...Unethical Police Operations Willie L Jones CJA/214 12/3/2012 University of Phoenix Abstract Police unethical operations, imposes high cost on police, the criminal justice system, and society. Criminal activity by a police officer undermines the basic integrity of law enforcement and the grounds which the laws were based on. Regardless if an officer takes a small bribe or is involve in a drug trade, the corruption forever change the relationship between communities and the face of justice. . . Unethical Police Operation When a Police Officer abuses his authority, it is called police misconduct. Police misconduct is a broad term used to describe police corruption and police brutality which include violations of state and federal laws, the violation of an individual’s constitutional rights, and the abuse of police authority for personal gain: excessive force, false arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and wrongful death. (The Free Dictionary, n d.) Corruption is one of the world oldest practices and is defined as the abuse of authority for personal gain. Before the 1970, alcohol, gambling, and prostitution were the primary drivers of police corruption. Drug-related police corruption became a major factor after the 1970’s. Ethics involve making moral judgments about what is right or wrong. It is said that ethics provides a way to make moral choices when we are uncertain about what to do in a situation. Police officers everyday life involves this...
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...The actions of police are watched very closely. To the public, they are seen as those who protect and preserve the peace. However, there have been many situations in which victims have had to testify against a police officer because of some type of misconduct. When this happens, it takes a serious toll on the entire community. Trust becomes ruined, and in most cases the victim is left with a mental scar. Police officers have ethics that they are expected to follow. In the cases where they do not follow these ethics, they have to deal with more serious offenses. [Because of the special role that officers play in society, federal courts and professional perspectives place restrictions on an officer’s behavior on and off duty] (University Of Phoenix, 2012, p. 1). In this paper, I will explain unethical police operations. I will describe the extent of police corruption, misconduct and brutality in the United States. I will also Research two current cases on police corruption and brutality. Just because an officer wears a uniform does not give him or her the right to use his or her authority for personal gain. Officers are expected to follow certain ethics and rules just as we are. Police corruption and misconduct happens every day. A situation of police corruption occurs when an officer bribes a criminal to pay him or her in large sums of money without receiving any other type of penalty, overlooking violations of the law. There are also cases in which officers receive drugs from...
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...Unethical Police Operations Taylor Whitehead-McGuire CJS 241 January 11, 2016 Arnold Wicker Unethical Police Operations Police officers play a significant role in society and are held to a higher standard. There are procedures and laws that they must abide by when performing their law enforcement duties. Some officers bend or break these rules and commit corruption, misconduct, and police brutality. Not all cases are caught. Some are swept under the rug. For those who are caught and found guilty of these acts, examples are made out of them. All though a small percentage are reprimanded there is still a large issue within policing that is mishandled. The three terms may overlap and become confusing. Each of the three are considered criminal activity. They each are very different. Police corruption is defined as acts involving the misuse of authority by a police officer in a manner to produce personal gain. Two elements are required for corruption to be committed: personal gain, and misuse of authority. Police corruption generates a high cost on police, the criminal justice system, as well as society. Not only does corruption by police undermine public confidence for police and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, it also helps to protect others who are committing criminal activity. (Walker & Katz, 2013) Corruption takes on many forms and various by degree of seriousness. Several corruption activities include violent crimes, denial of civil rights, criminal...
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...Organizational Behavior Taking a Detailed Look Inside Police Settings Organizational Behavior Taking a Detailed Look Inside Police Settings Project Introduction Our group consisted of four members – Danielle Clark, Jessica Grupposo, Davida Muldrow, and Jennifer Zajac. Together we took a detailed look into organizational behaviors as they pertain to a police setting. Using concepts from our course, the movie Training Day, and other resources we analyzed a variety of theories as they apply to police officers and their organizations. Our project was accomplished by dividing the main ideas in our text among our four group members who then used individual judgment to apply the concepts. We remained focused on key organizational behavioral theories such as individual attitudes and behaviors, teamwork, communication, power & politics, and organizational culture. We did learn the principles of organizational behavior overlap a great deal. Although each of us was discussing entirely different theories they all tied into one another in some way. For the purpose of this paper, the movie Training Day is about an LAPD narcotics officer, Detective Alonzo Harris, played by Denzel Washington. Harris is the head of a street unit and is responsible for training an honest and ethical rookie cop named Jake Hoyt, played by Ethan Hawke. The entire film takes place on their first day out together as Detective Harris shows Jake how to run the streets the way he thinks is best. Detective...
