Question
Scenario
You are a new officer in training, partnered with a senior officer who is well-respected on the force. During a late-night call, you respond to a shoplifting incident involving a teenager. The suspect is already detained by store security and is not resisting. Despite this, your partner pushes the teen roughly against the wall, using excessive force while yelling insults.
Later, as you and your partner secure the store, you notice your partner slipping a small electronic item into his own bag, joking, “Perks of the job—no one’s going to question us.”
You feel shocked and conflicted. On one hand, this officer is your mentor and has influence over your career. On the other hand, you recognize that the actions you witnessed could be considered misconduct—or even crimes.
Assignment Directions
Create a one-page visual summary (using words, visuals, and key concepts) that addresses the following:
Ethical Issues Identified – What ethical principles are at stake in the scenario?
Application of Ethics – Which ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, duty-based ethics, code of conduct) apply here?
Possible Consequences – What could happen if these behaviors continue unchecked?
Personal Response – How would you handle this situation as the recruit, and why?
Connection to the Code of Ethics – Link your response to professional standards in criminal justice.
Use internet research to assist you with this assignment. Incorporate color, visuals, and creative design to communicate your ideas effectively (not just text).
Keep your work to one side of one page.
You are a new officer in training, partnered with a senior officer who is well-respected on the force. During a late-night call, you respond to a shoplifting incident involving a teenager. The suspect is already detained by store security and is not resisting. Despite this, your partner pushes the teen roughly against the wall, using excessive force while yelling insults.
Later, as you and your partner secure the store, you notice your partner slipping a small electronic item into his own bag, joking, “Perks of the job—no one’s going to question us.”
You feel shocked and conflicted. On one hand, this officer is your mentor and has influence over your career. On the other hand, you recognize that the actions you witnessed could be considered misconduct—or even crimes.
Assignment Directions
Create a one-page visual summary (using words, visuals, and key concepts) that addresses the following:
Ethical Issues Identified – What ethical principles are at stake in the scenario?
Application of Ethics – Which ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, duty-based ethics, code of conduct) apply here?
Possible Consequences – What could happen if these behaviors continue unchecked?
Personal Response – How would you handle this situation as the recruit, and why?
Connection to the Code of Ethics – Link your response to professional standards in criminal justice.
Use internet research to assist you with this assignment. Incorporate color, visuals, and creative design to communicate your ideas effectively (not just text).
Keep your work to one side of one page.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Creating a one-page visual summary requires a careful balance of text and visuals to convey ethical considerations effectively. Here’s an outline for your assignment, along with key points you can incorporate into your design:
---
### Title: Ethical Dilemmas in Law Enforcement: A Case Study
**Section 1: Ethical Issues Identified**
- **Excessive Force**: The use of unnecessary physical aggression against a non-resisting suspect violates ethical principles of respect for persons and proportionality in law enforcement conduct.
- **Corruption and Theft**: The officer's actions of stealing from the store undermine trust in the police, promoting a culture of corruption and misconduct.
**Visual Idea**: Use a split visual showing the two issues: a police badge with a weight representing "Excessive Force" and an icon of a hand grabbing an item for "Corruption."
---
**Section 2: Application of Ethics**
- **Utilitarianism**: Analyze the happiness and suffering resulting from the officer's actions. Excessive force damages community trust and officer integrity, leading to broader societal harm.
- **Duty-Based Ethics**: As public officers, police have a duty to protect and serve with integrity, emphasizing accountability and adherence to the law.
- **Code of Conduct**: Reference specific standards from the police code of ethics, focusing on integrity and maintaining public trust.
**Visual Idea**: Create a scale depicting the balance of utilitarian benefits vs. consequences of unethical actions.
---
**Section 3: Possible Consequences**
- **For the Officer**: Investigations, disciplinary actions, potential criminal charges, loss of career.
- **For the Department**: Erosion of community trust, potential lawsuits, negative media attention.
- **For Society**: Increased tension between communities and law enforcement, hampered effective policing.
**Visual Idea**: Use arrows branching out from a central point labeled "Misconduct" leading to the different consequences listed above.
