Generally, law enforcement is a profession which requires more consideration of ethical standards compared to any other profession. A law enforcement officer is an individual in a career path which requires utmost dedication and an inner drive to do the right thing at any time. In this manner, an undeniable and understandable degree of expectation is placed upon these law enforcement officers thus requiring them to outline the highest form of ethics compared to any other profession. To uphold such ethical standards, police officers are supposed to vigorously learn ethics and how not to cross the line before they are able to dispense their duties.
Ethics basically refers to doing the right thing at all costs. In this context, the right thing is that which the society holds dear. In addition, the ethical principles therein are based on the assumption that wrong is always a wrong and a right is always a right. To promote ethical conduct among their ranks, security agencies have a number of ways to instill the same onto the police officers aspiring to serve the public. First is through the oath of office which the law enforcement officers have to take.
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The oath of office has an outline of the provisions for protecting, defending, and upholding the United States Constitution. Further, this oath includes some of the promises which an officer binds oneself to such as being sober, honorable, and honest conduct (Barker, 2011). The officers are expected to swear to be honest in their daily activities and to be outstanding citizens. They as well promise to always be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Further, there are tests which law enforcement officers are subjected to which in essence help them focus on the bigger picture and uphold ethical standards at any given time. Such tests include a critical thinking test, media test, and gut test. Generally, police officers must always work to make a difference and act in the best manner the public demands and expect them to act.
Reference
Barker, T. (2011). Police Ethics : Crisis in Law Enforcement (Vol. 3rd ed). Springfield, Ill: Charles C Thomas. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=385602&site=ehost-live
