NCJ Number
219019
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 124 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 46-48,50,51
Date Published
June 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews highlights of the advances of professional policing and the obstacles that prevent the image of police from becoming more positive, and discusses the future of police ethics.
Abstract
For decades, police agencies have struggled to generate and sustain a positive police image and an ethical organizational environment. The process continues with numerous advances attained. Police officials and community leaders must continue their dialogue searching for ways to strengthen their organization’s culture of integrity. Technological and social changes represent an important opportunity for agencies to enhance their image and improve their ethics. The key for all police agencies is to plan today for the realities of tomorrow. After a review of highlights of advances in professional policing and an illumination of the obstacles that continue to inhibit a positive image of police, this article discusses the future of police ethics, including preservice behavior standards, evolving forms of off-duty behavior, the role technology may play in preserving a healthy police image, and the future of accountability to citizens and communities. Notes