Ethical Decision-Making Flashcards

An officer is under significant personal financial stress and is tempted to retain a small amount of cash found at a crime scene that is unlikely to be claimed. This action would be:

Answer: Theft and a serious breach of the RCMP Code of Conduct

Retaining found property from a crime scene constitutes theft and a severe Code of Conduct violation regardless of personal circumstances.

An officer preparing to testify learns that the Crown prosecutor wants them to emphasize certain facts and downplay others to strengthen the case. The officer should:

Answer: Testify completely and truthfully regardless of the prosecutor's preferences

Officers are independent witnesses whose duty is to the court and truth, not to assist either party in winning the case.

An officer notices that a colleague appears to be developing a substance abuse problem that is beginning to affect their judgment on duty. The most ethical course of action is to:

Answer: Report concerns to a supervisor and encourage the colleague to seek EAP support

Protecting public safety and supporting a colleague's wellbeing require early reporting and encouraging access to Employee Assistance Programs.

During a search authorized by a warrant, an officer finds evidence of an additional unrelated crime not covered by the warrant. The officer should:

Answer: Seize all evidence immediately under plain view doctrine and seek additional authorization

The plain view doctrine allows seizure of evidence of other crimes discovered during a lawful search, but officers should seek additional authorization as appropriate.

An RCMP officer is offered a promotion in exchange for providing a superior with information about colleagues' personal lives and off-duty activities. The officer should:

Answer: Refuse and report the inappropriate request through proper channels

Exchanging colleagues' private information for personal advancement is a serious breach of trust and must be reported.

A member of the public files a complaint against an officer alleging use of excessive force. Before the formal investigation is complete, the officer's supervisor should:

Answer: Pre-emptively reassign the officer to desk duties to protect the investigation's integrity

Reassigning an officer subject to an excessive force investigation to non-operational duties protects the integrity of the investigation and public safety.

An officer is uncomfortable with an order to conduct surveillance on a peaceful political protest. The officer should:

Answer: Seek clarification on the legal authority for the surveillance before proceeding

Officers should seek clarification on legal authority for operations that may implicate Charter rights, including freedom of assembly.