The Code of Ethics Explained
The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is a set of guiding principles for law enforcement agencies. More specifically, this document outlines the standard of behavior that is expected of police officers. Originally adopted in 1957 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the code was meant to address the overwhelming perception that law enforcement officers and agencies were often "abusers of power." As the code states, it is important for officers to establish trust and confidence through ethical behavior and decision making.
In addition to outlining general ethical standards of conduct for law enforcement leaders and personnel, the code also explains that officers have a duty to the public and that it is important to communicate and reinforce the basic ethical values of every officer and the agency as a whole.
While the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics applies to all officers and departments , it is particularly important in establishing an atmosphere of trust in agencies where there are many officers and employees and where there is a wide range of responsibility.
The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is shared with new officers more than any of the other general orders or policies that they will be expected to comply with. Officers may also be asked to sign a copy of the code after receiving it so that there is a written record of their receipt of the code.
It is important to understand that the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is meant to set a standard of conduct for all professionals in law enforcement. Most officers will work in an ethical manner, but if everyone is held to the same standard then it is easier to identify bad officers. The fact is that not all officers will be ethical; however, when a majority of officers follow the behavior set in The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, it is possible to spot those who are not complying. This can serve to protect the public from unethical officers while also protecting ethical officers from those officers who do not act within compliance of the law.
Principles of Law Enforcement Ethics
A code of ethics serves as a moral guide, offering a set of principles to steer individual behavior and decision-making. Officers are sworn "to serve and protect" the public, with mere "peace" officers placed in such positions of trust. While most ethical dilemmas involve philosophical concerns, and not every situation involves moral choices, ethical behavior requires the incorporating of personal values into decision-making. A "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics PDF" does not stand on its own, but has historical and legal precedent. The "Effectiveness of Law Enforcement Ethics Education" is well documented, with recent surveys regarding use of law enforcement codes of ethics, and an "Assessment of a Police Code of Ethics" showing that a law enforcement code of ethics is widely in use. Likewise, "Police Code of Ethics" research and effective methods are well known. Such resources come together, however, through examination of the law enforcement code of ethics in all states. An example of a law enforcement code of ethics is that of New Hampshire, which is typical, and representative of the law enforcement code of ethics. The State of New Hampshire "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics PDF," shows the various core principles followed which are key to the judiciary and law enforcement. New Hampshire has adopted the law enforcement code of ethics in their Preamble: "The National Law Enforcement Code of Ethics has been discussed at the national, state and local police agency levels in Untied States for over 30 years. Whereas in some circles this code of ethics is well known, in others it is virtually unknown. It is the hope of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council that all members of law enforcement will avail themselves of this Code of Ethics and use it to set out the high standards of conduct which all in law enforcement should abide." The wording is slightly changed from the federal version, which is used as a model for creating state law enforcement code of ethics, or a "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics PDF". This is called modeling language. The language of the law enforcement code of ethics can be based upon the constitutional provisions, case law, state police law and rules, state constitution, ordinance, or regulation, as may be outlined in the "National Law Enforcement Code of Ethics" PDF version. This includes the following: "As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example for all. My private life and my official life are separate, but both must be guided by duty." Because of these strict prohibitions and guidelines, an officer must uphold standards of ethics even when acting apart from their public role. The very example of how an officer behaves in all aspects of their life is what is covered in the "professionalism" or "professional standards" part of the law enforcement code of ethics to mean a code of ethics to guide and direct conduct. The law enforcement code of ethics has deep roots and is wide spread. For this reason, it is vital to carefully observe and follow the guidelines of ethics in law enforcement. This is one of the prime reasons trainings are held regularly, and why officers are subject to discipline, and could lose their job or the right to be a police officer in the state.
Introduction to Code of Ethics PDF
The law enforcement code of ethics may be viewed in PDF format. All you need to do is simply click on the link here and it will download to your computer so you can view it. You can simply type the section number or principle you are looking for in the search bar and it’ll take you to that part of the code of ethics. This should make it easy for you if there is a specific section you are looking for.
Ethics in Police Training
As law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on transparency and accountability, training programs have placed a greater emphasis on ethics and the responsibilities of officers and their ability to work as part of a team, guided by a code of ethics. An officer’s ability to work with a partner, supervisor and with the community requires an understanding of how individual behaviors can impact the larger group. The police officer engages in a public service that is either a force for good or bad in the community. The article below discusses the role of ethics in law enforcement training. It explains that ethics instruction is incorporated into most training programs, using both lectures and interactive exercises. The use of small group role play scenarios allows an officer to understand how decision-making works within a larger organizational context. Ethics and integrity are at the core of ensuring a law enforcement officer is able to serve and protect.
