Each page 250 Words 2 Discussion Post
This week we are learning about ethics and the justice professional. Important things to remember are how outside influences affect ethical decision-making. Sometimes these can be political, cultural, or social. In this module’s discussion, you will examine many aspects influencing ethical decisions by justice professionals.
Your initial post should reflect responses to ALL question prompts (250 word minimum) Copy the questions into your initial post and compose your responses below each one. The questions do not count as part of your minimum requirement of 250 words:
1. What leadership traits make a person admirable? Include your top 5.
2. What are political, cultural, and societal influences on ethical behavior? You should provide at least one example of each.
3. What psychological theories attempt to explain individual differences in behavior? Be detailed in your response.
(SECOND DISCUSUSION POST)
This week we have been learning about the history of policing, civil unrest in reaction to law enforcement issues, and movements toward new policing models.
For this discussion, you will respond to questions about different officer behaviors in the scenario below. Answer all the questions in your initial post and number your responses so your peers know which questions go to which response. There is a fourth question tying this scenario to a theoretical stance. Your goal is to articulate whether or not the officers acted ethically in both circumstances. Use detailed explanations and evidence to back up your points. Your initial post must include responses to both issues.
Read the provided theoretical information on the ecology of patrol and the rotten orchards theory, then respond in your same initial post. There are theories by David Klinger called the ecology of patrol which was compared to the rotten orchards theory. Brecher (2014) described the rotten orchards theory as isolated corruption from a few “bad apples”. Klinger (1997) described the influence of neighborhood-based factors on officer behavior. If the moral standards of the larger community tolerate certain behaviors, the officers will face pressure on those circumstances. For instance, if the community has a thing for having a lot of loud neighborhood parties and officers respond to the noise complaint but disperse the party, rather than arrest for all the violations, some consider this wrong in moral perspectives. Others think this is an act of discretion and that “teaching some people a lesson” is greater than always enforcing the law. The rotten orchard theory thus then erodes the officer’s willingness to follow department policy and state regulations, but their allegiance is to guiding principles like fairness and the rights of others.
Case Study Scenario: Officer Jess Gough was asked to join 2 other officers for a meal at a local restaurant while on duty. They took their break together and joined up at Bob’s Diner. All officer checked out appropriately with their dispatcher. They are allowed 2-15 minute breaks and 1-hour lunch. They cannot combine the 2 times unless they choose to work out at the police gym, giving them one break totaling 1.5 hours. They finished their meal and the waitress asked them if they would like dessert and coffee. The officers decline and ask for their check. The waitress got a worried look on their face and told the officers there was no check and she had been ordered by the restaurant owner that the meals were “on the house.” Jess explained they were not allowed to take gratuities and had to pay for the meals. The waitress explained her boss is a big supporter of law enforcement and she would surely get fired if she did not follow his orders. The boss saw the commotion and came to the table to explain he wanted to show his appreciation because he was a retired officer from another state and came there to retire, opening his business. Gough was short with the owner while the other 2 officers shook his hand and thanked him for his generosity. Gough figured the bill in his head and left the amount of money for the meal on the table including tip and walked out. The other officers left the restaurant just thanking the owner, leaving only money for a tip for the waitress (not their meal), and told Gough he was tarnishing the police department by being gruff with the community member. Gough explained to his peers he does not take any free meals and there is a policy against getting free drinks and food. The other 2 officers told Gough he should relax, that there are certain situations that are best handled by gratitude. The officer told Gough this happens on occasion and it is no big deal, explaining the community members appreciate them and they should brush it off. They also told him that in some cases, it was best not to make a scene and to be kind to business owners. Officer Gough disagreed and turned the incident into his supervisor.
1st question: Were the officers ethical? Why or why not?
2nd question: Was Gough’s decision to report the incident to his supervisor a good choice? Why or why not?
3rd question: Are there any ethical dilemmas in this scenario? What are they if you have identified them?
4th question: Give your perspectives on these theories. What you would do in these situations? Is this an ethical dilemma or an accepted part of a police department’s culture? Is it both? Explain.
