Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

What conflicts do you see between the formal law enforcement code of ethics and the police subculture or “Cop code’? What ethical problems might these conflicts create? How are these two different ethical codes tied to public perceptions of the role of law enforcement?

The conflict between the formal law enforcement code of ethics and the police subculture is one of virtue and honesty. By holding a code of silence between themselves police officers hide information and create their own boundaries within the police force. They choose their own rules in handling different situations which don’t always benefit the public.

The community needs to feel they have a partnership with the police this is done by participation of board members which consists of several people within the community. The community needs to feel a bond with the police. When certain events such as racial profiling and unnecessary arrests occur along with cop brutality a sense of mistrust carries out the dilemma of a poor reputation within the force. Openness of complaints and concerns conveyed by the community in writing should be interviewed and taken seriously. The community needs to feel they are protected.

Subcultures such as the rampart scandal where as police took on their own way of fighting crime brought about much illegal operation within the force and the inability to supervise the noted situation.

The police force needs leaders who can supervise the force and lead the community in a partnership where if it be complaints or changes that need to be made addressing concerns of the community.