Study Document
Pages:4 (1297 words)
Sources:6
Subject:Government
Topic:Law Enforcement
Document Type:Term Paper
Document:#54962328
Developing Ethical Leaders in Law Enforcement
At any point in time but especially during periods of social and political unrest, American citizens look to law enforcement authorities to provide them with the informed guidance and support they need to navigate their ways through these challenging times successfully. It is therefore incumbent upon law enforcement agencies at every level to create an organizational culture that places a high priority of ethical policing practices and to develop ethical leaders that can model the way for their subordinates. To this end, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature to explicate the importance of ethical leadership and to identify strategies for developing ethical leaders in law enforcement today. A summary of the research and key findings concerning these issues are presented in the paper’s conclusion.
Review and Discussion
Importance of Ethical Leadership in Law Enforcement
One of the major sacrifices that all law enforcement authorities make when they accept a badge is a career-long commitment to place the health and welfare of others above one’s own life. Indeed, law enforcement is an especially dangerous profession, and more than one hundred police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2018 alone, representing a 13% increase compared to 2017 (McCarthy, 2020). Despite the significant risks that are involved, thousands of new police cadets successfully complete a rigorous course of training and eagerly join the ranks of the 800,000 police officers already serving the citizens of the United States each year (Law enforcement facts, 2020).
Moreover, police officers are also expected to adhere to a higher ethical standard compared to other citizens by virtue of the trust instilled in them by the general public. For example, according to Owens and Pfeifer (2009), “Police are perceived as upholders and exemplars of the law and that such a position affords its holders power, status, and respect. This position, however, results in extraordinary expectations and, as such, police personnel are expected to be above all, ethical” (p. 124). In fact, this expectation even extends to police officers’ off-duty lives. In this regard, the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics published and maintained by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) clearly stipulates that, “I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit…
…code of silence can be readily discerned by the public’s negative reaction to isolated but high-profile cases of unethical policing practices whenever and wherever they occur.
Conclusion
The research was consistent in underscoring the importance of ethical leadership in general and law enforcement contexts in particular. Indeed, many people view the police as representing the epitome of ethical professionals since they are empowered – and entrusted – to make the split-second life and death decisions that are needed to protect citizens and their property. The research also showed that there is no longer any room for the code of silence that has long characterized many law enforcement agencies. Although the importance of ethical leadership in law enforcement is virtually undisputed, there were some differing views concerning optimal strategies for developing ethical law enforcement leaders. Some of the overarching themes to emerge from the review of the relevant literature, though, included the need for ethical leaders to model the way for others and to create and sustain an organizational culture that places a high priority of ethical law enforcement practices. In the final analysis, it is reasonable to conclude that modern policing methods will continue to change as a result…
References
Hughes, P. J. (2017, January 1). A new sheriff in town. Advancing Women in Leadership, 31, 8-13.
Law enforcement code of ethics. (2020). The International Association of Chiefs of Police. Retrieved from https://www.theiacp.org/resources/law-enforcement-code-of-ethics.
Law enforcement facts. (2020). National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Retrieved from https://nleomf.org/facts-figures/law-enforcement-facts.
McCarthy, N. (2019, May 8). The number of U.S. police officers killed in the line of duty increased law year. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/05/08/the-number-of-u-s-police-officers-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-increased-last-year-infographic/
Owens, K. M. & Pfeifer, J. (2009, June). Police leadership and ethics: Training and policy recommendations. Canadian Journal of Police and Security Services, 1(2), 124-130.
Steirheim, M. (2020, March). The importance of ethical leadership and moral courage in pubic management. Public Management, 102(3), 19-23.
Study Document
Developing and Sustaining an Organizational Culture of Integrity
During an era in American history when charges of unethical business practices extend even into the White House, identifying opportunities to develop an organizational culture of integrity has assumed new importance and relevance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the relevant literature concerning the importance of developing a culture of integrity and how this can be accomplished
Study Document
Leadership StylesIntroductionLeadership is a crucial aspect of both policing and law enforcement administration. Current research in leadership styles includes, but is not limited to, situational, transformational and autocratic (traditional) styles. Differences in the contexts of action can affect which style works best at any given time. Ultimately, it is important to identify the needs of any given situation, the skills and qualities of the individual leader, and decide on the
Study Document
Policing needs to change, especially has it has failed to live up to its potential in improving quality of life for all citizens. The ideal police force is indeed one that prevents crime, keeps order, respects the rights and dignity of citizens, is friendly and courteous, respects the laws, and does not abuse its power through corruption. Policing needs to be increasingly situated as integral to all other community organizations
Study Document
Emotional Intelligence in Law Enforcement Emotional Intelligence for Officer in a Law Enforcement Environment Law enforcement officers constitute exceptional and diverse personnel that experience a broad range of emotions. They therefore encounter numerous and strange challenges. Because of the nature, perception and significance of the services these officers offer to the public, their occupation is always under scrutiny and expected to portray high level of public standards. In addition, due to the
Study Document
During the 1960's and 1970's, violent contact with the police, resulting in force occurred during anti-war, labor and civil rights demonstrations, during a politically tumultuous time. It is safe to conclude that excessive force was used during these clashes. Deaths and injuries were the results of political clashes at the Republican Convention in Chicago, during campus riots held at several universities, during political demonstrations held in public places and in
Study Document
Leadership in Law Enforcement Role of the leader within those criminal justice organizations By reviewing contemporary literature on criminal justice the study gives informed analysis of the expected standards and ethical practices that good leaders ought to have. It takes note that just as is the case with criminal behavior, theoretical knowledge like developmental, learning and biological theories seek to understand ethical and moral behavior. The study found out that leaders acting