Ethical Issues and Decisions in Law Enforcement

Presented by:

The Florida Regional Community Policing Institute at St. Petersburg College

With Funding from:

Department of Justice, COPS Office

http://cop.spcollege.edu

Getting Started

• • • •

Introduction and Pretest Introduction of Instructor RCPI Paperwork Review of Course Goals

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Course Goals

•

Participants will:

– Become sensitized to ethical issues in law enforcement. – Understand the importance of moral maturity and individual character.

– Demonstrate decision-making techniques for better professional and personal decisions.

– Apply learned skills to scenarios of ethical decisions.

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Ethics Training Is Not …

• •

Indoctrination A back-handed method to change you

•

An attempt to imply that your ethics are flawed

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Ethics Training Is …

• • • •

A process of understanding yourself better Choosing the wisest course of action A perishable skill Vital and necessary:

– Career and retirement longevity – Makes your job easier – Restores public trust in law enforcement

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Four Components of Consistent Ethical Behavior

1. Moral Sensitivity

– The ability to recognize the presence and nature of ethical issues; a situation represents an ethical problem that requires an ethical decision.

2. Moral Judgment

– Make the right ethical decision; to determine the morally correct and wisest course of action. This requires the use of critical thinking skills and the ability to prioritize competing ethical principles and values.

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Four Components of Consistent Ethical Behavior, continued

3. Moral Motivation

– The desire to do the right thing and to be a good and ethical person.

4. Moral Character

– Maturity, courage and discipline to follow through and do what you know is right in situations of strong temptation and/or great pressure from others.

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Participant Introductions

• • •

Ethics scavenger hunt exercise Other options “The World Needs …”

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Why Do Ethics Matter?

•

Brainstorming and Discussion

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Basic Ethical Terms and Concepts • • • •

Ethics Ethical Principles Ethical Issues Profession and Professional

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The “Corrupt Cop” Video

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Discussion

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Personal Attitudes Ethical Behavior •

Attitude stages in the typical law enforcement officer’s career

– Idealistic – Frustrated – Defiant – Resigned – Aware – Decisive – Committed

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“7 Habits of Highly Effective Law Enforcement Officers”

1. Be proactive 2. Begin with the end in mind 3. Put first things first 4. Think win-win 5. Seek first to understand, the to be understood 6. Synergize 7. Sharpen the saw

– Reproduced with permission for Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective Law Enforcement Officers” course.

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Personal Character and Moral Development • •

Four categories of police character

– The Bad Character – The Weak Character – The Self-Controlled Character – The Excellent Character •

Reprinted from Edwin Delattre

Discussion and Reflection

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The Kohlberg Video

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Discussion

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Stages of Moral Development

• • • • • •

Stage One:

– Punishment and obedience

Stage Two:

– What’s in it for me?

Stage Three:

– Social approval

Stage Four:

– Law and order

Stage Five:

– The values of the organization/society

Stage Six:

– Universal ethical principles

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Decision Making Tools

• • •

Bell, Book & Candle The A.S.C.T. Model Application Exercise

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Wrap up and Closure

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Group project

– Your chance to be published!

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