Ethical Organization

Running head: ETHICAL ORGANIZATION 1


Phase 3 Discussion Board

Colorado Technical University Online

CJUS260-1201A-02: Criminal Justice Ethics

Dr. Jill Hudson

Christopher B. Lane


Ethical Organization

What do you think are the legal issues involved in the scenario? Explain.

The legal issues involving in this scenario would be there was excessive force used in the

apprehension of the suspect. There could be charges brought up against the accused from the

inquiry. Excessive force is only deemed necessary, unless, other means were exhausted in the

apprehension of the accused. The media has a right to ask questions, but the lieutenant has the

option of not addressing the question, until a later time, when he has a chance to look over the

charges, if in fact, the charges are stemming from the apprehension of the suspect. The media

can play a vital role in the case, or they can hurt the case, by giving out too much information.

What do you think are the ethical issues involved in the scenario? Explain.

The ethical issues involved in this scenario would be, if in fact, there are charges brought

up, could ruin the reputation of the department. Here are some questions to consider, regarding,

the ethical issues in this scenario. The first one is: Did the excessive force occur after every other

means were exhausted? Did the suspect have a weapon in his possession, and was there a vital

threat to the unit, or the community? If the suspect had a weapon, to protect the community, and

the unit from bodily harm, then, it would be deemed necessary to use excessive force, otherwise,

the use of excessive force would not be valid. The second question is: Did the suspect

surrendered to the apprehending unit? If the suspect did surrender, and excessive force was used,

then, it would be easily assume that this type of action would be considered as unethical, which

could ruin the reputation of the department. The key point to remember, because the media has

painted allegations during their inquiry, does not mean the story is true. As the lieutenant’s


position as supervisor, the supervisor has to make sure the investigation has been conducted in an

orderly manner and it has been investigation, and the resolution to this inquiry will be addressed,

before talking to the media.

What are the possible consequences of not addressing these ethical issues? Explain.

The possible consequences of not addressing these ethical issues could put the

department in jeopardy as far as their reputation with the public. The word gets to the Mayor,

and the City Council, then, an inquiry will be conducted by these elected officials to look further

into this department as to why they are receiving, such a bad reputation with the public. In this

day and time, in the Criminal Justice field, reputation means a lot. It will be viewed by others on

the ability of the department to do their job effectively.

Considering the directive given to you by your chief that he wants results and not excuses,

what are some of the factors that you should take into consideration?

The factor of the department 80% success rate plays a crucial part. The chief senses the

enormous pressure from the public and the media, in order, to provide a police department that

can handle any task, which can cause harm to the public, if in fact, an offender causes harm to

society. When a sworn police officer cannot uphold their duties to the public, then, the reputation

of their ability hinders the department’s reputation, to carry out their laws that are in place. As

we all know, excuses does not get results, it is merely done by action. When the action is good,

and it is in compliance with the law, by removing offenders off the streets, and put them in jail,

then, the public can feel some sense of relief.


How would you respond to the follow-up questions from the reporter? Why?

The supervisor should follow up with the questions, by saying; there is an investigation

ongoing into this inquiry, as much as the department would like to comment on this inquiry. We

reserve the right to comment, until the investigation has concluded. Again, the reason, you do not

want to give out too much information to the media, the media has a tendency to twist things

around, if the department damages the investigation could ruin the reputation of the department

even more. The ethical way to approach this line of questioning from the media is to let them

know there is an investigation going on, and you cannot comment any further at this time, as the

supervisor would want to thank them as he lives the news press conference.

What will most likely result from your responses, and how will you protect yourself and

your career? Explain.

If address the matter in the most ethical way possible, then, the career looks promising,

however, if the supervisor address the issues in an unethical way, then, the future of the

department, or the supervisor’s career could be in jeopardy. The demeanor of the supervisor

plays a very intricate role. The positive response to the inquiry is the utmost of importance to the

department. The public needs to be reassured the department is doing everything they can to

protect the citizens. The department does not need any more scrutiny from the media, nor do they

need any scrutiny from the public.

How significant is it to you that a superior officer is implying that you should make an

unethical decision? Explain.


If in fact, your superior officer wants you to make an unethical decision, then, regardless,

of how you feel about the results, you must carry out the ethical decision, or find another job,

because, in today’s world, corporate mentality over looks integrity, which is vital to have. The

corporate mentality failing to admit when they have a made a mistake, and not only that, they are

always right, regardless, if the person feels they are wrong. Corporate mentality is self-centered

to a certain degree on their beliefs. In this scenario, the supervisor feels strongly that the

department did something wrong by causing excessive force, when it was not necessary. They

were carrying out orders. Just like in the military, when you are given an order, you follow

through with that order, regardless, if you feel the order is not right. An example: an order was

not right. The superior officer orders you to starve your own to death, then, this would be a

violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and it should be reported to the chain of

command immediately, or to the Judge Advocate General.

How did this affect what you would say to the reporter? Explain.

Any person in their right state of mind would know that this would have an effect on you,

if in fact, your superior officer told you to tell a story to the media, which the public would be

listening, that may include, giving false information in order to boost the reputation of the

department ability to carry out their duties. Assuming, it would heavily on the supervisor if he

had told this to the media, and the public. Again, where is the integrity here? There is no

integrity, when you made up something to the public to boost your reputation, because when the

public or the media finds out that was a false statement, then, the public, or the media, will have

some mixed feelings about the false statement. Here is an old saying which holds the truth. What

you do in the dark, will come out in the light.

Documents

Ethical Organization