---
**Section 4: Personal Response**
- **Report the Incident**: As a recruit, I would document and report my partner's actions to a supervisor or internal affairs, prioritizing integrity over fear of retaliation.
- **Seek Guidance**: I would also seek mentorship or counseling on handling such situations in the future, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards in law enforcement.
**Visual Idea**: Show a decision-making flow chart illustrating steps for addressing police misconduct.
---
**Section 5: Connection to the Code of Ethics**
- Cite specific sections from the law enforcement code of ethics, such as the duty to act with integrity, uphold the law, and hold fellow officers accountable for misconduct.
- Emphasize the role of accountability in maintaining public trust in law enforcement.
**Visual Idea**: Include snippets from the actual code of ethics, with highlighted themes of integrity and accountability.
---
### Final Design Elements:
- **Color Scheme**: Use a bold color palette (e.g., deep blue, gold, and white) to reflect police branding and maintain professionalism.
- **Images/Icons**: Incorporate relevant visuals such as police icons, scales of justice, and ethical symbols (e.g., a compass for guidance).
- **Creative Layout**: Organize each section with clear headings, bullet points, and ample white space for readability. Consider using infographics for clarity.
---
This structured outline serves as your guide for creating a visually engaging, one-page summary that addresses the ethical complexities of the scenario provided. Use software like Canva or PowerPoint to execute your design!
---
### Title: Ethical Dilemmas in Law Enforcement: A Case Study
**Section 1: Ethical Issues Identified**
- **Excessive Force**: The use of unnecessary physical aggression against a non-resisting suspect violates ethical principles of respect for persons and proportionality in law enforcement conduct.
- **Corruption and Theft**: The officer's actions of stealing from the store undermine trust in the police, promoting a culture of corruption and misconduct.
**Visual Idea**: Use a split visual showing the two issues: a police badge with a weight representing "Excessive Force" and an icon of a hand grabbing an item for "Corruption."
---
**Section 2: Application of Ethics**
- **Utilitarianism**: Analyze the happiness and suffering resulting from the officer's actions. Excessive force damages community trust and officer integrity, leading to broader societal harm.
- **Duty-Based Ethics**: As public officers, police have a duty to protect and serve with integrity, emphasizing accountability and adherence to the law.
- **Code of Conduct**: Reference specific standards from the police code of ethics, focusing on integrity and maintaining public trust.
**Visual Idea**: Create a scale depicting the balance of utilitarian benefits vs. consequences of unethical actions.
---
**Section 3: Possible Consequences**
- **For the Officer**: Investigations, disciplinary actions, potential criminal charges, loss of career.
- **For the Department**: Erosion of community trust, potential lawsuits, negative media attention.
- **For Society**: Increased tension between communities and law enforcement, hampered effective policing.
**Visual Idea**: Use arrows branching out from a central point labeled "Misconduct" leading to the different consequences listed above.
---
**Section 4: Personal Response**
- **Report the Incident**: As a recruit, I would document and report my partner's actions to a supervisor or internal affairs, prioritizing integrity over fear of retaliation.
- **Seek Guidance**: I would also seek mentorship or counseling on handling such situations in the future, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards in law enforcement.
**Visual Idea**: Show a decision-making flow chart illustrating steps for addressing police misconduct.
---
**Section 5: Connection to the Code of Ethics**
- Cite specific sections from the law enforcement code of ethics, such as the duty to act with integrity, uphold the law, and hold fellow officers accountable for misconduct.
- Emphasize the role of accountability in maintaining public trust in law enforcement.
**Visual Idea**: Include snippets from the actual code of ethics, with highlighted themes of integrity and accountability.
---
### Final Design Elements:
- **Color Scheme**: Use a bold color palette (e.g., deep blue, gold, and white) to reflect police branding and maintain professionalism.
- **Images/Icons**: Incorporate relevant visuals such as police icons, scales of justice, and ethical symbols (e.g., a compass for guidance).
- **Creative Layout**: Organize each section with clear headings, bullet points, and ample white space for readability. Consider using infographics for clarity.
---
This structured outline serves as your guide for creating a visually engaging, one-page summary that addresses the ethical complexities of the scenario provided. Use software like Canva or PowerPoint to execute your design!