Part F Rookie Officer Ethical Decision Quiz 134339

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario involving a rookie police officer witnessing a Field Training Officer (FTO) consuming alcohol on duty presents a profound ethical dilemma rooted in professional conduct, moral responsibility, and organizational loyalty. The decision the rookie must make hinges on principles of integrity, responsibility, and adherence to law enforcement protocols. This paper explores the appropriate moral and ethical responses to such situations, considering both personal integrity and the broader implications for justice and departmental accountability.

The primary moral rule relevant to this scenario is the obligation to uphold the law and maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies. From a Kantian ethical perspective, the officer has a duty to act according to universal principles that respect the dignity of all individuals, including the obligation not to enable or ignore misconduct. Kantian ethics emphasizes that moral actions are performed out of duty and adherence to moral law, rather than personal gain or loyalty to peers. Therefore, the rookie officer has a moral duty to report the misconduct, despite the potential repercussions or loyalty conflicts with the FTO.

Additionally, utilitarian principles support reporting the misconduct, as the greatest good for the greatest number would entail ensuring that officers are sober, responsible, and capable of performing their duties effectively. Alcohol consumption while on duty compromises officer safety, the safety of the public, and the integrity of the law enforcement institution. Thus, reporting the incident aligns with the moral rule of promoting overall well-being and safety.

Confronted with the knowledge that the FTO has just given a favorable evaluation despite misconduct, the officer faces an ethical conflict involving loyalty to colleagues versus loyalty to the truth and organizational integrity. From a deontological perspective, honesty and transparency are non-negotiable moral duties. Covering up misconduct, especially involving impairment, directly contravenes these duties. Therefore, the ethical action remains to report the incident to higher authorities, even if this risks repercussions such as strained relationships or personal risk.

The ethical system of virtue ethics also underscores the importance of developing personal virtues such as honesty, courage, and integrity. Acting ethically in this situation entails demonstrating moral courage to address wrongful behavior and uphold virtues essential to professional law enforcement conduct. Failing to report the misconduct would undermine the officer's moral development and the trustworthiness of the institution.

In summary, the moral and ethical response to witnessing a supervisor drinking alcohol on duty involves adhering to principles of duty, honesty, and organizational responsibility. The rookie officer should report the incident to supervisory authorities, thereby upholding the core values of law enforcement and safeguarding the integrity of the profession. While challenges and risks are inherent, moral integrity and the commitment to justice demand such honest action.

References

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• Borum, R. (2010). Ethical Decision Making in Policing. Police Practice & Research, 11(4), 308-320.
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