The Legacy Of The Police Code Of Ethicality

Police misconduct has been in existence since the 1600’s, European Influence on American Policing. Ironically, Police Officers in modern day continue the legacy of the police “culture” (Barry, 1999). A culture of abuse of authority or discretion, code of silence amongst officers, discrimination, and a strong belief that “cops — and firefighters — stick together, in life and death situations” (Wetendorf, 2004). Regardless of the abuse of authority officers conduct, it is a clear sign of poor ethics and morals amongst officers. Police brutality dates back decades, but it was most prominent beginning in the 1960s, especially during the Civil Rights Movement which began in 1963. African-Americans in the South took the blunt of these brutalities.

Decision some officers make compromise their loyalty, to the community they swore to protect. It is a stressful situation when deciding to be loyal to the job or to fellow officers. “Many departments have officers swear an oath to serve and protect without allowing personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships influence their actions”, however, the code exists (Lawrence, 2015). Not the code of ethics or the code of honor, but the “cop code”, which bonds unethical officers to a code of silence to protect each other.
There are three parts that make up the law enforcement code of ethics. The first part consists of equal protect to the people. In corrections it is equal protection to the inmates, regardless of race, color, sex, and class. The second part requires all officers to follow and adhere to the law, ensuring civil liberties not violated under the constitution. Third part, as a figure of authority officers must not abuse their authority for personal gain (Lawrence,

Both the community and correctional facility inmates need and want a safe place to live, but if officers are not abiding by the rules, regulations, and law it is difficult to gain trust of the people.
Several effective strategies exist to minimize or end ethical violations within law enforcement or correctional organizations. In many agencies an internal affairs division established, to monitor unethical acts conducted by an officer. A strong internal affairs division and other watchdog groups help officer’s stay free of dishonesty and wrongdoing. Many agencies have also started to conduct intensive background checks and psychological screenings to weed out individuals with anti-social personalities (Lawrence, 2015).
Police misconduct has been in existence since the 1600’s, European Influence on American Policing. Ironically, Police Officers in modern day continue the legacy of the police “culture” (Barry, 1999). A culture of abuse of authority or discretion, code of silence amongst officers, discrimination, and a strong belief that “cops — and firefighters — stick together, in life and death situations” (Wetendorf,