The cop code does exist today and I think it has grown to be very different than it used to be. There is of course the formal law enforcement code of ethics, which is what I think about when I see an officer who is doing something wrong. The code has had its problems and conflicts, For example letting an officer go for small crimes. Officers of the law let each other off easy and give one another breaks (Pollock, p. 125, Not Given). Some of them even lie to catch a suspect or to keep a friend from getting in trouble (Pollock, p. 125, Not Given). This is not right in my opinion; it is putting the officers of the law above the law. This is not what people see as the Code of Ethics for officers. We see them as they should be courteous and protect us. They should carry themselves better and lead by example. The public has seen officers do great things, but they have also seen officers lie and con to help a fellow officer or to catch their suspect. This view on the public is where the two codes meet. The public sees some of these on a daily bases, and has to try and see past the bad to look at the bigger picture. If a bad decision led to a convict behind bars then we must take it as good.
Reference Page
Pollock, J. M. (Not Given). Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix Ebook Collection
