Ethical Standards In Law Enforcement

Regardless if anyone knows it or not, everyone actually lives in accordance with some sort of ethical standard. Some may refer to it as a code, a creed, or even a motto; however ethics itself is defined as a set of moral principles or values (Meriam-Webster). Ethics is an extremely important aspect of society in general and is applicable in every profession, however it holds a higher regard in law enforcement. Law enforcement officers are entrusted by the public to not only uphold the laws and order of our society but also live by and obey them; they are given the highest authority in the United States; to take a citizens life if it is required. Without ethics there would be corruption which would lead to chaos and an unstable society
The ethical standard that law enforcement adheres to is truly important not because law enforcement is thought to be better than the average citizen but because they are held and expected to be of higher standard. If ethics was not held in such high regard than who would police the police? An ethical standard can be created but it is only through it existing in written form and being disseminated appropriately, followed by all through leadership by example, and enforcement to reinforce its importance that it becomes effective. With these aspects fulfilled it then becomes practicable and applied to the law enforcement officer’s life in his or her behavior. The public holds law enforcement to a higher standard because they see them as role models of society and expect them to act accordingly both professionally and personally. Any compromise to this expectation causes mistrust amongst the public towards police and leads to disorder. Law enforcement’s objectives in responding to calls for service are gaining control or compliance and resolution. With a lack of ethical conduct and mistrust or lack of faith in police these objectives become nearly impossible to achieve in a proportional