Question 1

Idealistic goals can be found in a code of ethics that

Accepted Answer

Idealistic goals are often represented in a code of ethics that constructs an ideal model of behavior, rather than providing mandatory rules or guidelines for discipline. A code of ethics is a set of principles that an organization or group of individuals is expected to follow, but it is not necessarily enforceable by law or regulation. It provides a guiding framework for ethical decision-making and behavior, and seeks to establish a culture of integrity and responsibility.

Question 2

Some police officers criticize the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics because it's too specific.

Accepted Answer

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is a general set of principles and values that guide the conduct of law enforcement officers. While it may provide specific examples of ethical behavior, it is not considered too specific by most officers.

Question 3

One of the paradoxes of police work is that a single set of classical, ethical principles is always applicable to every situation and to every moment's challenges.

Accepted Answer

While there are certainly ethical principles that guide police work, every situation presents unique challenges and requires officers to make nuanced decisions based on the specific circumstances. The application of ethics is not always straightforward and requires careful consideration of the situation at hand.

Question 4

Laws are considered to be unfair to citizens if they are

Accepted Answer

Laws that are too vague can lead to uncertainty and confusion, making it difficult for citizens to understand what is expected of them and leading to unfair treatment.

Question 5

The police code of ethics

Accepted Answer

The police code of ethics is somewhat vague because it is open to interpretation in different situations. It is also somewhat general because it focuses on broad principles and values rather than specific rules or guidelines. Finally, it is somewhat idealistic because it sets high standards for ethical behavior that may not always be achievable in practice.

Question 6

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics fits Kant's ethical formalism when it

Accepted Answer

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics fits Kant's ethical formalism when it says that police should enforce the law while not allowing personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence their decisions. This aligns with the universal moral principle of treating everyone impartially, which is a key aspect of Kant's ethical formalism.

Question 7

Long-range goals can be found in a code of ethics which

Accepted Answer

Long-range goals are generally aspirational and provide a general statement of principles or guidelines for an organization, rather than mandatory sets of rules. A code of ethics is designed to help guide decision-making and behavior in accordance with the organization's values and principles.

Question 8

Examples of the three different types of codes of ethics are

Accepted Answer

The three types of codes of ethics include police departmental general order manuals (which provide specific guidelines for behavior), mission statements (which outline the values and goals of an organization), and aspirational codes (which describe ideal standards of ethical behavior).

Question 9

There is an implicit quid pro quo in citizen-police interactions that involve small gifts.

Accepted Answer

The exchange of small gifts in citizen-police interactions creates an implicit expectation or obligation for future favors, forming a quid pro quo relationship.

Question 10

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics pronouncements include principles that are clearly utilitarian.

Accepted Answer

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics includes principles such as "I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without unnecessary force or violence" and "I will maintain confidentiality and never betray the confidence of those who have entrusted me with information." These principles are utilitarian in that they prioritize the well-being and safety of the public and aim to minimize harm.

Question 11

Kant's ethical formalism would permit police to accept small gratuities such as a free cup of coffee.

Accepted Answer

Kant's ethical formalism states that actions are only morally acceptable if they can be universalized to everyone. Accepting gratuities would not be universalizable because it would create a conflict of interest and could compromise the integrity of the police. Therefore, Kant's ethical formalism would not permit police to accept gratuities.

Question 12

By its very nature, a code of ethics will only be useful if it has a propensity to be focused and specific.

Accepted Answer

A code of ethics can be both broad, covering general principles and values, and specific, detailing particular behaviors and practices, to be effective in guiding ethical conduct across various situations.

Question 13

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics aims to construct an idealized vision of how the competent and ethical professional should be and behave.

Accepted Answer

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics provides guidance and principles to law enforcement professionals on how to behave ethically and with integrity. It outlines the expected standards of conduct, including honesty, respect, and fairness, and promotes the idealized vision of a competent and ethical professional in the field.

Question 14

Codes of ethics, like police departmental general order manuals

Accepted Answer

Codes of ethics provide mandatory sets of rules, serve as the basis upon which discipline is meted out, and attempt to present specific, how-to-do-it type rules for day-to-day professional life. Therefore, all of the above are correct.

Question 15

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics presents numerous principles that logically fit into the perspective of ethical formalism.

Accepted Answer

Ethical formalism emphasizes the importance of following general moral principles regardless of the situation or consequences. The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics presents principles such as "I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all," "I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions," and "I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor." These principles align with the perspective of ethical formalism.

Question 16

By its very nature, a professional code of ethics will only be useful if it

Accepted Answer

The answer of By its very nature, a professional code...

Question 17

As a code of ethics, a police departmental general order manual

Accepted Answer

A police departmental general order manual provides mandatory sets of rules which serve as the basis for discipline. It outlines specific codes of conduct and expectations for officers to follow in their daily work, and violations can result in disciplinary action.

Question 18

Codes of ethics are meant to be broad, general, and universal.

Accepted Answer

Codes of ethics are intended to establish universal and broad ethical standards instead of specific rules for every possible scenario. They serve as a guide for ethical conduct and decision-making for all individuals in a profession or organization.

Question 19

Laws must be carefully written so that they are not vague or unclear regarding what is permissible and what is prohibited.

Accepted Answer

Laws should be clear and unambiguous in order to be effectively enforced and provide guidance to citizens. Vague or unclear laws can lead to confusion and arbitrary enforcement.

Question 20

A common criticism of an ethical code is that it is driven by

Accepted Answer

Platitudes are vague or meaningless statements that are often used in ethical codes without providing clear guidance or specific actions. This leads to criticism that the code is not driven by practical ethical considerations, but rather by empty words or clichés.

Quiz 14: The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics