Ethical Dilemmas in the Police Force Research Paper

Ethical Dilemmas in the Police Force - Research Paper Example Another definition of ethics refers to the development and study of a person’s ethical standards. It is extremely important to check ones ethical standards since social norms, feelings and laws can deviate from what is ethical in the view of professionals. In this respect, ethics means the continuous study of moral conduct and beliefs and hard work to make sure that the organizations we work for practice the standards that are acceptable and firmly based. In respect to this, ethical dilemma refers to a situation where two or more choices are ethically questionable (Davis and Aroskar, 2010). The police profession is one aspect where ethical standards are enforced and implemented. Over the past years, study of ethics in the police force has expanded considerably due to cases of police brutality and corruption surfacing in the courtrooms and the media (Appiah, 2006). The original conception of the police force in England emphasized the need of the police to get the good will of t he people to effectively do their policing roles. In England, the first instruction to police constables was in 1829 and it advocated for low temper from police officers, tolerance from foul language and should do their duty in a determined and quiet way since this will aid the officer in getting support from whomever he seeks it. In the United States, the officers never adhered to legal norms despite their training as law enforcers. The police were part of the political system used by local political organizations and no established code of conduct was in place. This paper will find the various codes of ethics in use by police officers, giving various ethical dilemmas police officers face. The questions to be answered by this paper are: What are the standards, codes of conducts practiced by the police force? What are the ethical dilemmas facing the police force? Ethical Conducts of Police Officers The following are codes of conduct governing police officers, (Herbefeld, 2006): To p rovide service to the public, protect property and lives and in the process shielding citizens from fraud and the vulnerable against oppression, the peaceful against aggression and to revere the constitutional rights of all to equality, liberty and justice. To keep their private life free from illegal activities to be emulated by all and act in a way that does not bring discretion to them and my agency. Maintaining courage and calm in the face of danger ridicule and scorn. Developing self-restraint and mindful of the welfare of others. Honesty in thought and deed in personal and official life and obeying the laws and regulations of a police officer. Anything confidential I see or hear in my official capacity as a law enforcement officer will be kept in secret unless revelation is necessary while on duty. To never let prejudices, personal feelings, aspirations, hatred or acquaintances manipulate their decisions. To not compromise with crime and with relentless prosecution of criminal s, imposing the law considerately and properly without fear or favor, cruelty or ill will and never using force, violence or accepting gratuities. Recognizing the police badge as a sign of public confidence and trust. Never employing acts of fraud, corruption or condoning such acts by colleagues in the law enforcement agency. Cooperating with all legal bureaus and their agents in the pursuit of justice and law enforcement. A law enforcement o