Читать книгу Police in America - Steven G. Brandl - Страница 30

Higher Standards and Visibility

What is one of the most important things a police officer needs to know in order to do a good job? It is critically important for officers to realize that 100% of the time, on and even off duty, they are in the spotlight; they are being watched by citizens and are held to a high standard of conduct by both those citizens and by police superiors. Of course, when on duty and in uniform, people can easily recognize police officers. People notice police officers. Police officers must realize that they are always subject to public scrutiny, even when taking a break from their duties. An officer must also be aware that when off duty and not in uniform, some people will still know that he or she is a police officer. Any questionable conduct from an off-duty officer is still subject to concern and criticism, and the officer can be disciplined for it. Officers’ off-duty use of social media is also subject to increased public and police department scrutiny and has been the basis for job sanctions. Bottom line: Police officers are held to a high standard of conduct and need to be aware of this at all times.

Many ethical issues in policing become relevant when considering the means-ends distinction. Ends are the goals to be achieved, such as apprehending criminals. Means are the ways in which those goals can be achieved, how things are done. When it comes to ethical concerns, usually the means are more scrutinized. Means vary from the ethical to the unethical. They are also either legal or illegal. As explained below, even if means are legal, they can still be viewed as unethical. Unethical and/or illegal means have been referred to as dirty means.³¹

dirty means: Unethical or illegal means used by police officers.