thinking and Law Enforcement
Read the article titled “Ethics in Law Enforcement and Policing: What the Public Expects From Police and How Officers Can Deliver” located at http://criminologycareers.about.com/od/Career_Trends/a/Ethics-In-Law-Enforcement.htm. The article suggests that there are three (3) tests that can help officers with the ethical decision-making process. Discuss which one (1) of the three (3) methods you believe is the best guide for officers for ethical decision making, and provide a rationale for your choice.

Three tests that can help officers with the ethical decision making process are critical thinking test, the media test and the gut test. Of the three, critical thinking in my opinion would help facilitate a good gauge of a scenario because it allows an overall internal snapshot and allows conclusive and sharp analysis to be done quickly and fast.

Further these points are going through your mind, first is it loyal, what is the end and will it be a good turnabout, options to achieve the same end, will my decision contradict a law or undermine a taught principle, will the means violate an ethical principle even though I achieve the end and lastly will my decision cause an upheaval that will reflect badly for myself as a policeman or the police force.

As a model policeman or policewoman it is uppermost of importance to try to act with integrity and discipline to be a true representative of the law and offer support to the populace in every legal regard.

The article suggests that there are values that are universally held by society. Of those values mentioned in the article, determine which three (3) you believe are most important for law enforcement officers to have, and explain your rationale.

The three values that I believe are most important for law enforcement officers to have are as follows:

Integrity
Justice
Bravery

I feel that if law enforcement has these values then they would be able to branch out and evolve to other levels or values because these three are a significant base or building block. Further being a representative of the police will always allow growth and willingness to evolve and be a credit and not a hindrance or burden.

Thank you.

Felicia

What does the class think of Kaepernick's actions (he sat for the National anthem)? Does it highlight a problem and encourage a needed conversation, or does it do the opposite?

Response to Professor

In response to his actions, I feel that he should act and react like every American. As in Rome do as Romans do. By following this suggestion - insults imagined or intended are defused when customary behavior is done. Acting outside of norms will always cause confusion, anger and misunderstanding.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

Irregardless to the pay "what you get is not what you get for the pay" in explanation a quality job done with finesse and "thinking" is always worth the pay and a test of what you have as an employee (police) and what you can handle.

Coping out is just what it is - a loser's game.

Suggestion - Do the job right the first time!

Thank you.

Felicia