I am hoping someone can help me with this question, first off yes it is homework and the only reason I am asking for help is because I have drawn a blank. My textbook is no help I went over the last five chapters and even skipped ahead and I found nothing that could help me.
What conflicts do you see between the formal law enforcement code of ethics and the police subculture or “Cop Code”?
What ethical problems might these conflicts create?
How are these two different ethical codes tied to public perceptions of the role of law enforcement?
I live in a small town so we don't really ever hear about cop code ethics or misconduct.
Any help you can offer would be great. I am not asking anyone to do the work for me; I am just asking to be pointed in the right direction.
Thank you all so much. My paper is due today and all 3 of my babies are sick making it even harder to focus and find the track I need to be on.
Again thanks for your help
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
The Formal Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the stereotypical police attitude are very real ethical problems. One such debate is that of public perception of police investigating police. The public feels that in the majority of cases where police investigate police that there will simply put "nothing done" or no one will be charged. On the other hand, the police may feel that since it is another cop doing the investigating that there will be some sense of "understanding" in the roles that they play. I hope that this helps you to get a start in what you have to write. If you need another example...the case of the polish immigrant comes to mind that was tasered to death at Vancouver's International Airport. Where the public feels that someone should be held accountable...the police felt endangered and thus you have a conflict between Formal Law Enforcement and the Cop Code.
Police Subculture
I have an ex-brother in law who used to meet a 15 year old girl to have sex in the cruiser at night. When she finally got pregnant, the entire department helped get him moved to another state, and moved before my sister or our town knew anything was up. It took years for us to learn the truth, and you can bet it was not the police department that finally set my sister straight.