Ethical Scenarios in Modern Policing

Ethical Scenarios in Modern Policing

Scenario 1- Drugs at a Friend's House:

This scenario raises a moral problem because the officer is duty bound by oath to enforce penal law and in this circumstance, the officer has observed a penal violation that constitutes a felony in most jurisdictions. Had the officer observed the same conduct while on duty, there would be no question that he would have an affirmative duty to take enforcement action, in which case it would not be appropriate to apply discretion instead of taking action.

Since he is off-duty, enforcement action is not required as it would be were it to involve the immediate threat to the life or limb of a specific victim or to members of the public. The specific criteria justifying the decision not to take enforcement action are: (1) the absence of immediate danger or harm to persons or property and (2) the officer's off-duty status. On the other hand, the scenario still presents several ethical issues. First, the officer has an ethical obligation to inform his friend to alert him to criminal activity on his property for his benefit and to allow him to make appropriate and informed decisions in terms of any associated risks to his interests. Second, the officer has an ethical obligation to distance himself from his friend in the event his friend is aware of and condones the cocaine use. Sworn law enforcement officers cannot allow friendships to place them in circumstances where they are likely to be exposed to felonious behavior.

Therefore, I would immediately confront my friend to ascertain whether or not he is aware of the drug use in his house. If he responds appropriately by confronting his friends and then distancing himself from them, there is no ethical dilemma in maintaining our friendship. If he responds inappropriately, I would politely leave the party and advise my friend never to include me in any social plans that could possibly expose me to similar situations.

Scenario 2- Accepting a Gift:

Chances are there is no actual moral problem since the gift is most likely a genuine expression of gratitude and appreciation in circumstances where there is no obvious ulterior motive on the part of the merchant or potential for a conflict of interest. Such an ethical dilemma would exist where the officer involved had some enforcement responsibility that conflicted with the interests of the merchant (such as parking enforcement responsibility on the street in front of his business).

Even though that criterion of identifying genuine ethical dilemmas is not satisfied, this scenario also raises the issue of avoiding the mere appearance of impropriety and/or of avoiding potentially confusing situations capable of leading to the slippery slope. Therefore, I would thank the merchant for the fruit and accept it as a token gratuity (much like a cup of coffee) but explain that acceptance of the gift certificate could be misconstrued as inappropriate and ask the merchant to donate it to someone in need.