Foundations of Ethical Theory
The study of what constitutes good or bad conduct. It is often used interchangeably with "morals" as both pertain to behavioral practices and character.
What is "ethics"?
Occurs when an officer acting in an official capacity receives a benefit or something of value (other than their paycheck) for doing or not doing something.
What is "police corruption"?
The authority and power given to officers to choose how to handle a specific situation based on their judgment.
What is "discretion"?
A police subculture where officers feel a sense of loyalty to their peers that outweighs their duty to report misconduct.
What is the "blue wall of silence"?
The broad moral principles that govern all human conduct.
What is "basic ethics"?
The payment of money or other contributions to a police officer with the specific intent to subvert the aim of the criminal justice system.
What is a "bribe"?
The process of holding officers and agencies responsible for their legal, ethical, and professional conduct.
What is "police accountability"?
A subculture practice where officers (and sometimes their families) are given preferential treatment by other officers.
What is "professional courtesy"?
Concerned with the study of what constitutes right and wrong behavior in specific, real-world situations. Focuses on how principles are used in specific circumstances.
What is "applied ethics"?
Police officers who participate in passive corruption by accepting opportunities for "perks" or small benefits that happen to come their way.
What are "grass eaters"?
A method for providing independent citizen oversight of complaints filed against the police through a board or committee.
What is "citizen review"?
Items of value (tips, gifts, or free services) received by an officer because of their job role rather than a personal relationship.
What are "gratuities"?
The set of traits that motivate and enable a person to act as a moral person, perform their best work, and pursue truth.
What is "character"?
Officers who aggressively seek out and take advantage of opportunities for corruption, often involving significant sums of money or illegal activity.
What are "meat-eaters"?
Community-led boards designed to ensure transparent external accountability for police actions.
What is "citizen oversight"?
The concept that unethical behavior often begins with "minor" deviations that lead to progressively more serious types of deviance.
What is a "slippery slope"?
A complex problem in the decision-making process involving two possible options, neither of which is absolutely acceptable from an ethical standpoint.
What is an "ethical dilemma"?
Occurs when officers use illegal or unethical means (like planting evidence) to achieve what they believe is a "greater good."
What is "noble cause corruption"?
Government agencies established to increase accountability and public trust by setting and enforcing standards (e.g., FDA or EPA).
What is a "regulatory agency"?
A pervasive, contemptuous, and distrustful attitude toward others' motives, often developing from constant exposure to high-stress environments.
What is "cynicism"?