4: Key Ethical Issues within Law Enforcement
- Page ID
- 32930
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 4.1: Ethical Issues
- This page discusses the complex ethical issues in law enforcement, highlighting that while significant corruption is rare in Canada, incidents like Constable Hodson's drug-related arrest expose vulnerabilities. These cases prompt critical examination of police departments' ethical conduct, investigative methods, and hiring practices.
- 4.2: The Ethics of Power and Authority
- This page discusses the significant power of law enforcement officers and the potential infringement on citizens' rights if this power is misused. It highlights the importance of upholding due process during interactions, especially with vulnerable individuals. Ethical exercise of authority is emphasized to prevent societal harm and maintain the integrity of the justice system while ensuring officers can operate effectively.
- 4.3: The Milgram Experiment
- This page summarizes Stanley Milgram's 1963 experiments illustrating the influence of authority on ethical decision-making, revealing that 65% of participants administered harmful shocks under authority pressure. It emphasizes the need for law enforcement to wield authority carefully to avoid promoting unethical behavior, especially under stress.
- 4.4: Person, Gender, and Cultural Differences in Conformity
- This page examines the complexities of conformity behavior influenced by individual, gender, and cultural differences. It notes that while individuals generally conform, resistance can occur due to factors like age, self-esteem, and perceived pressures. Gender roles play a role, with men often resisting conformity for independence and women conforming for harmony.
- 4.5: Ethical Issues during an Investigation
- This page discusses the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement in investigations, particularly regarding case prioritization and potential bias against certain victims. It highlights the Supreme Court of Canada's allowance for deceptive practices in investigations, while stressing the importance of maintaining credibility through ethical boundaries. There is a divide among officers on the use of deception, with some supporting it for justice and others opposing it on moral grounds.
- 4.6: Gratuities
- This page examines the ethical issues surrounding gratuities for law enforcement, particularly free coffee from service workers. It presents reasons for these gratuities, including reciprocity and fostering cooperation. However, concerns about corruption arise, with opinions divided on their ethical implications. Some believe all gratuities are wrong, while others argue small gestures might enhance community relations.
- 4.7: Use of Force Philosophy Theory and Law
- This page explores the complexities of police use of force, emphasizing accountability, legal standards, and frameworks like the National Use of Force Model in Canada. It discusses the necessity of discretion and proper documentation, with a focus on the principles guiding officers' decision-making and assessments. The text highlights the impact of officers' individual traits on tactical responses and the challenges associated with evaluating use-of-force incidents.
- 4.8: References
- This page compiles legal cases, academic articles, and books discussing policing, use of force, and criminal justice ethics. It cites notable authors such as Hobbes and Nozick and includes recent studies on police practices. Topics cover legal constraints, the morality of gratuities, and the philosophical foundations of justice and authority, emphasizing the complexities of police conduct and societal expectations.