Ethical Issues and Decisions in Law Enforcement Presented

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 http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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. http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Ethics Training Is Not … • Indoctrination • A back-handed method to change you • An attempt to imply that your ethics are flawed http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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 http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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. http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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. http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Participant Introductions • Ethics scavenger hunt exercise • Other options • “The World Needs …” http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Why Do Ethics Matter? • Brainstorming and Discussion http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Basic Ethical Terms and Concepts • • Ethics Ethical Principles Ethical Issues Profession and Professional http: //cop. spcollege. edu

The “Corrupt Cop” Video • Discussion http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Personal Attitudes Ethical Behavior • Attitude stages in the typical law enforcement officer’s career – – – – Idealistic Frustrated Defiant Resigned Aware Decisive Committed http: //cop. spcollege. edu

“ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Law Enforcement Officers” 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Be proactive Begin with the end in mind Put first things first Think win-win Seek first to understand, the to be understood Synergize Sharpen the saw – Reproduced with permission for Stephen Covey’s “ 7 Habits of Highly Effective Law Enforcement Officers” course. http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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 http: //cop. spcollege. edu

The Kohlberg Video • Discussion http: //cop. spcollege. edu

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 http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Decision Making Tools • Bell, Book & Candle • The A. S. C. T. Model • Application Exercise http: //cop. spcollege. edu

Wrap up and Closure • Group project – Your chance to be published! http: //cop. spcollege. edu