NCJ Number
224856
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 56 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 64-68,70
Date Published
September 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In advocating principle-based decisionmaking in policing, this article contrasts it with ends-based approaches and offers recommendations for teaching principle-based decisionmaking.
Abstract
Principle-based decisionmaking is based on a system of ethical concepts and principles that apply across all situations. Under ends-based ethical principles, on the other hand, behavior is based on the intended outcome a person hopes to achieve in a given situation. Thus, ethical behavior in one situation does not necessarily apply in another situation in order to achieve a similar outcome. Principle-based decisionmaking relies on a set of time-tested principles, such as honesty, respect, equality, fairness, and courage in guiding on officer’s choice. Ends-based ethics may use dishonesty, deception, and even law-breaking in order to achieve what the decisionmaker believes is a laudable outcome, such as the arrest and conviction of an individual an officer believes to be guilty of a crime. Principle-based decisionmaking is well-suited to law enforcement because most agencies have a clear set of core ethical values or mission statements in place. In addition, principle-based decisionmaking fits well with the kinds of repetitive ethical challenges that face law enforcement. Rather than attempting to make decisions based on envisioned outcomes, officers need only act according to their agency’s core values. The ultimate goal of ethics training for police officers is to help them increase their moral competencies by emphasizing the importance of core values and principle-based decisionmaking. Research suggests that case studies and facilitation are the most effective ways of helping officers enhance their moral reasoning. Facilitation and case studies provide officers with an opportunity to apply principle-based decisionmaking to many of the issues currently facing law enforcement, such as corruption, abuse of power, off-duty conduct, integrity, and the treatment of civilian employees.