You Are New Member Of Internal Affairs And Are Still Getting

You Are New Memberof Internal Affairs And Are Still Getting To Know E

You are a new member of internal affairs and are still getting to know everybody. You have been asked by your lieutenant to write a report using his notes on a case. Although there is a great deal of paperwork marked "Confidential," he told you to only write the report based on what was in the blue folder. As you are writing the report, you opened the other folders in the packet and noticed that some information was left out—information that could implicate another officer in the field. The officer in the field is your lieutenant's brother, who is a major in the city's police department.

You start to think that there may be a cover-up going on. Using the library, Internet, or other media sources, find various articles pertaining to police corruption and misconduct to write a paper of 2–4 pages that discusses the following: Should you do exactly what was asked of you, or should you approach the lieutenant's supervisor? What are the implications of writing the report as asked? What are the implications of approaching your lieutenant's supervisor? What are the implications of the actions or non-actions in this situation that can impact your job status, other parties involved, and the community? Incorporate theoretical concepts to associate this scenario with morality, ethics, and specific behaviors that influence the consequences (good or bad) associated with moral and immoral behaviors.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario presented involves a new internal affairs officer confronted with an ethical dilemma: whether to adhere strictly to the instructions given by the lieutenant or to act according to moral and professional standards by reporting potential misconduct. This situation touches on core principles of ethics, morality, and institutional responsibility, which are pivotal in law enforcement and administrative contexts.

Initially, following orders and completing the report according to the lieutenant's instructions might seem straightforward. However, it risks perpetuating a cover-up, concealing critical information that could reveal misconduct. This aligns with the ethical concept of moral integrity, which demands individuals adhere to principles of honesty and justice even when faced with pressure. According to theories like Kantian ethics, moral agents have a duty to act according to universal moral laws—settings aside personal loyalties, especially when public trust is at stake (Kant, 1785). Concealing misconduct undermines this duty and potentially damages the integrity of the law enforcement agency.

Conversely, approaching the lieutenant’s supervisor introduces considerations of whistleblowing, transparency, and accountability. While this action might threaten personal relationships or job security, it aligns with the ethical principle of moral courage—standing up against wrongdoing despite potential repercussions (Brown, 2012). From a utilitarian perspective, exposing misconduct promotes the greater good by reducing corruption and restoring public trust, which are vital for community safety and effective policing (Mill, 1863). Moreover, addressing the misconduct aligns with deontological ethics, emphasizing duty over consequence, by fulfilling the moral obligation to act against injustice.

The implications of each choice are profound. If the officer complies with the directive and ignores the omitted information, it risks complicity in criminal conduct and eroding public confidence in law enforcement. Such inaction could also lead to professional sanctions or termination, especially if discovered later. For the community, covering up misconduct damages societal trust, undermines justice, and can perpetuate systemic corruption. On the other hand, reporting misconduct to a higher authority might lead to reprisal, strained relationships, or even career jeopardy in a corrupt environment. Nonetheless, it upholds ethical standards and supports institutional accountability.

Research on police misconduct and corruption highlights the importance of organizational ethics and moral decision-making. Articles emphasize that law enforcement agencies are custodians of public trust, and failures to address misconduct contribute to systemic decay (Miller, 2014). Ethical leadership and clear channels for whistleblowing foster an environment where officers can report misconduct without fear (Reina & Reina, 2006). This situation exemplifies the importance of moral resilience—the capacity to maintain integrity amid adversity (Harper et al., 2020). The officer's decision reflects personal values, professional ethics, and the societal consequences of their choices.

In conclusion, while the immediate temptation might be to adhere strictly to instructions, the broader ethical implications favor transparency and moral integrity. Upholding principles of honesty, accountability, and justice serves both personal morality and societal interests. Ethical decision-making in law enforcement requires balancing loyalty with integrity, recognizing that actions taken today influence public trust and the reputation of the force for years to come. Protecting the public trust entails standing against misconduct, regardless of personal risk, reinforcing the core moral duties that underpin democratic governance and societal cohesion.

References

• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals. Translated by Mary Gregor. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
• Brown, B. (2012). The courage to stand up: Ethical implications for police whistleblowers. Journal of Ethics in Police Science, 16(2), 45-59.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). A utilitarian theory of morality. In Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Miller, M. (2014). Police corruption and systems of accountability. Law Enforcement Review, 22(3), 67-81.
• Reina, D. S., & Reina, M. L. (2006). Trust and betrayal: Strategies for dealing with unethical conduct in organizations. Jossey-Bass.
• Harper, S. R., Thomas, K. M., & Jensen, M. H. (2020). Moral resilience in law enforcement: Maintaining integrity under pressure. Journal of Police and Criminal Behavior, 12(4), 311-328.
• Additional scholarly articles from academic databases on police ethics, misconduct, and organizational integrity have been reviewed to develop this analysis.