Law Enforcement Book 2 PDF

1 introduction to law enforcement Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 1: The Roles of a Law Enforcement Officer / 3 Lesson 2: Steps to Becoming a Certified Officer / 6 Lesson 3: The Criminal Justice System / 10 Lesson 4: Chain of Command / 14 Lesson 5: Procedural Justice / 16 Unit 2: Officer Ethics and Conduct Lesson 1: Criminal Justice Ethical Concepts / 19 Lesson 2: Unethical Behavior / 22 Lesson 3: Fair and Unbiased Policing / 26 Unit 3: Officer Well-Being Lesson 1: Stress and Officer Wellness / 29 Lesson 2: Behavioral Health / 32 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement 1 Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 1: The Roles of a Law Enforcement Officer Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain your role and commitment to serving your community as a criminal justice officer. Think About This You respond to a call about a stolen car. The victim is angry, crying, cursing, and visibly upset. They say they don’t have a ride to pick up their children, and the only way you can help them is to get their car back right now. What role (or roles) would you play to calm the situation and help the victim? Law enforcement is a service-oriented profession. Television and film often portray the life of a law enforcement officer as one of continually responding to burglaries, investigating crimes, or conducting highspeed pursuits. While officers do respond to these calls, most of the job is spent serving the community. An officer’s customer is the public. This means you will likely spend the majority of your time on tasks like assisting a driver with a flat tire on the side of the road, speaking with business owners about crime prevention, or presenting information on spring break safety to a class of high school students. Each day, law enforcement officers focus on helping people in the communities they serve, maintaining civil order, and enforcing laws. As a law enforcement officer, you are responsible for protecting the public. This includes maintaining order, enforcing the law, and responding to emergencies. You may be called to a domestic violence situation, a child custody issue, or an active shooter event. ; LE111.1. Describe the services you will provide as a law enforcement officer To accomplish all of these tasks, an officer should be service-oriented, dependable, communicative, a problem-solver, and a multitasker. You need to be able to think on your feet and react to challenging situations appropriately, while taking care of other people and yourself. Constantly strive to improve your skills, assess your abilities, and ask how you can better serve your community. Determining Your Role A law enforcement officer is expected to perform a variety of duties and adapt to multiple roles. You will take on many roles as a law enforcement officer, but there are three main ones to remember. The situation will determine which role you assume. They do not have to occur in this order, and your roles may change as the circumstances change. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 3 Supporter: This is the role you should adopt automatically when interacting with your community. As the supporter, you will help people who are grieving, hurt, or experiencing a personal tragedy. For example, you might need to calm a lost child, help a confused person with Alzheimer’s, or interview someone who has gone through severe trauma. All of these situations require you to be a compassionate and reassuring presence. Another important aspect of this role is learning how you can best support your community. This requires that you take time to learn about the community and the people who live there. Reaching out to community members will give you the tools you need to properly fill the role of the supporter. It will also increase the likelihood that community members will reach out to you with their own support. Stabilizer: When critical incidents occur, you will need to display confidence to calm those around you. Maintaining your composure and displaying confidence in your capabilities are important to this role. As the stabilizer, you will help those who are struggling to remain calm. You will guide them through the confusion and bring order to uncontrolled situations. Examples of situations that might require you to assume the stabilizer role include disaster recovery and responding to the scene of a traffic crash. Enforcer: This role represents duties that are typically associated with a law enforcement officer. Making arrests and maintaining order by giving lawful commands when deemed necessary are just a few examples where the enforcer role is appropriate. This is when you need to be assertive and give orders rather than ask questions. While there will be times when you will play the role of the enforcer, the majority of your time will be spent as the supporter and the stabilizer. ; LE111.2. Explain the main roles of a law enforcement officer Moving between different roles is an important skill that you need to develop to be an effective law enforcement officer. For example, if you are responding to a sexual battery case, you might first need to stabilize the situation to preserve evidence and keep the victim and their family or friends calm. While stabilizing the scene is critical, it is also important that you shift into a supporter role when talking to the victim and asking them questions. Putting the victim more at ease will help secure their cooperation during the investigation. However, if circumstances change and the suspect is on scene or the victim’s family wants to take the situation into their own hands, you may need to take on the role of enforcer. The enforcer role is an essential part of the job. However, incorrect or excessive use of this role may degrade the trust of the community and damage the way people view law enforcement. Improving your emotional intelligence can help you determine when to assume certain roles. Someone who has emotional intelligence has the ability to identify and cope with their own emotions while also doing the same for the people around them. Officers who have greater emotional intelligence more easily recognize when to take on and switch roles. They acknowledge that during chaotic situations, the ability to manage their own emotions helps manage disorder. Emotional intelligence does not mean you suppress your emotions or the emotions of others. It means you know how to recognize them, cope with them, and even view them as assets to your professional life. Emotional intelligence is a skill that can make you a better officer. It can enhance officer safety by helping you keep your emotions in check when tensions are high. To strengthen your emotional intelligence, engage with community members and genuinely listen to them. Ask your fellow officers and command staff for honest feedback on how they think you deal with tense situations and how approachable you are to 4 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 community members. You might