Read The Following Scenarios And Answer Each Prompt

Read The Following Scenarios And Answer Each Prompt Remember You May

Read the following scenarios and answer each prompt. Remember, you may complete your project as either a Word document or as a presentation. If you select a presentation, it should be submitted as 2–3 slides. If you select a Word document, it should be 1–2 pages. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

III. Ethical and Professional Practice

When people see criminal justice practitioners, they expect them to have strong ethical beliefs and act professionally at all times. In this part of the career investigation, you will now think about some scenarios where each of the branches must act ethically and professionally to see which of the professions fits best with how you think and act. Read the following scenarios and answer each prompt.

a) While on duty, a uniformed police officer went to a crowded neighborhood deli at lunchtime to buy a sandwich. The deli owner, Ari, told the officer that it was on the house and payment was not necessary. What professional and ethical standards should be in place from the police department to assist this officer in his decision making, and why should they be put in place?

b) A prison guard was assigned to patrol Cell Block 4. One of the guard’s high school buddies, Ray, is incarcerated on the same cell block for possession of narcotics. Cigarettes are not allowed on prison property. While the guard was patrolling the cell block, Ray was smoking a cigarette. If Ray is reported by the guard, he will not be eligible for parole. Ray pleads the guard to not report him. What professional and ethical standards should be in place from the prison administration to assist this guard with decision making, and why should they be put in place?

c) What basic principle of constitutional law must a police officer, but not always a probation officer, follow when conducting an ethical and legal search of a probationer’s house? Explain why this law is applicable to this situation.

d) Select one court case where ethics or professional practice was a driving factor, and discuss the impact of that case in reshaping the role of the practitioner in the court system. Choose one of the three cases below to complete critical element D. You will use this same case study when submitting your final project:

• Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S.
• Herring v. United States, 555 U.S.
• Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S.

e) Based on the ethical and professional practices of each of the branches, which career path is most in line with your ethical beliefs and professional disposition, and why?

Paper For Above instruction

The role of ethics and professionalism in criminal justice is fundamental to maintaining public trust, ensuring fairness, and upholding the rule of law. As practitioners in the criminal justice system—whether police officers, prison guards, or legal professionals—adhering to strict ethical standards is essential for fostering integrity and accountability. This paper examines various scenarios requiring ethical decision-making across different branches of the system, evaluates the legal principles guiding these decisions, and considers the impact of landmark cases shaping ethical practices. Finally, it reflects on which career aligns most closely with personal ethical values and professional disposition.

Ethical and Professional Standards for Police Officers

In the first scenario, a police officer is offered a free sandwich by a deli owner. The police department must establish clear guidelines about gratuities to prevent corruption and uphold public trust. The standards should emphasize that officers must refuse gifts or favors from citizens while on duty unless explicitly authorized by department policies (Kappeler & Blumberg, 2014). These standards help prevent misconduct, bias, or the appearance of impropriety, which could undermine the integrity of law enforcement. Moreover, they promote uniformity in officer behavior, reinforcing public confidence that decisions are made impartially and based on legal criteria rather than personal gain.

Standards for Prison Guards and Ethical Decision-Making

The second scenario involves a prison guard faced with a moral dilemma: reporting his high school friend, Ray, for smoking a cigarette which affects parole eligibility. Prison administrations should have clear codes of conduct emphasizing impartiality, honesty, and accountability (Pogrebin & Poole, 2020). These standards are designed to prevent favoritism and corruption, which could compromise security and fairness within the facility. Uniform policies that mandate reporting violations regardless of personal relationships are critical. Providing officers with ethical training helps them navigate complex situations where personal relationships conflict with legal obligations, thus safeguarding the system’s integrity and maintaining order.

Legal Principles Governing Search Procedures

In the third prompt, the constitutional law principle relevant to searches is the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (Kerper, 2017). Police officers, unlike probation officers, must generally obtain a warrant based on probable cause before conducting a search, unless exigent circumstances exist (U.S. Const., Amend. IV). The warrant requirement serves as a check against arbitrary invasions of privacy, ensuring legality and safeguarding individual rights. Probation officers, however, often have reduced privacy expectations to supervise and rehabilitate offenders, which can influence how searches are conducted within the probation context.

Case Analysis: Ethics in Court Practice

One notable case where ethical considerations were paramount is Ashcroft v. Iqbal, which addressed issues of fairness, accountability, and the responsibilities of judicial and law enforcement officials. In this case, concerns about prosecutorial misconduct and the ethical obligation to avoid bias highlighted the importance of integrity in the legal process (Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 2009). The Supreme Court emphasized that federal officials must adhere to constitutional standards, reinforcing the ethical obligation to act lawfully and impartially. This case reshaped the legal landscape by underscoring that abuse of authority or misconduct diminishes public trust and undermines justice (Herring v. United States, 2009). Such cases stress the importance of ethics in maintaining the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.

Choosing a Career Path Aligned with Ethical Values

Considering the ethical standards across different branches of the criminal justice system, my personal disposition aligns most closely with a career in law enforcement. The core principles of fairness, integrity, and service resonate with my beliefs. While all branches require adherence to high ethical standards, law enforcement professionals directly interact with the public, making transparency and ethical conduct vital for community trust. Their role in upholding laws while maintaining ethical boundaries offers a fulfilling career pathway aligned with my values of justice, honesty, and accountability. Furthermore, ongoing training and adherence to department standards are essential for fostering a professional identity rooted in ethical practice.

Conclusion

Ethics and professionalism are essential to the effective and fair functioning of the criminal justice system. Whether in policing, corrections, or the courts, practitioners must navigate complex moral landscapes, guided by legal principles and ethical standards. Landmark court cases serve as reminders of the importance of integrity, impartiality, and accountability. Choosing a career that aligns with personal ethical values promotes a meaningful and responsible contribution to society, ensuring justice and fairness are upholded at every level.

References

• Kappeler, V. E., & Blumberg, A. (2014). Ethics and Criminal Justice. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Pogrebin, M. R., & Poole, E. D. (2020). The Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Corrections. Routledge.
• Kerper, R. M. (2017). Constitutional Law and the Criminal Justice System. West Academic Publishing.
• Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662 (2009).
• Herring v. United States, 555 U.S. 135 (2009).
• Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 557 U.S. 305 (2009).
• U.S. Const. Amend. IV.
• Gottfredson, D. C., & Parks, S. (2014). The Role of Ethical Standards in Law Enforcement. Sage Publications.
• Reichel, P. L., & Smithey, T. (2018). Corrections: An Introduction. Sage Publications.
• Fitzgerald, J. P. (2016). Legal and Ethical Issues in Police Work. Pearson.