Ethics In Criminal Justice
Current Date: 6 March 2013
Ethical Dilemma 1: Gun Rally
I would support the right of the group to assemble and to recognize peacefully their 2nd Amendment rights. As long as they are not hindering businesses in their daily activities, harassing customers or bystanders and definitely not exceeding the noise ordinances for the city and surrounding area. The area where they assemble should be a public area but the size and capacity of the meeting area needs to be decided by the group buying a permit for lawful assembly and for proper safety precautions for traffic, crowds that may attend the rally plus enabling peaceful protestors to witness and to voice their opinions. I would notify all patrols that day that this event is happening at the stated time and place and I would provide security patrols to monitor the area to ensure peaceful assembly. In no instance should the general public’s safety be compromised. If the rally turns into a violent assembly with fringe groups who oppose the meeting then the rally will be peacefully dispersed and all parties ordered to return to their homes or places of business. I would support the right to assemble and the 2nd Amendment rights that the group is trying to recognize.
Ethical Dilemma 2: Chief’s Orders
I would advise the officers in my department about the rally and support the 2nd Amendment and rights to assemble of the group as long as it was peacefully done. I would not condone the group inciting riots or violence and would definitely check to make sure all parties had weapons permits if they were carrying weapons on their persons concealed. I would allow the group to assemble on the town square green. I would not follow the Chief’s advice of storming the area with tear gas, billy clubs causing a panic or riot. I would not arrest everyone charging them with unlawful assembly, trespassing, rioting or disturbing the peace unless I observed the group in violation of public law doing this. I would disparage the Chief’s remarks about them being terrorists and thugs by advising her to leave the area even if it meant a reprimand of my actions by her. I would chastise her and state that I do not agree with her derogatory remarks and would report her to Internal Affairs and the Mayor and City Council’s office. She would be subject to legal scrutiny and possible dismissal from her duties.
Ethical Dilemmas 3: Accepting Favors
I would start my investigation of the gun advocacy group with agreeing with the next county’s Chief of Police about his officer’s unethical behavior. This may be acceptable habits and “good old boy” policy in his county but I would remiss in accepting and participating in his behavior. Most businesses and restaurants grant a Peace Officer’s discount which can be accepted or turned down depending on the officer’s integrity. Once I determined the officer’s cooperation with me in the investigation I would keep the conversation between myself and that person not involving his chief. I would keep it professional but at the same time advise him that we need to be as honest, forthright and direct as we can while doing our interviews and investigation of the rally group. Whatever “agreement” the officer has with merchants in the town needs to cease and desist while on official business and also in my presence. If my partner continues to do this, I would advise the chief that I would need a new partner out of respect for his other officers and the taxpayers who pay his salary. An officer of the law must uphold the respect, integrity and duty his position requires. I would continue the investigation on my own if I determine that the chief is complicit with the officer and he condones the behavior.
Ethical Dilemma 4: Reporting A Deal
Depending on the circumstances, I would immediately request a mistrial and possibly a change of venue on this case because of the apparent conflict of interest in this case. I witnessed the