Ethics and the Code of Conduct are critical to my law enforcement career

Ethics and the Code of Conduct are critical to my law enforcement career.
Law enforcement is a discipline that entails safeguarding everyone’s rights and assisting victims in receiving prompt justice. As a result, law enforcement agencies must have ethics and a code of conduct for their employees. My ambition is to work as a law enforcement officer in the future. For three reasons, having credibility and adhering to ethics is critical in this field. To begin, maintaining the integrity and adhering to the ethics and code of conduct would make it simple to gain the public’s trust and confidence (Fitch, 2014). Many citizens feel that law enforcement officers and other professionals in fields related to law are highly corrupt, rude, and inhumane. With integrity and respecting other people, it will be possible to convince them that my main duty is to serve them at all costs. In addition, the increased trust will lead to close cooperation with the members, which can lead to access to vital information during crime investigations. Second, Fitch (2014) says that integrity aids in making correct decisions. Thus, when conducting investigations, it would be easy to rely on the evidence provided and make sound judgments without influence from other sources. Lastly, with integrity and ethics, it is possible to establish the reputation of the law enforcement agency. With such a reputation, it will be easy to serve the public and enable everyone to access equal justice.

Two Aspect in Which Ethics, Morality, and Law Differ in Regards to Law Enforcement

Two aspects show a difference in ethics, morality, and law when officers in my locality make decisions. First, many officers fail to decide between protecting rights of criminals and offering justice to victims. In most cases, the law enforcers only focus on serving the victims. On the other hand, those suspected always encounter brutality or mental torture, which is against the ethical code of conduct. Second, many law enforcers fail to respect citizens when gathering evidence from a crime scene. In fact, man force witnesses to testify according to the instructions given. This act works against the code of ethics that requires law enforcers to treat citizens with respect and dignity.

Two Ways Law Enforcement Officers Can Use Ethics, Morality, and Code of Conduct in their Career and Personal Life

Law enforcement officers can apply ethics, morality, and code of conduct in their both career and personal life. In their careers, police officers encounter dangerous situations that might compel them to make irrational decisions that can destroy property, injuries, and death. In such circumstances, officers have to apply the code of ethics by ensuring they use justified force to protect life and property (Fitch, 2014). In the personal life, law enforcers should implement the code of ethics to uphold moral values as defined by the society. For instance, they should respect other people, behave polities instead of using abusive words, and express empathy and compassion. Thus, the code of ethics enables police officers to maintain a stable life after retiring from their careers.

Important Aspects of Ethics and Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officers in California

California has a unique law enforcement code of conduct that guides the behaviors of police officers. First, the law specifies that law police officers must have a great responsibility in protecting the community (“Commission Procedure C-3, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics – Commission on POST”, 2017). They should provide a safe environment for each member and defend their rights. Second, officers should make rational decisions without depending on their emotions, prejudices, or events happening in their personal life. According to this code, it is vital for law enforcers to set a boundary between work and their private life. Hence, they should only work with the interest of helping the community other than accomplishing their own goals.

References

Commission Procedure C-3, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics – Commission on POST. (2017). Post.ca.gov. Retrieved 22 October 2017, from https://www.post.ca.gov/commission-procedure-c-3-law-enforcement-code-of-ethics.aspx#c-3-2

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Fitch, B. D. (2014). Law enforcement ethics: Classic and contemporary issues. Los Angeles: SAGE.

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