NCJ Number
215552
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 75 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2006 Pages: 20-23
Date Published
September 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Based on the experiences of the Clearwater Police Department's (Florida) volunteer program, this article discusses the importance of and how to ensure ethical behavior by police volunteers.
Abstract
Because police volunteers wear uniforms that identify them as departmental personnel and perform services for citizens in the name of the department, it is important that their behavior and attitudes reflect the ethical principles of the department. In selecting volunteers for their programs, agencies should thoroughly check their backgrounds to ensure that they bring to the program traits of integrity that will be the foundation for compliance with the department's code of ethics. Volunteers should be instructed in the department's code of ethics and how it applies in the kinds of contacts volunteers will have with citizens; for example, volunteers must comply with the ethical principles of confidentiality and integrity. They must not divulge any private information about individuals with whom they deal, except to the appropriate professionals. Some volunteers, particularly those who want to project the image and authority of a sworn officer, may be inclined to exceed their authority as volunteers, such as by stopping vehicles for traffic violations or attempting to enforce trespassing laws. Volunteers must not assume a law enforcement role. When they observe or encounter situations that may involve law-breaking, they can only report this to a sworn officer. Volunteers should not use their position with the department for personal gain. This means not accepting gratuities, including free food and beverages. Written guidelines for various circumstances volunteers are likely to encounter can assist them in making decisions about how to behave appropriately. 3 notes