MTA Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A fellow officer asks you to falsify a report to protect him from disciplinary action. What is the correct response?
- Agree if the officer is a close friend
- Refuse and report the request to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Falsify the report but document your objection privately
- Ignore the request and take no further action
Correct answer: Refuse and report the request to a supervisor
Falsifying official reports is illegal and unethical; an officer must refuse and report such requests through proper channels.
Question 2: You stop a vehicle for speeding and recognize the driver as a city council member. How should you proceed?
- Issue a warning out of professional courtesy
- Let them go without any action
- Treat them the same as any other motorist (Correct answer)
- Call your supervisor before deciding
Correct answer: Treat them the same as any other motorist
Equal enforcement of the law requires that all individuals, regardless of status, receive the same treatment.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'noble cause corruption'?
- Accepting gifts in exchange for overlooking minor violations
- Breaking ethical rules believing it achieves a greater good (Correct answer)
- Refusing to testify against a fellow officer
- Charging excessive overtime to increase pay
Correct answer: Breaking ethical rules believing it achieves a greater good
Noble cause corruption occurs when officers violate ethical standards because they believe the ends justify the means.
Question 4: During a search, you find a large amount of cash. No drugs or contraband are present. What should you do?
- Split it with your partner since no crime is evident
- Pocket a small amount as a finder's fee
- Inventory and voucher all cash according to department policy (Correct answer)
- Leave it in place and not document it
Correct answer: Inventory and voucher all cash according to department policy
All seized property must be properly inventoried and vouchered according to department policy to maintain accountability.
Question 5: A supervisor instructs you to use excessive force on a resistant suspect. You should:
- Follow the order since supervisors have authority
- Use only the force legally justified by the situation (Correct answer)
- Comply but file a complaint afterward
- Ask another officer to carry out the order instead
Correct answer: Use only the force legally justified by the situation
Officers are legally and ethically bound to use only force that is objectively reasonable; unlawful orders must not be followed.
Question 6: You observe a colleague accepting a free meal from a restaurant owner on her beat in exchange for extra patrol attention. This is an example of:
- Acceptable community policing
- Gratuity that may constitute corruption (Correct answer)
- Legitimate discretionary enforcement
- Standard professional courtesy
Correct answer: Gratuity that may constitute corruption
Accepting gratuities tied to preferential treatment violates ethical standards and can lead to corruption.
Question 7: Which principle requires a police officer to be answerable for their actions and decisions?
- Discretion
- Accountability (Correct answer)
- Solidarity
- Authority
Correct answer: Accountability
Accountability means officers must answer for their conduct to their department, the public, and the legal system.
MTA Ethics 2
A fellow officer asks you to falsify a report to protect him from disciplinary action.
What is the correct response?