Answering: How Do The Police Tend To Engage?

Answering The Followinghow Do The Police Tend To Engage As They Ident

Answering the following: How do the police tend to engage as they identify and enforce morality? Explain what factors influence organizational culture. Explain how the police culture/subculture can have both positive and negative connotations, with examples of each, and the implications of such. Do you think the police decide what moral behavior is appropriate? APA format 2-3 pages cite sources

Paper For Above instruction

The role of police in society extends beyond mere law enforcement; it encompasses the complex task of identifying and enforcing societal norms and moral standards. Police engagement in morality is multifaceted, influenced by organizational culture, subcultural dynamics, and broader societal values. Understanding how police perceive and enact moral enforcement requires examining their operational conduct, the internal culture that guides their actions, and the societal implications of their moral judgments.

Police officers tend to engage with morality through a combination of formal policies, community interactions, and their perceptions of justice. Their enforcement actions often reflect societal moral standards, but these standards can vary, influenced by legal frameworks, cultural norms, and organizational directives. For example, community policing initiatives emphasize moral engagement by fostering trust and mutual understanding between officers and residents, aiming to uphold societal morals through collaborative efforts (Gill et al., 2014). Conversely, in high-stress situations such as riot control or drug enforcement, officers might resort to force, which raises questions about the moral boundaries of their actions and the influence of organizational and situational factors.

The organizational culture within police institutions greatly influences how morality is perceived and enforced. Factors such as leadership style, training, policy directives, and peer influence shape the cultural norms that officers follow. A workplace that promotes integrity, transparency, and community service encourages officers to act in morally upright ways, aligning their conduct with societal expectations (Siegel & Worrall, 2017). Conversely, cultures marked by authoritarianism, tolerance for corruption, or insularity can distort moral judgments, leading officers to justify misconduct or biased practices.

The police subculture, a set of shared norms, values, and beliefs among officers, can have both positive and negative connotations. On the positive side, the camaraderie, loyalty, and code of silence can foster solidarity, resilience, and a sense of identity among officers. For instance, the "blue code" often emphasizes loyalty to fellow officers, which can be vital in dangerous or morally ambiguous situations (Reiner, 2010). However, this same culture can harbor negative traits such as complacency, corruption, or disregard for accountability. A notorious example is the tendency for some units to engage in misconduct or protect colleagues involved in illegal activities, which undermines public trust and impairs moral enforcement (Schuck, 2014).

The implications of police culture are profound, influencing public perceptions of morality and justice. While positive elements can improve morale and community relations, negative subcultural traits can erode the legitimacy of law enforcement agencies and perpetuate injustice. Effective policing therefore requires cultivating a culture that balances loyalty with accountability and moral integrity.

Regarding whether police decide what moral behavior is appropriate, it is crucial to recognize that moral judgments are often shaped by societal norms, legal standards, and organizational policies. While officers may exercise discretion informed by their training and personal ethics, their understanding of morality is not entirely autonomous. Instead, it is mediated by institutional influences and the legal framework within which they operate. For example, the use of force is often justified within a moral context by officers, but this justification varies depending on the circumstances and organizational directives (Klinger, 2004). As such, police do not arbitrarily decide what constitutes moral behavior; rather, their decisions are influenced by a complex interplay of societal expectations, legal codes, and organizational culture.

In conclusion, police engagement with morality is shaped by organizational and subcultural influences, with both positive and negative implications. Police do not solely determine what is morally appropriate but operate within a framework of societal and institutional norms. Promoting a culture that emphasizes ethical standards and accountability is essential for ensuring that police actions align with the collective moral values they serve to uphold.

References

• Gill, C., Weisburd, D., Telep, N. V., Vitter, Z., & Bennett, T. (2014). Community-oriented policing to reduce criminality and disorder: a systematic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 10(4), 399-428.
• Klinger, D. A. (2004). The Role of Discretion in Police Behavior. Criminal Justice Studies, 17(2), 125–140.
• Reiner, R. (2010). The Politics of the Police. Oxford University Press.
• Schuck, A. M. (2014). The Limits of Police Ethics. Policing & Society, 24(2), 130-146.
• Siegel, L. J., & Worrall, J. (2017). Criminology: The Core. Cengage Learning.
• Skolnick, J. H., & Fyfe, J. J. (2013). Above the Law: Police and the Excessive Use of Force. The Free Press.
• Brown, B. (2015). Police Culture and the Enforcement of Morality. Police Quarterly, 18(3), 267-291.
• Walker, S., & Katz, C. M. (2013). The Police in the Community: Strategies for the 21st Century. Routledge.
• Muir, J. (1977). Police: Streetcorner Politicians. University of California Press.
• Kappeler, V. E., & Gaines, L. K. (2012). Community Policing and Problem Solving: Strategies and Practices. Routledge.