Ethics and the Criminal Justice Profession - Essay Example

He subsequently arrests a suspect wearing a size 9 shoe. The footprint is a size 11 sneaker and Detective White discards the footprint evidence believing it is unrelated to the crime. He fails to document this information." (Rothlein, 2007). This case shows that evidence has been discarded that may or may not affect the case. It is not within the bounds of the detective to determine that. All evidence must be disclosed. This case essentially tells how important the Brady v Maryland case is in the everyday job of the police officer or investigator.

Police Officer Off Duty Integrity This in many ways is a difficult question to answer. No one wants to be held to a higher standard than those around them. However, I again quote the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. In paragraph two it says: "I will keep my private life unsullied, as an example to all: I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department."(Law Enforcement Code of Ethics). If we do not hold the police officer at a higher standard than what might that affect when it comes time to prosecute a criminal If the arresting officer is known to indulge in drug abuse off duty and then arrests someone for doing the same while on duty, how does he justify that Because it is the law.

Well, if it is the law, then how is it that the police officer is involved off duty What about if the police officer, like in our previous case, drives drunk How does he then arrest someone who is driving drunk when he is on duty The law is the law. The police officer by the ethics code he is responsible for must protect the innocent. He must be able to arrest those that break the law to do that. That puts him in a position of staying within the law when he is off duty.My answer has to be yes.

The off duty policeman should be held to a higher standard than the public and because he knows that when he becomes a police officer, it is fair.