Question 1

The authors suggest that the central, dominant theme of the book is that police competence is inexorably linked to police ethics. What do they mean by this? How is it that, according to the authors, the two cannot be divorced from each other?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The authors suggest that the central, dominant...

Question 2

If police overlook certain types of crimes, they can effectively

Accepted Answer

If police overlook certain types of crimes, it means that they are not enforcing the law in those cases. As a result, those actions, even though they may be criminalized by the legislature, are effectively decriminalized in practice. Therefore, the best choice is C - decriminalize an action that the legislature had criminalized. The other options, arresting everyone or no one, are unlikely outcomes of police oversight.

Question 3

Our text spends just a moment considering what elements might be part of the "systematized body of knowledge" which the professional police officer understands. Construct your own list of the necessary skills, knowledge bases, and types of expertise that might be possessed by the modern professional officer. Be synoptic. That is, make the list as long and inclusive as you possibly can. Consider any and every type of knowledge necessary. See if you can come up with 50 such elements (at least).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Our text spends just a moment considering...

Question 4

Professions are

Accepted Answer

All of the options mentioned in A, B, and C are true for professions. Self-regulation means that the profession has the authority to set and enforce standards and codes of conduct. Self-discipline requires practitioners to adhere to these standards and take responsibility for their actions. Professions are also typically associated with a high level of academic and specialized knowledge and skills. Therefore, D is the best answer.

Question 5

The Dirty Harry problem is defined as

Accepted Answer

The Dirty Harry problem refers to the ethical dilemma faced by law enforcement officials when they are tempted to use illegal or unethical means to achieve a noble goal. This is known as noble cause corruption, and it is a serious problem that can undermine the legitimacy of law enforcement and damage public trust in the system. The other answer choices (B and C) are not accurate or relevant to the problem.

Question 6

Ethical perspectives considered by the textbook include

Accepted Answer

All three ethical perspectives (ethical formalism, utilitarianism, and an ethic to live by) are considered by the textbook.

Question 7

Noble cause corruption is also known as

Accepted Answer

Noble cause corruption is also known as the Dirty Harry problem, named after the popular 1970s movie in which the protagonist, a police officer, is willing to break the law to bring justice to the victims of crime. This type of corruption occurs when law enforcement officers believe that the outcome justifies any means necessary, leading them to violate laws, policies, or ethical standards in pursuit of their goal.

Question 8

While today's police officers will usually cooperate with investigations into old-style corruption

Accepted Answer

Noble cause corruption is often seen as acceptable and even necessary in police subculture, leading to reluctance to investigate it. This is in contrast to old-style corruption which is universally condemned and therefore more likely to be investigated by police officers today.

Question 9

A critical factor in police competence is

Accepted Answer

While physical strength and weapon training are important aspects of police work, and a knowledge of legal history is beneficial, ethical judgment is crucial for police competence. Police officers must make decisions under high-pressure situations where the consequences can be life-altering for everyone involved, and a strong ethical foundation ensures that they make the right decisions for the right reasons.

Question 10

Traditionally, police ethics

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, police ethics were largely ignored during police academy training and consisted of a list of things not to do. In some cases, it was given by members of internal affairs. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 11

Ethical formalism is

Accepted Answer

Ethical formalism is a deontological perspective which means that it focuses on the morality of actions rather than their outcomes or consequences. It is concerned with strictly following a set of moral rules and principles, regardless of the outcome or consequences. It is not necessarily an ethic to live by, but rather a philosophical approach to ethical decision-making.

Question 12

If an officer is corrupt, unfair, prejudiced, and/or driven by personal vendettas, then

Accepted Answer

The statement implies that the officer's actions and decisions (his "law") are influenced by his corrupt and prejudiced nature, rather than suggesting that all officers or the entire system operates in this manner.

Question 13

Historically, police officers have been particularly prone to think that

Accepted Answer

Historically, police officers have not seen the relevance of philosophical or theoretical discussions to their real-life work on the streets, thus they have been prone to thinking that philosophy has nothing to do with real life on the street.

Question 14

Individual police officers often

Accepted Answer

Individual police officers often make decisions without direct supervision or specific direction, relying on their own judgment in the moment. Additionally, there may not always be real-time monitoring of their actions.

Question 15

State regulations require an average of _______ ethics training in the police academy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of State regulations require an average of _______...

Question 16

The authors suggest that the police give meaning to the law and make it come to life in the daily lives of citizens because of how they (the police) apply it. How is this done? Discuss examples of how the police use their discretionary powers to "make law."

Accepted Answer

The answer of The authors suggest that the police give...

Question 17

College criminal justice programs

Accepted Answer

While some college criminal justice programs may offer courses in ethics, it is not a guarantee and it is not always required for students pursuing a career in law enforcement. Therefore, option D is the most accurate choice.

Question 18

"Testilying" refers to

Accepted Answer

Testilying refers to police officers or other law enforcement officials lying on the witness stand or during a trial in order to secure a conviction. It is a combination of the words "testify" and "lying."

Question 19

This book attempts to deal with police ethics from a positivist approach. That is, the book spends little time talking about how police officers should avoid being guilty of misconduct and a lot of time talking about police officers having good character. Discuss the difference between "not making mistakes" and "doing the right thing."

Accepted Answer

The answer of This book attempts to deal with police...

Question 20

The law discriminates among people. It treats some people one way and others another. There is nothing wrong with this-in fact, it is the job of the law to do so. Discuss the difference between treating people differently because of their behavior and treating people differently because of their characteristics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The law discriminates among people. It treats...

Quiz 1: Introduction