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...ABSTRACT: This paper will discuss the different types of forced that is used in law enforcement as well how officers demonstrate unethical behaviors, corruption, and crossing the line of misconduct. The Dirty Harry Syndrome and Code of Silence will also be discussed in this paper. As early as twenty-five years ago the primary tools were shot guns, small caliber guns as well limited chemicals sprays and hand guns. Night sticks and black jacks also known as Billie clubs have been in existence for many years and were once the only weapons that were used by law enforcement. As criminal activity has advanced so has technology to fight it. Things such as stun guns, martial arts, aerosol sprays which we know as pepper spray as well as more powerful hand guns are weapons that have been introduced and given to the law enforcement agencies we have today. Even with the latest technology in weapons that is offered agencies still have great difficulty in being able to adequately use them. Due to budget constraints training is not always available and when agencies don’t receive proper training it results in lawsuits due to officers mistakes and possibly misconduct. When an agency cuts back on training lives are lost as well as careers, moral is weakened and overall everyone is impacted. Knowing when and how much force to use is a question and concern many agencies face and often have many dilemmas about. The given avaible technology...
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...and responsibilities. However ensuring they execute their functions in an ethical manner which demonstrates integrity and honesty is equally or arguably more important. If an organisation behaves ethically then the organisation benefits. The reputation of the organisation or profession can improve, it reduces the risk of misconduct which could damage the organisation’s reputation. Ethical behaviour in an organisation enables the retention of good staff and also attracts the right type of people and enables the recruitment of quality people. If an organisation or profession acts unethically this can result in a lack of public confidence. It can lead to distrust of the organisation and ultimately costs the organisation financially. Unethical behaviour can eventually lead to misconduct and ultimately unlawful behaviour if...
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...Ethical Dilemma Andrew Cantrell CJA/324 Larry Avallone January 20, 2014 Abstract Ethical decisions and the way that the police department handle situations is an extreme issue. When an officer in the department is witness to brutality or unethical behavior it is their duty report the incident to the proper person within the department. Unethical Decision Made In July of 2007, Christopher Dorner was a police officer for Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). At the time he was on patrol with a fellow female officer, Theresa Evans who was a veteran of the department. They received a call about a disturbance in a local neighborhood by a mentally ill man, Christopher Ghettler. During the arrest of Christopher Ghettler, Theresa Evans continued to kick the man twice in the chest and once in the face while he was being handcuffed. Christopher Dorner did not agree with the actions of his fellow officer and reported the actions that his fellow officer committed on this mentally unstable man. When it came time to write the report of the arrest on this man’s arrest, Theresa Evans requested that Christopher Dorner not report the brutality that took place during the arrest. With that request she was asking Christopher Dorner to be unethical and that became a serious dilemma for Dorner. Nature of the Dilemma He suppressed the information for two weeks, knowing that the LAPD had a “Blue Line” that he would cross if he went to authorities on the situation. The “Blue Line”...
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...Unethical conduct among co-workers may lead to standards of feeling helpless and annoyed with the conduct of their co-workers and or leaders. This frustration results of honest employees either searching for alternative employment or end up with high stress and health related problems. Unethical behavior in organizations may lead to the institution’s inability to no longer forge and maintain any long-term relationships with customers and employees. The organization becomes vulnerable to long and expensive litigations. Eventually the effects of unethical behavior in the organization are that clients and customers will completely alienate organizations products or services, hence some drop-in sales. Eventually this will drive investors and other stakeholders away from the...
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...The police who enforce and guard the rights of the individuals in our society should have attributes of strong moral fortitude and values. They are the enforcers of laws and are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, regardless of race, gender or culture. More importantly, police officers are expected to have a thorough understanding of justice and how to apply laws while remaining ethical. However, when agency’s fail to meet this standard the profession’s legitimacy is scrutinized by the public. To decrease instances of ethical issues and promote legitimacy, the creation and implementation of departmental policies, training and strong leadership play a vital role in this mission. At the forefront of any law enforcement...
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...entering into new employment or profession. The new job’s culture is not quickly learned; therefore, one has to observe and take notes on his or her new job’s way of doing things and adapt. In this ethical dilemma, a police officer has just transferred to a new department. In his transition to the new department, the officer witnesses another officer violating the department’s ethical code of coduct. The officer witnesses another officer taking gifts from the community members and local businesses he services. As a new member to the department, the officer debates on what actions if any he should take in this situation. What measures do you take in regarding this type of ethical conduct? What measure would you take? “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” In this situation, the officer faces a difficult dilemma of integrity. Reporting the situation would not only show the officer’s integrity but also labels him as one who tattles. On the other hand, the officer does not want to cause any ways because he is new to department. In this situation, I would first speak with the officer informally about his actions in private. Taking this action will make hopefully the officer conscious of his unethical behavior; hence, discontinuing his dishonorable behavior. Although the unscrupulous officer is well known, popular, and politically connected to the department I would disclose the information to a higher authority. ...
