Ethical Dilemma Executive Summary - Essay Example

? Ethical dilemma executive summary 09 November Ethics refers to “the rules or principles that define right and wrong conduct,” (Robbinson, 1993, p.14). Members of the organisation often confront ethical dilemmas given that they have different perceptions about different things. In some instances, it can be observed that some people are not certain whether some issues they encounter in their operations should be considered as right or wrong. A good example of an ethical dilemma is a situation when people viewing the same thing would regard it as wrong while others would see nothing wrong. As such, this executive summary seeks to outline the steps I can take in dealing with an issue involving an officer within the department who is accepting inappropriate gifts from members of the community and business which is in violation of the ethical code of conduct. 1. What measures would you take? As a new officer I will be afraid of spoiling the relationship but on the other hand I would become part of the problem if I do not report the case. I would first try to make sure that I document all the events and list parties involved as well as the gifts exchanged. Being a new officer, I would first approach the involved officer with my concerns reminding him of the code of ethics that we would have sworn to uphold. Based on my conversation with him, I would contact my training officer for some general advice without raising any alarm if I am not satisfied with the response I get from him. Within the semi-para military operation, I would then proceed through the chain of command starting with the supervisor explaining what I would have observed. I would not have blown the case out of proportion since I would have tried my best to engage this officer in a professional manner. If the supervisor does not respond in a positive manner, I would proceed to contact either the Police Union, Internal Affairs and I would make sure that the document is copied to the employee relations or City Manager. 2. What are the professional implications? This practice is likely to reduce public confidence in the police force as they will view them as corrupt. If the public loses trust in the police force, then it may be difficult for them to cooperate with the police officers which impacts negatively on crime prevention and control. Such conduct promotes criminal activities which can make the duty of the police difficult to do. Corruption also destroys effective police leadership which can affect issues related to inculcating discipline among the members of the police force. If the leaders fail to control their subordinates, then the members of the public will automatically lose faith in the police force as whole. This apparently tarnishes the image of the police force as a whole. Such a scenario can have negative implications on the performance of the police since their morale will be down. Police officers should always lead by example so as to gain the credibility and trust of the members of the public they are supposed to serve. 3. What are the liability issues involved with not reporting the officer? Failure to report this police officer to the commander can lead to a cancer growing among other members who may end up viewing this conduct as morally good. If a person gets away with something bad, he will tend to see the conduct as acceptable which can compromise the credibility of the police force in the long run. Other workmates can also copy this bad behaviour which can severely affect the legitimacy of the police force which is supposed to protect the people without fear or favour. Corrupt officers are not effective in their operations and this can compromise the safety of the community at large. It may also be very difficult for the police to deal with issues related to criminal activities as there will be likely chances the members of the community will be uncooperative. 4. What supervisory issues does this situation present to management and leadership? This particular situation makes it imperative for the management and leadership to closely monitor the operations of their subordinates. This will enable them to keep a close eye against bad conduct which can tarnish the image of the police force. Once credibility of the police force is lost, public confidence will also be eroded which can negatively impact on the effectiveness of the police. The leaders of the police should also put measures that are meant to ensure that the needs and interests of their subordinates are addressed so that they will not be tempted to engage in such bad conduct. In some cases, the poor welfare of the police officers can drive them to act unprofessionally which can tarnish the image of the police force as a whole. If the subordinates are motivated, they will be dedicated to their work. Therefore, it is the duty of the police leaders and management to ensure that their subordinates are satisfied with their job which can enhance their effectiveness. 5. Why are ethics so important in the law enforcement profession? The fundamental duty of the police is to serve the community where life and property are safeguarded in a bid to promote liberty, peace and equality. As such, the police force is vested with the trust of the members of the community they are supposed. In order to gain the trust of the community members, the police officers should act in an ethical way which can promote their credibility. Their job is likely to be simplified if they have the trust of the members of the community since they can assist them with valuable information that can lead to effective fight against crime. The operations of the police are mainly dependent on the support they get from the people they are supposed to serve hence they should act in an ethical manner in order to create mutual understanding with them. Over and above, it can be noted that ethics play a pivotal role in the operations of the police force. Bad conduct such as corruption is likely to tarnish the credibility of the police and this can negatively impact on their effectiveness in combating crime. Such practice should be corrected before it destroys the image of the police force which can result in community members losing trust in them. Ethics are very important in the law enforcement profession given that the police officers are expected to act in an impartial way in order to promote the noble cause of protecting the people against criminal activities that can threaten their safety. References Robbins, S.P. (1993). Organisational behaviour: Concepts, controversies and Applications. 6th Edition. New Jersey, NJ: Prentice Hall. Rossouw D. (2004). Business Ethics: 3rd Edition. Cape Town, CT: Oxford University Press. Schultz, H. et al (2005). Organisational behaviour. Pretoria. Van Schaick Publishers. Whisenand, P.M. (2009). Managing Police Organizations. Seventh Edition. Prentice Hall. Read More