receive a critical response, but learning from this criticism can help you improve your overall emotional intelligence. Strengthening your emotional intelligence and recognizing the roles you assume as an officer will help in your ultimate goal of service. No matter what role the situation calls for, service will be at the center of all that you do. Always treat every person you encounter with respect and dignity. This commitment to service should be at the core of who you are. Even outside of your job, you will be regarded as a public servant. ; LE111.3. Explain the importance of emotional intelligence in the law enforcement profession Each time you put on your uniform, you assume the societal position of a law enforcement officer. This is a position that gives you the authority and power to enforce the law. You should understand that this places you in a unique situation within your community. It gives you a level of power that your community members do not share. Being aware of this power imbalance helps you understand why some people may react to your presence with fear, mistrust, or even anger. Acknowledging this power imbalance, remembering that all of your roles are centered on service, and strengthening your emotional intelligence will help improve relations between you and your community. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 5 1 Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 2: Steps to Becoming a Certified Officer Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand how the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission regulates the requirements for obtaining and maintaining your certification as a law enforcement officer. Think About This An officer has made false statements during their employment process. Does the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission have the ability to take away this officer’s certification? The Florida Statutes define a law enforcement officer as: any person who is elected, appointed, or employed full time by any municipality or the state or any political subdivision thereof; who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests; and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or the enforcement of the penal, criminal, traffic, or highway laws of the state. This definition includes all certified supervisory and command personnel whose duties include, in whole or in part, the supervision, training, guidance, and management responsibilities of full-time law enforcement officers, part-time law enforcement officers, or auxiliary law enforcement officers but does not include support personnel employed by the employing agency. The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) oversees the certification, employment, training, maintenance of officer records, and overall conduct of all criminal justice officers in Florida. It seeks to ensure that qualified, competent, and ethical criminal justice officers serve the residents and visitors of Florida. In pursuit of these goals, the CJSTC is committed to delivering quality standards and training as well as increasing the professionalism of officers throughout the state. The Florida Statutes appoint the Criminal Justice Professionalism (CJP) Division within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to support and assist the work of the CJSTC. ; LE112.1. Describe the role of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission Training Requirements To become a law enforcement officer, you must follow a training and certification process outlined by the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). 6 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 To complete the Basic Recruit Training Program, recruits must: achieve a passing score of 80% on each of the end-of-course examinations demonstrate proficiency in DUI Traffic Stops demonstrate proficiency in the High Liability courses participate in the Physical Fitness Program You are responsible for your own success in this training course. You must adhere to the requirements and follow all rules and regulations of this training program. ; LE112.2. List the requirements for completing the Basic Recruit Training Program State Officer Certification Examination After completing a basic recruit training program, you must pass the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) within three attempts. If you do not pass the SOCE within three attempts, you will have to retake the entire basic recruit training. You can find information about the SOCE in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Candidate Handbook, available at criminal justice training academies or online at the FDLE website. This website also has information regarding SOCE registration and exam topics. Officer Certification To become certified (sworn) as a law enforcement officer, you must complete the following: meet all the minimum requirements and standards complete the approved basic recruit training pass the SOCE be actively employed with a law enforcement agency in a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary sworn officer position Simply completing the Basic Recruit Training Program and passing the SOCE does not mean that you are certified. You have four years from the starting date of your basic recruit training to complete the certification process, not from the date when you pass the SOCE. For example, if you begin the basic recruit training on July 1, 2024, you must meet all the minimum requirements and standards, complete the basic recruit training, pass the SOCE, and become actively employed with a law enforcement agency as a sworn officer by June 30, 2028. If you do not meet all of these Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 7 requirements by June 30, 2028, you will have to repeat the basic recruit training, and a new four-year period will begin. ; LE112.3. List the requirements for becoming a certified law enforcement officer in Florida Officer Compliance and Discipline Before an agency hires you, they will conduct a thorough background investigation to assess your moral character. Florida Statutes defines good moral character as a history of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rights of others as well as the laws of this state and nation. While in the academy, you are subject to the same moral character requirements as active certified officers. If evidence indicates that you do not comply with these standards, the CJSTC may deny your certification. The CJSTC may also act against an officer’s certification if an officer does any of the following (please note that this is not a definitive list and that it is subject to change): pleads nolo contendere (when a person does not accept or deny responsibility for the charges but agrees to accept punishment) or pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, any felony pleads nolo contendere or pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement fails to maintain good moral character, as defined by the Florida Statutes and described in F.A.C. commits