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...circumstances the mafia crime load Rizzuto should let law enforcement do their jobs but some have higher people on their payroll and the law will not touch some of them, so the death of Rizzuto family’s means the death of that mafia family. I do not see myself acting similar in similar circumstances. I would rather the law handle the situation instead of me murdering someone and risk going to prison for taking another person life. The thief that was stripped and tied to a lamppost with cling wrap film by a mob of vigilantism. The thief was attempting to rob a pensioner with a knife at his throat and was disarmed by the mob, he was stripped of his clothes, and wrapped in plastic wrap and then cling wrapped to a pole until the police arrived. I believe the mob made a good decision given the circumstances because had the mob not stopped the thief the situation could had result in the pensioner getting badly hurt. To find myself in a similar situation where a mob got together to help someone I may find myself acting on impulse to help that individual. Man shot and killed in drive by shooting while fixing his tire in the driveway of his home. The shooter of the victim, I do not believe made the best decision given the circumstances because he decided to unload a gun in public without any concern for other innocent by standers being hit by a stray bullet. I do not see myself acting similar or in similar circumstances where I...
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...Police and ethics Holly McCullough Unit 5 AIU Abstract Local police law enforcements are held to a higher standard then society. When ethics are abused and broken this can cause mistrust among the people and community’s. The community’s in which these police departments work must keep ethics under control and know how to handle the people they are working with dignity and respect. The public expects the law to work on both sides even when a police officer has broken the law they should be treated as a regular person if not harsher because of their job. Police and Ethics At Cook County hospital a very busy emergency room a 59-year old stabbing victim sat in the lobby waiting to be treated became disruptive by cursing and yelling he believed he was waiting too long and was not being treated fast enough. Nurses asked police to intervene to help elevate the complaints coming from others sitting and waiting. A uniformed officer went to the man and handcuffed the man to his wheelchair and then began to beat on him with his baton. It was all documented and caught on videotape. After an internal investigation...
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...Police Ethics and Use of Force Bernardo Harper AIU Online Abstract Police Ethics and use of force is always a topic up for discussion in society today. There are many cases where the use of force that police officers choose is questioned on whether or not it is excessive. There are also quite a few cases that question the ethics of the officers who are charged with serving, and protecting the people of the public. Public safety is always the number one priority of the departments of many cities, and towns in the United States. The decision of when to use force and, and how much force to use is made in a split second. The aftermath of a case when deadly force is used will be investigated and questioned by the people in charge as well as the victims or their families. Police Ethics and Use of force Police officers are in charge of maintaining order in the community. Without the police there would certainly be more chaos where we live and work. The job of the police is to deter criminal activity to allow the citizens to be able to live their lives without having to worry about being the victims of criminal activity. The system is not perfect and crimes are still going to be committed, but it does work and for the most part regular law abiding citizens are able to go about their lives without harm. The people of the police department are citizens as well and are not perfect. They have a responsibility to protect and serve the people of the communities in which they...
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...Case Study: Police Corruption and Its Prevention Management Human Resources (CRJ535) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Title Page 1 Table of Contents 2 Abstract 3 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY Introduction and Background to the Problem 4 Definition 4-5 Prevention Begins With Leadership 5-7 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Psychology and Social Perspectives 7-9 Theories to Analyze Police Behavior 9-15 CHAPTER THREE: DISCUSSION Implications of Police Corruption and Conclusion 15-18 REFERENCES 19 Abstract Society has a responsibility to respect the community and of course, the police officers that protect the community. More often than not, society’s respect of police officers is nonexistent due to the constant media reports of police corruption and brutality. Police corruption has been around since its conception, but is now being publicized more heavily. As a result, mistrust of police officers has increased. Solutions to the mistrust must be discovered and implemented. Even more important than solution is prevention of police corruption and practices that will make the police reputation and actions more ethically sound. With appropriate discipline and prevention practices in place, integrity will be established within the organization and public trust will be established within the community. CHAPTER ONE Introduction and Background Police Corruption takes place when a police officer engages in an...
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...CORRUPTION Kaplan University CJ340-03 Applied Criminal Justice Ethics Instructor L. Oakland August 30, 2010 Gratuities, in Law Enforcement, are when local businesses offer discounts on their products or offer free products to police officers. This could lead to corruption or problems in society if taken advantage of. An officer who has unethical behavior could fall into a “Slippery Slope.” An example of “Slippery Slope” is as follows: Officer Danny Glover is a 10 year veteran of Kaplan PD. During his shift, he always goes to a restaurant called the “Crabby Paddy” to eat lunch. The Crabby Paddy always provides a 50% discount to Officer Glover. Officer Glover has been eating there for years and knows the owner. One day, Officer Glover was working and observed a car weaving on the road. Officer Glover stopped the car and realized it was the Crabby Paddy owner. The owner was obviously intoxicated. Officer Glover knows that the owner lives down the street and lets him go, because he does not want to mess up the discount he receives at the restaurant. Officer Glover made a bad decision because of the gratuity he receives. That owner could have driven down the street, hit a child, and killed him. This is one example of “Slippery Slope.” Officers receiving gratuities from people and letting people slide on crimes. Another example of “Slippery Slope” is when officers demand a discount just because they are officers. Or when officers that are off duty...
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