Part F Rookie Officer Ethical Decision Quiz

Part F Rookie Officer Ethical Decision 75 Wordsyou Are A Rookie Pol

PART F. Rookie Officer-Ethical Decision (75 words) You are a rookie police officer and are riding with a Field Training Officer (FTO). During your shift, the FTO stops at a convenience store and quickly drinks four beers in the back room of the store. He is visibly affected by the beers and the smell of alcohol is very noticeable. What should you do? What if the FTO had just written up a favorable evaluation of you even though you should have received a reprimand for an improper disposition of a traffic accident? Share the moral rule(s) and ethical system that corresponds with your decision.

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In ethical decision-making within law enforcement, approaching situations with integrity and adherence to moral and legal standards is paramount. When confronting the scenario of witnessing a Field Training Officer (FTO) consuming alcohol during a shift, a rookie officer faces a moral dilemma that tests their commitment to professionalism, safety, and accountability. The fundamental moral rule in such a circumstance is to uphold honesty and the responsibility to prevent misconduct, which aligns with the ethical system of deontological ethics. This system emphasizes duty and adherence to moral rules, irrespective of potential outcomes.

According to deontological principles, the officer's duty is to report misconduct that compromises the safety, integrity, and credibility of the police force. Consuming alcohol on duty violates departmental policies, ethical standards, and the law. Ignoring or condoning such behavior would compromise the officer's moral obligation to uphold justice and public trust. Therefore, the appropriate course of action is to report the incident to a higher authority or supervisor, ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of law enforcement operations. This action aligns with Kantian ethics, emphasizing the importance of acting according to moral duties and treating others—here, the public and the department—with respect and honesty.

Furthermore, the complication of the FTO having just written a favorable evaluation for the rookie officer introduces additional moral considerations, such as the influence of favoritism and the integrity of evaluations. If the rookie officer is aware of the FTO's misconduct, they face a dilemma of whether to risk personal repercussions or to uphold the truth. The ethical system of virtue ethics guides the officer to demonstrate courage, honesty, and integrity in advocating for what is right, despite potential personal or professional costs.

In this context, the decision to report the FTO's misconduct is supported by the moral rule of honesty and the ethical principles of duty and integrity. It affirms the officer’s commitment to the core values of law enforcement—serving the community with fairness and accountability. Acting in accordance with these principles not only preserves ethical standards but also contributes to a culture of integrity within the police force. Failing to act could foster a culture of silence and impunity, undermining public trust and the moral credibility of law enforcement agencies.

In conclusion, confronting misconduct by a superior is ethically challenging but necessary. The deontological framework and virtues of honesty, bravery, and integrity support the decision to report the incident. Upholding these moral rules ensures that law enforcement remains a moral institution dedicated to justice, public safety, and the protection of constitutional rights, thereby reinforcing the ethical backbone of policing practice.

References

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