Describe the characteristics of police professionalism, and how this relates to ethics?  What are the most ethical issues in today's era of policing?

Discussion Guidelines

According to Grant (2002), officers must also maintain their personal lives private and acknowledge the badge as a symbol of public faith and confidence. The police code of conduct and the law enforcement code of ethics work together. The code of conduct is a set of ethical guidelines that law enforcement agents follow when carrying out their jobs. Acting impartially, using caution, using only required force, and maintaining confidentiality, honesty, and a professional image at all times are all part of these rules (Grant, 2002). These ethical declarations, together with appropriate training and competent leadership, inspire law enforcement officers to pursue a career in which they are ethical. Corruption is an ethical concern that police officers face. Strong leadership, changes in the selection and socialization of new officers, changes in departmental organization and operations, and changes in the environment in which the department works are listed as characteristics of police corruption, and four methods for controlling corruption in law enforcement agencies are suggested, including strong leadership, changes in the selection and socialization of new officers, changes in departmental organization and operations, and changes in the environment in which the department works (Grant, 2002).

Grant, K. (2002). Ethics and Criminal Justice. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 71(12), 11–14.