The question and moral dilemma of whether "dirty" means are sometimes necessary to achieve the "good" ends of police work is sometimes referred to as the "Dirty Harry" problem.

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The "Dirty Harry" problem refers to the question of whether it is morally justifiable for police officers to use extreme or illegal tactics to achieve justice. It is named after the fictional character Dirty Harry from the eponymous film series, who is known for his willingness to bend and break the rules in pursuit of criminals.

The Question and Moral Dilemma of Whether "Dirty" Means Are