Community Engagement & Ethics Standards Flashcards

Under the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, an officer's private life should be:

Answer: Kept as an example of obedience to the law

The Code requires officers to keep their private lives an example to all.

The 'noble cause corruption' concept refers to:

Answer: Bending rules to achieve what the officer believes is a good end

It describes violating rules or law because the officer believes the outcome justifies it.

A deputy witnesses a colleague using clearly excessive force. The duty to intervene requires the deputy to:

Answer: Intervene when safe and report the incident

Officers have an ethical and often legal duty to stop and report excessive force.

What is the 'blue wall of silence'?

Answer: An informal code of not reporting fellow officers' misconduct

It is a culture of protecting colleagues from accountability, which undermines integrity.

Brady v. Maryland requires prosecutors, and by extension officers, to disclose:

Answer: Material exculpatory evidence to the defense

Brady obligates disclosure of favorable, material evidence to the accused.

Which is an example of a conflict of interest?

Answer: Investigating a case involving a close family member's business

Personal relationships can compromise impartiality and should lead to recusal.

Truthfulness in reports and testimony is critical because dishonesty can:

Answer: Damage credibility and place all of the officer's testimony in doubt

Findings of untruthfulness can impeach an officer in all future cases.