police officers and Ethics Research Essay

Police Liability and Moral Quandaries

Police personnel encounter a variety of legal liabilities while performing their duties, which could lead to moral quandaries. Police officers are required to uphold professional codes of behavior while performing their duties. In a moral predicament, a law enforcement official must decide between one or more reasons of action that have conflicting effects. Two options that are in opposition to one another must be chosen.

Accepting Gratitude and the Ethical Dilemma

One legal obligation that might put a law enforcement officer in a difficult moral position is when they receive thanks or praise from the general public for their excellent work on behalf of the community. In legal terms, accepting gratitude that may come in the form of money or material things is perceived as taking a bribe, which is against the professional code of conduct in the police service. However, it will also be impolite for police officers to turn down sincere gratitude from the public for their efforts. The fear of being legally liable for accepting a bribe may present police officers with a serious ethical dilemma (Neyroud, 2008).

Loyalty to Colleagues and Ethical Dilemmas

Another legal liability that may cause ethical dilemma is a situation involving loyalty to colleagues in the police service. Loyalty to colleagues prevents officers from whistle-blowing in a situation where their colleagues commit a crime. Failing to report a crime committed by a partner is legally viewed as abating crime and obstructing justice. Police face a situation where they have to obey the law and at the same pay loyalty to their fellow officers (Neyroud, 2008).

Professional Code of Conduct

Police officers must follow the professional code of conduct while on duty. Law enforcement personnel face ethical dilemmas more often in the line of duty. Police decisions and judgement must be based on the rule of law, rather than personal emotions and feelings.

Reference

Neyroud, P. (2008). Policing and ethics. T. Newburn, 666-692.