Rookie Officer Ethical Decision

Rookie Officer Ethical Decision

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Rookie Officer-Ethical Decision 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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The ethical dilemma faced by a rookie police officer observing an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO) consuming alcohol during a shift presents a complex moral challenge rooted in professional integrity, public safety, and personal moral principles. Responding appropriately requires an understanding of core ethical frameworks and moral rules that guide decision-making in law enforcement. In this context, the primary moral rule is the duty to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the community, alongside the obligation to maintain honesty and integrity in professional conduct.

According to deontological ethics, which emphasizes adherence to moral duties and rules regardless of the consequences, the rookie officer has a duty to intervene or take action when witnessing conduct that undermines the integrity of law enforcement operations and endangers public safety. Alcohol impairment among officers is strictly prohibited due to its potential to impair judgment, reduce effectiveness, and compromise the safety of both officers and civilians (Pollock, 2019). Therefore, the moral obligation to prevent or report the misconduct aligns with this ethical framework, which values duty, rules, and adherence to standards of conduct.

From a consequentialist perspective, or utilitarian ethics, the decision should prioritize actions that maximize overall good and minimize harm. Consuming alcohol during a shift can lead to impaired decision-making, increased risk of harm to the public, and erosion of community trust. Therefore, reporting the FTO’s behavior supports the greatest good by promoting accountability, safety, and the integrity of law enforcement practices. Even if reporting might threaten professional relationships or evaluations, the outcome of ensuring safety justifies taking action (Friedman, 2017).

However, the situation is further complicated by the fact that the FTO recently provided a favorable evaluation to the rookie officer, despite the latter’s violation of protocol or improper conduct. This raises questions about loyalty, fairness, and the potential consequences of whistleblowing. Ethical decision-making in this context aligns with virtue ethics, emphasizing the importance of moral character and integrity. The rookie officer must demonstrate honesty, courage, and a commitment to the public good, even if it means risking personal or professional repercussions (Annas, 2012). Upholding virtues such as integrity and responsibility becomes paramount, reinforcing the moral obligation to report misconduct regardless of recent evaluations or favoritism.

In practice, the rookie officer should consider the appropriate channels for addressing the issue. First, confronting the FTO directly might be suitable if it can be done safely and professionally, emphasizing concern for safety and adherence to protocols. If direct confrontation is not feasible or effective, reporting the incident to superiors or an internal affairs unit aligns with ethical standards for accountability and transparency. This action safeguards public trust, ensures accountability, and upholds the moral rule that law enforcement officers must act ethically and maintain the public’s confidence (Kappeler & Gaines, 2018).

In conclusion, the rookie officer’s response should be guided by a combination of moral rules and ethical principles centered on duty, integrity, and the common good. Upholding the law, ensuring public safety, and maintaining honesty are fundamental responsibilities that outweigh concerns about professional evaluations or relationships. An ethical approach rooted in deontological duties, utilitarian considerations, and virtuous character leads to appropriate action—reporting the misconduct to preserve the integrity of law enforcement and protect community interests.

References

• Annas, J. (2012). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Friedman, M. (2017). Ethics and the law: An exploration of duty and consequence. Journal of Law & Ethics, 45(3), 225-240.
• Kappeler, V. E., & Gaines, L. K. (2018). Community policing: A contemporary perspective. Routledge.
• Pollock, J. M. (2019). Ethical dilemmas in criminal justice. Cengage Learning.