Ethical Behavior In Criminal Investigations

This form of behavior has legal and ethical consequences if it is not dealt with in each instance. In order for “trust violators” to commit violations, rationalization, opportunity, and pressure need to be present. (Neiuwenboer & Kaptein, 2008) Falsifying reports or planting evidence is ethically unsound because every officer is required to swear an oath to office. It not only violates their oath but is in vio-lation of the laws of police conduct. Some question whether officers know at the time that they are taking the oath that if the situation presented itself, they would be willing to go against the laws they swore to uphold? Legally it can be detrimental to the department if this type of behavior is found out. In this media age, it is nearly

It is important that the police, police themselves. Any officer should feel comfortable with speaking to their colleagues when they feel that another officer is exhibit-ing questionable behavior. They should feel comfortable relying on superiors without fear of retaliation when these occurrences are brought to their attention. This should begin with a change in the training an officer receives the minute they enroll in the police academy. The training should provide list of re-sources that officers have to anonymously report corrupt behavior and those they can go to for sup-port if they feel they are being retaliated against. The mindset of officers must change in order for the behavior to change. Corrupt behavior undermines the efforts of those who are committed to just ends. (Martinelli, 2011) In the meantime, there should be severe punishment if it is proven that an officer has broken the law and should not be overlooked at any level. Instead of planting evidence an officer could chose to do further investigation to try and gain evidence that is legitimate. Instead of lying on the stand, working with the prosecutor to ensure that what they say is correct and if it isn’t sufficient, work toward strengthening the testimony. Finally, instead of falsifying their police reports, officers should understand that being accurate and truthful benefits the citizens and the police de-partments at the same