Police and Society - Research Paper Example

Police and Society The primary duty of police officers is to serve mankind, and protect the life and property of the public. Their other duties include the protection of innocent individuals from deception, the weaker sections of society from oppression and intimidation, and to preserve peace in the face of violence. Furthermore, the police have to protect the constitutional rights of citizens, such as the right to liberty, equality and justice (Tapscott, 2007). The private life of police officers should be unblemished, and should always exhibit courage, even in the face of extreme danger. In addition, they should develop and maintain self-restraint and strive hard for the welfare and safety of others. Police officers are expected to be honest in their thinking and actions, and respect and obey the rules of the police department. Moreover, they must maintain strict confidentiality about the information received by them in their official capacity. Such information is to be disclosed, only if required in the course of the police officer’s duty (Tapscott, 2007). A police officer should not behave in an overbearingly manner. In addition, police officers should not permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendship to influence their decisions. Thus, they are required to enforce the law with the utmost dedication, and in the absence of fear or favor (Tapscott, 2007). Police officers should never compromise in dealing with crime or in the relentless pursuit of criminals. It has been strictly enjoined upon members of the police force that they should eschew the use of unnecessary force or violence. It is incumbent upon police officers to demonstrate the official badge as an icon of the faith of the public in the police department (Tapscott, 2007). It is generally opined that the principal role of the police is best understood as a monopoly over the undisputed use of force. Many critics contend that the use of deadly force is counterproductive, while dealing with offenders. The death of an individual at the hands of the police, usually results in a strong public reaction. To a certain extent the use of lethal force can be justified on the grounds of self defense (Advanced Topics in Police Ethics, 2009). Some critics have even accused the police of promoting a culture of violence, in the name of law enforcement. According to Berkley, the status of police has undergone degradation. Many people believe that the police do not deserve respect. Several elements have to be present in society, like consensus, freedom, and equality; and the task of the police comes to the fore when there is a failure to arrive at a consensus. The outcome is a situation, in which the police wield near absolute power. Thus, a lesser degree of consensus results in the allocation of greater power to the police (Bailey, 1970, p.1118). Undoubtedly, the amount of power enjoyed by the police is inversely proportional to the level of freedom that people enjoy. Police work is susceptible to deviance, and police officers tend towards undesirable or unethical during the course of their duty. Over a period of time, there is a gradual decline in morals and ethics. Police officers routinely work as undercover agents, as part of their work. They have to assume false identities, while working as undercover agents. Moreover, they indulge in criminal activities to get acquainted with criminals. In addition, they frequently make false promises to kidnappers and hostage takers; and mislead the media. Police officers are trained to be deceptive during interviews and interrogation of criminals (Police Deviance & Ethics, 2005). Police officers can sell their vacation days and work assignments to other interested officers. Some officers manipulate the system to get posted to investigations that require frequent appearances in court. In this manner, officers take advantage of the overtime system, and earn nearly $5000 extra per year, by way of court appearances and overtime wages (Police Deviance & Ethics, 2005). Some officers tamper with the evidence and conceal facts, in order to save friends or relatives who indulge in crime. Police officers do not respect the personal privacy of individuals, and they routinely invade the privacy of the citizens, on the grounds of surveillance. Those who work in the narcotics department or fight with drug peddlers, in order to mitigate the drug problem, have greater access to large amounts of unaccounted money. In some cases, these amounts have been shown to be in excess of the GDP of some of the poorer nations (Police Deviance & Ethics, 2005). In sting operations, the police adopt a system, wherein they manufacture some prohibited product and sell it to the public. The purchase of such goods permits the police to arrest the purchaser. This is patently unethical and immoral and has been in receipt of considerable criticism (Police Deviance & Ethics, 2005). The police are endowed with a surfeit of power, so that they can freely operate and protect the public. They are empowered to secure and maintain the peace in society. The community has to approve of the power provided to the police, and should express its willingness to accord such power. Therefore, police power is dependent on the approval and willingness of the community (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). As such, the police have to work in accordance with the approval of the community for ensuring its safety. The police have to obtain the confidence of the community; and such confidence, respect and trust will be seriously jeopardized if a police officer acts in an unethical or high handed manner. Therefore, the level of confidence that the community has for the police force and the respect enjoyed by the latter depends on the professional ethics and conduct of the members of the police force (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). Consequently, police officers are precluded from acting unprofessionally, improperly, dishonestly or in an unlawful manner. Police officers must enforce the law without any partisan attitude. They should act reasonably, while enforcing the law, and they should not discriminate against people, and they should consider everyone to be equal before the law. More importantly, police officers should always act within the limits of their authority. They should not abuse their authority for any purpose, including personal gratification (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). The police have to enforce the law without fear and bias and they should not attach importance to the individual behind the crime. It is essential for police officers to bear in mind that they are public servants and in the service of the citizens. Therefore, every police officer should recognize this fundamental responsibility; and help those who approach them for aid. They have to register the complaints lodged by citizens and protect evidence. Furthermore, the police officers should maintain proper cooperation and liaison with other public officials (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). This will help them in providing enhanced safety and welfare to the community. The police should exercise restraint and abstain from issues that could tarnish their reputation. They should behave like role models to the community, and should not indulge in activities that would brand them as depicting favoritism, unfairness or partiality; or as individuals who were taking an unfair advantage (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). The conduct and attitude of the police officer play a great role in fortifying the relationship between the community and the police department. Police officers must understand the fact that they have to develop a desire to serve the community. The first and foremost issue that has to be understood is that the office of police is directly dependent on public trust. (Metropolitan Police Department, 1997). Service to the community is the fundamental duty of the police, and it is the foundation stone of the police service. To this end, each and every police officer should develop certain qualities and follow several moral issues. All members of the department are obligated to perform service to the community, honestly and effectively. References Advanced Topics in Police Ethics. (2009, April 18). Retrieved March 16, 2010, from http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/3300/3300lect04a.htm Bailey, W. C. (1970, p.1118). The Democratic Policeman (Book). American Sociological Review , Vol. 35 Iss. 6, pp. 1118 – 1119. Metropolitan Police Department. (1997, December 15). Code of Ethics. Retrieved March 17, 2010, from Statement of Interim Chief of Police Sonya T. Proctor on Metropolitan Police Department Ethics and Integrity: http://www.dcwatch.com/police/971215.htm Police Deviance & Ethics. (2005). Retrieved March 17, 2010, from http://faculty.ncwc.edu/mstevens/205/205lect11.htm Tapscott, K. R. (2007, May 18). Police Ethics . Retrieved March 15, 2010, from http://www.icseguess.com/articles/cat_articles_content.php?art_id=146 Read More