Prompt Post #2: Defining Ethics

 

     

ChicagoPD-

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is adopted as a general standard of conduct for all sworn members of the Department. It states:

• a.

  “As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property, to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.”

• b.

  “I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop selfrestraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.”

• c.

  “I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.”

• d.

  “I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession . . . law enforcement.”

         Ethics in law enforcement has been a controversial topic in the past few years, mainly due to the deaths of civilians such as Mike Brown, LaQuan McDonald, and Freddie Gray. These have been mostly racially based protests, and has brought all of law enforcement under the microscope. People are questioning whether it really is just a couple of bad apples, or is it more? The code of ethics in each department differ from each other, but they all have the same foundation: to serve and protect the citizens of the United States. The City of Chicago is one of the most violent and dangerous in the country. These officers have it harder than most, but overall they do a great job. Above is their code of ethics.
         After reading these, I strongly agree with all of them. One of my goals in life is to make a difference in the community I live in, and protecting them from crime is what I've always wanted to do. As a police officer you are held to a higher standard, and I think this would be beneficial because it would help me be the standard for being a father and husband, not just my job. This day and age is a very hard time to be a police officer. Many people blame the whole profession for the wrong actions of a few, and while law enforcement is held to a higher standard, they still are humans. I can't wait to go into law enforcement to make a positive difference and help build trust between the community and the police force.
  
  Image credit: Englewoodportal.org