Ethics and the Role of CJSTC

Topics covered in this presentation:

The difference between ethical and unethical behavior

The continuum of Compromise

Violations investigated by Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

Disciplinary actions by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

The Difference Between Ethical and Unethical Behavior

Goal:

To develop an individualized understanding of the differences between ethical and unethical behavior that relates to the students own job and perspective on their profession in criminal justice.

The Difference Between Ethical and Unethical Behavior

Objectives

Describe the difference between ethical and unethical behavior

Describe the consequences of unethical behavior

Describe the impact of a criminal justice lifestyle on ethics

Define personal ethicsDefine organizational ethicsIdentify the difference between personal and

organized ethics

What is ethical behavior?

Moral principles that govern a person’s or group’s behavior

Being true to yourself

What is the basis of our ethics?

“ Always tell the truth; that way you don’t have to remember what you said.” - Harry Truman

What is unethical behavior?Lying

Cheating

Stealing

Fibbing

Gossiping

The consequences of unethical behavior.

Subjecting the agency to civil litigation.

A single incident of unethical behavior can take agency from being admired to being ridiculed, literally overnight.

A single incident can destroy your career.

Having your name in the news can be overwhelmingly humiliating.

Personal EthicsWhat happens between the academy graduation and

today?

What are your beliefs and values coming out of the academy?

What are your beliefs and values after several years of experience?

What influences changes in beliefs?

There can be effects on your family, friends, and social life.

Organizational EthicsWhat are organizational ethics?

Core value statements and agency Codes of Conduct

Agency Policy

Statutes

Rules

The Continuum of Compromise

Goal:To create an understanding of the progression of movement from ethical to unethical behavior and the behaviors which indicate movement to unethical behavior.

The Continuum of Compromise

Objectives:

Describe the differences between an ethical and unethical organization

Describe the effects of unethical behavior on the individual and the organization

Describe the continuum of compromiseDiscuss the impact of conflict between personal

ethics and organizational culture

In an ethical organization the members will:

Have a positive view toward integrity

Maintain a belief that the organization will address ethical problems and situations

Understand that the agency culture does not tolerate unethical behaviors

Indicator of good organizational health include:

Straightforward leadership

Administrative Courage

Creating and maintaining an open atmosphere

An organized training program

Trouble indicators include:

Discrimination

Lack of accountability

Excessive citizen complaints

Excessive use of force complaints

Abuse of sick leave

Inconsistent behaviors and actions

The Continuum of Compromise

If an organization and its members develop a pattern of unethical behaviors it can result in:

Acts of commissionActs of omission

Conflict Between Personal Ethics and Organizational Culture

A conflict between personal ethics and organization culture will have an impact on the officer.

Four options for response:Conform and move to that side of the

continuumNot conform and be an outcastPartial conformity, minimal commitmentLeave the organization

Good Moral CharacterStable and distinctive qualities built into an

individuals life which determines one response regardless of the circumstances.

Rule 11b-27.0011, Florida Administrative Code

Violations the CJSTC has Jurisdiction Over

Felony convictions Perjury convictions Moral character violations Felony offenses, regardless of

criminal prosecution Certain specified misdemeanors,

regardless of criminal prosecution Attempts and conspiracies Acts in other jurisdictions Controlled substance abuse Excessive use of force Sexual harassment Misuse of official position

Sex while on duty Unprofessional relationship

with an inmate False statements during the

employment process Subverting the officer

certification exam process Subverts CJSTC examination or

agency promotional process Any over, conspicuous act of a

sexual nature Intentional abuse of a

temporary employment authorization

Law Enforcement Officer’s Code of Ethics

Performance of the duties of an officerDiscretionUse of forceConfidentialityIntegrityCooperation with other officers and agenciesPersonal/Professional capabilitiesPrivate life

The “Critical Thinking Test”

When confronted with an ethical dilemma, ask yourself the following questions:

Is my action legal? Will the result of my action be good? Will what I plan to do actually work? Is there a less harmful alternative? Does it undermine some equal or more important value? Does a good end ever justify a bad means? Will I be able to justify my action if my decision is made

public?

The Effect of Lying

Never Lie! How could you testify in court?

Other officers will not trust you

Criminal Justice Agencies will be reluctant to hire you

You could lose your job

End of Lesson