Receiving gratuities such as free meals, tickets and merchandise have always been an issue of ethical concern in policing. Whether it a free meal or discounted voucher, receiving such gifts will raise a moral matter, despite the gesture being harmless. Researchers argue that the law enforcement should have restrictive policies on such gifts and for the officers to comply with the police in order keep the public trust. However given the nature of police and the community, bonds will be formed thus such a zero-tolerance policy may not be easy. The small gifts such as free meals are vital in the formation of relationships within the community. Therefore, I believe the free meals taken and given for all the right reasons.
When an officer tries to pay for food and drink, and the owner or the one serving refuses and offers a free meal instead, the office can just leave the money as a tip. This way the owner will not be offended for refusing the generosity provided and the officer will be able to show good faith and respect. Some law agencies train officers on possible outcomes of receiving such gifts allowing them to accept small donations of discretion (Beggs & Davies, 2009). However, other agencies have a general order sometimes ban forbidding them to receive such gratuities such as free coffee. Each agency has policies on gratuities that can work with them and the community. Receiving small gifts by officers will always be up for discussion as it raises the questions of corruption possibilities. It is not illegal for the police to receive gifts since this always results from the goodwill of the people offering the rewards. This is advantageous since it builds trust among the population
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The fact that the police are responsible for the safety of every citizen; it is their duty as per the constitution to uphold and maintain peace. Elevating them to the standards above other professionals will defiantly influence the ethical aspect of the force. In the first case, their superiority will result in negligence and unprofessional characterization since they will be considered as the only people to make a reasonable choice no matter the situation. The police are responsible for serving the population and helping in areas, that need arises. When all
The misconduct of the police is always one of the primary reasons that they are sued. The aspect emerges when there is a violation of an individual’s right probably because of a false arrest. People may sue the police when excessive force is applied to them (Roberson, 2016). The result of the extreme force is injurious and may result in death. Yes, it is possible to sue the police since both the state and federal laws offer protection to citizens from ant violation that is carried out by government representatives. To win any case against the police is a difficult task and the individual in question has to prove that all the misconduct took place
Most claims that are against the police department’s action can be expensive because plenty of evidence on what transpired is usually required. The evidence is always turned down because of minimal proof that misconduct occurred. In most cases, the defense attorney in charge with the police case will file immunity claim. When suing the police department; the effect will be felt through the whole offices since they are all affected. Civil liberty reduction can occur when the police strictly follow the conduct outlined to them ethically and avoid forceful acts that might cost them (Kádár, 2001). The civil right assertions offer a balance between the police upholding the law and the individual rights to be free from any misconduct by the police.
References
Beggs, J., & Davies, H. (2009). Police misconduct, complaints, and public regulation . Oxford: Oxford University Press
Kádár, A. (2001). Police in transition: Essays on the police forces in transition countries . Budapest: Central European University Press.
Roberson, C. L. I. F. F. (2016). Police Misconduct: A global perspective (1) . Oxfordshire: Taylor & Francis.