Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics on the IACP web page serves the same purpose as the comparable code of ethics for many other public servant agencies. Chiefly and principally I believe they are a set of values that are not just the stated policy of conduct expected of law enforcement officials. They are a set of values that the officers who swear their allegiance to not only abide by but should believe in out of respect for their predecessors as well as their profession. The main points I drew from the code of ethics follow a few general points. Firstly, and most obvious, is the duty of the law enforcement officer is service to the community as well as its safety and improvement. Secondly is duty to the constitution and rights of the ones they protect. This includes not just the innocent or the victims but the perpetrators with an emphasis on liberty, equality, and justice. The third main point I observed is the responsibility of a law enforcement officer to conduct him/herself, both on and off duty, in a respectable manner. Maintained within this are the values of courage, respect, courtesy, and honesty. The fourth main point is embodied throughout the code and that is the respect of the law in an honorable manner as well as cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

As far as whether or not the personal life of an officer should be included in such a code I believe it should completely. Those who enter into this profession do so voluntarily and should be doing so with the intention of serving in an honorable manner. It is completely fair in the aspect that you are a government employee and therefore represent that organization everyday. Just as with a soldier, a law enforcement officer is not seen as John Doe. If he or she acts maliciously those who pass judgment, the public, see first and foremost a law enforcement officer. When their conduct is unbecoming of an officer the image resonates throughout the organization reflecting negatively on the entire unit. Law enforcement officers are seen not only as public servants but role models and should act accordingly. If you look at professions that are most idolized by American youth law enforcement officers are high on the list. Role models that hold such a high level of admiration with individuals as easily influenced as our youth should always act in a manner fitting such admiration. The other reason I feel that this is completely warranted is the fact of public confidence. If the public sees the men and women entrusted with the safety of the population acting in a malicious manner the confidence and trust between the two will be greatly damaged. Efforts by a law enforcement agency to work in unison with the community for its safety would suffer greatly from a negative image. On the other hand if a law enforcement agency is held in high regard by the population they protect the possibilities for advancement and cooperation are endless. On the other hand, and it’s a very small hand, it is never desirable to have your entire life scrutinized but that is a burden you have to accept to become a law enforcement officer. Realistically I believe that there shouldn’t even be a need for such guidelines. I feel that if you are entering into such a time honored profession the pride of our position would provide sufficient self control over your actions.

I do not at all thing the code of ethics is unreasonable. I come from a military family and was raised on a set of 7 core values known as the Army Values. They are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-less Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage. These values are, to me, a guideline to living your life. Just as in the military if you accept the challenge of being a law enforcement officer you must also accept and believe in the core values and ethics that accompany your position. When