NCJ Number
195364
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 14-17
Date Published
May 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents a practical model for law enforcement officers in making ethical decisions or good choices through the identification of ethical codes, finding resolutions, and avoiding ethical traps.
Abstract
Police officers must develop decision-making strategies prior to confronting ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas or conflicts arise when the actions of one or a group interferes with the interests of another person or group. The development of an elaborate decision-making model to assist in an officer’s handling of ethical conflicts may not, however, effectively portray the complexity of ethical dilemmas. This article reviewed the process of ethical decision-making through first identifying ethic codes that protect professionals from themselves and from those who they perceive abuse the power of their profession. Identifying ethic codes sets guidelines for ideal behavior and includes understanding mandatory ethics, aspirational ethics, personal orientation in relation to individual values, cultures, religious beliefs, and personal biases, and the ethical decision-making process, both short-term and long-term solutions. It must be understood that making appropriate primary ethical decisions may cause some degree of discomfort in the short term but save future guilt, remorse, and shame. Living an ethical life can reduce the number of ethical dilemmas a person may face in their life. Making bad primary ethical decisions can spring load ethical traps that can result in an increase in possible legal or administrative action or intrapersonal conflict. Ethical decisions build personal character but not without some pain.