Bumps in the Use of Law Enforcement Ethics
While training law enforcement officers in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, I am often asked what are some of the common challenges and controversies officers face in the line of duty that can create ethical dilemmas. Below is a list of some of the common issues officers have faced and how their decisions have played out. These issues are just a few of the common ones that can create ethical dilemmas.
Overtime Issues: Who works overtime and who does not? Is it only those who are friends with the supervisor or appointed official? If so , then favoritism exists.
Use of Internal Memos: Officers do not consider internal memos to be public information and therefore they have refused to provide them for discovery. But if a defense attorney is able to show that the policy and/or procedures were not followed, this could raise an ethical challenge.
Off-Duty Employment: It is entirely possible that your duty as a police officer could be in conflict with your off-duty employment and you would have an ethical challenge to consider.
Fraternization: This is often a touchy subject with officers because they have a personal relationship with other officers. But if you are involved with a subordinate officer or secretary, you must consider how that could affect your duties and the perception of others regarding the relationship.
Law Enforcement Ethics Cases
The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics PDF has been influential in a number of landmark case studies. Let’s look at some notable examples where its principles directly impacted the outcomes.
The Los Angeles Race Riots, 1992: In April 1991, four Los Angeles police officers beat Rodney King, an African American man, after a high-speed car chase. The incident was caught on video and caused an uproar worldwide. The officers were charged with excessive use of force. The trial took place not in Los Angeles but in suburban San Bernardino, California. The jury acquitted the officers of all charges, igniting the L.A. Riots in April of 1992 that left 63 people dead and 2,383 injuries. On August 4, 1992, the U.S. prosecutors filed civil rights charges against the officers in federal court. The jury found Sgt. Stacey Koon and Officers Lawrence Powell, Theodore Brenant and Rolando Solano guilty of violating King’s civil rights and not guilty of depriving him of medical care. Upon sentencing, the officers were sentenced to 32 months in federal prison and were later freed on parole.
In this case, we see how the crisis that erupted following the verdict in the state criminal trial brought the issue of ethics to the forefront in the U.S. public consciousness. It’s an example of how the absence of ethical policing results in far-reaching social consequences across various sectors.
Police Misconduct in New Jersey: In 1985, former police officer John Perito sued the Clifton Police Department for allegedly discriminating against him based on his disability. While he initially lost his case, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit overturned the lower court’s decision, and he was awarded $2 million by a jury in 1993.
This case was significant because it was the first ruling that since up until then, when the courts required evidence of bad acts, instead, the law should require only that the defendant knew or suspected misconduct occurred. Importantly, the court held that section 1983 can be invoked when supervisors subordinate, i.e., police chiefs, knew or should have known that their subordinate officers were committing acts of misconduct.
In 1995, significant changes to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics PDF required police departments to include ethical training programs that emphasize objectivity, fairness and impartial enforcement of the law in their regular operations.
Window Breakers, 2005: In this chilling incident, three Chicago police officers entered a Chicago housing project, The Henry Horner Homes, in response to a 911 dispatched call of back-to-back shots fired. Upon entering, police found two people with gunshot wounds. One officer stepped over a man who was driving away from a basketball game and tried to get to the injured victims. The officer was then stopped by the bystanders, who thought he wanted to do bad things to the shooters. Police were called, and three cars came to help. The officers again tried to reach the injured party, and a group of about 75 spectators formed around them. In seconds, officers began pulling guns and breaking windows in their squad cars because they could not go in. The crowd grew more agitated at the sight of violence and began attacking officers, resulting in a riot.
Faced with community outrage after the riot, the police department learned the importance of community relations and public perception. Programs were put in place to promote police transparency and build relationships with minority communities. This case demonstrates how ethics are not black and white. It may not be precisely illegal for law enforcement officers to use excessive force. But there are times when those actions are simply not appropriate in a given situation.
Conclusion: The Code of Ethics
Respecting and adhering to the law enforcement code of ethics is a fundamental component of effective policing that fundamentally shapes the level of trust of the community towards the police department. While police officers still have a difficult job to do , the majority of those in the profession are more than willing to hold themselves to the code of ethics and strive to become a better cop and person every day on the job. When police officers fail to do so however, and choose to act outside of the law, it damages the reputation of the police force as a whole in ways that will be difficult to overcome over time.