NCJ Number
137434
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 6-10
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The complexity of American society, the nature of police work, and problems inherent in discretionary law enforcement all require police officers who are solidly grounded in applied ethics.
Abstract
The nature of policing dictates that officers consistently make immediate and demanding decisions that call into play ethical, moral, procedural, and legal questions. The role of police officers is changing from pure law enforcement to one of dealing with people and their problems; therefore, police officers are taking a more holistic approach to the community. Higher education has been cited as an effective way to teach the concept of discretion in law enforcement. Research indicates a positive correlation among higher education, fewer disciplinary actions, and fewer citizen complaints. Specific studies in Florida demonstrate that better educated police officers choose ethically better responses and are less involved in disciplinary actions. To educate police officers adequately in the ethical sense, they must be encouraged to create a moral code to which they can turn when decisions must be made without recourse to specific direction from superiors or policy. It may also be beneficial to integrate the traditional police academy curriculum with general college degree courses. 21 endnotes