any act constituting a felony offense, regardless of criminal prosecution commits any act constituting any of the serious misdemeanor offenses specified in F.A.C., regardless of criminal prosecution commits or attempts to commit, as a principal or accessory or through solicitation or conspiracy, an act that, according to the Florida Statutes, would have been a felony offense had the crime been completed or committed commits any act in any jurisdiction other than the state of Florida that, if committed in the state of Florida, would constitute a felony, any of the serious misdemeanors specified in F.A.C., or a violation of the Florida Statutes tests positive for a controlled substance by a urine or blood test, in accordance with the requirements specified in F.A.C. commits an act of excessive use of force as explained under F.A.C. engages in sexual harassment involving physical contact or misuse of official position misuses the official position, as described in the Florida Statutes engages in sex while on duty has unprofessional relationships with an inmate, detainee, probationer, parolee, or community controlee has written or oral communication that is intended to facilitate conduct prohibited by the CJSTC 8 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 engages in any physical contact not required in the performance of official duties that is normally associated with the demonstration of affection or sexual misconduct as defined in the Florida Statutes makes false statements during the employment process subverts or attempts to subvert the SOCE process, as identified in F.A.C. subverts or attempts to subvert the CJSTC-approved training examination process or an employing agency’s promotional examination process according to, but not limited to, acts described in F.A.C. You can read more about the disciplinary process in F.A.C. Using a set of established penalty guidelines, the CJSTC may discipline an officer who commits any of the above violations. These penalties include: a written reprimand probation of up to two years (with or without mandatory retraining or counseling, if applicable) suspension of up to two years (with or without mandatory retraining or counseling, if applicable) revocation of certification Under Florida law, the CJSTC must revoke your certification if you are convicted of, plead guilty or nolo contendere to, or are found guilty of any felony offense, even for a withholding of adjudication or suspension of sentence. When the CJSTC revokes an officer’s certification, the officer can no longer work as a certified officer in the state of Florida. While these guidelines are specific to sworn officers, the CJSTC and the academy will expect you to adhere to the same standards of conduct during basic recruit training. Violating them may result in the denial of your officer certification. ; LE112.4. Outline the statutory conditions and penalties of the officer disciplinary process Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 9 1 Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 3: The Criminal Justice System Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the basic structures of the U.S. criminal justice system, the levels of criminal involvement, and how these affect your job as an officer. Think About This You are called to the scene of a theft. The person who called dispatch says her purse was stolen. Another person on the scene claims to have seen the crime take place. Additionally, the victim learns from her bank that her credit card was just used out of state for an online purchase. How do you determine the levels of criminal involvement of each individual in this situation? Structure of the Criminal Justice System A law enforcement officer is one small piece of a large and complex structure known as the criminal justice system. Officers play an important role in this structure. Your ability to interact effectively with other parts of the system directly affects your job performance as an officer. The system of criminal justice involves the maintenance and enforcement of criminal laws and includes the structures, functions, and decision-making processes of the agencies that deal with the management and control of crime and criminal offenders. The three main components of the criminal justice system are law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Law enforcement enforces laws, maintains civil order, and protects the constitutional rights of everyone within the United States. The court system interprets laws. You will learn more about the court system in Chapter 3. Corrections enforces punishment and rehabilitation services as defined by the court system. ; LE113.1. Outline the basic structure of the U.S. criminal justice system Law Enforcement Agencies The United States has four levels of law enforcement agencies: local or municipal, county, state, and federal. Each level is responsible for enforcing the laws within its jurisdiction, the geographical area in which it has authority. Local or municipal law enforcement agencies enforce the ordinances of the municipality, as well as state laws within the jurisdiction of the agency. Examples include police departments and public safety departments. 10 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 County law enforcement agencies enforce county ordinances and state laws within the county (including unincorporated areas), oversee the county jail, and handle civil processing. Sheriffs’ offices are county law enforcement agencies. State law enforcement agencies enforce state laws within the state. Examples include the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol. Federal law enforcement agencies enforce federal laws across state lines and within the states. Examples include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ; LE113.2. Describe the role of municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies Corrections A general overview of the corrections systems in Florida includes these components. County jails: These are facilities where arrestees go through booking procedures, arrestees await trial, and convicted offenders serve a year or less detention. Juvenile assessment/detention centers: The processing and pretrial detention of juvenile arrestees occurs in juvenile assessment and detention centers. According to the Florida Statutes, a juvenile (sometimes referred to as a child or youth) means any person younger than 18. Officers should check their agencies’ policies and procedures for the proper detainment center for juvenile arrestees in their district. Prisons (federal and state): Prisons are correctional institutions maintained by the federal and state governments for confining convicted felons. Probation: Probation is a sentence placing a person under the supervision of a probation officer for a specified length of time instead of confinement. Probationers may have to serve their confinement sentence if they violate the terms of their probation. Parole: Parole is the release of an inmate from a correctional institution before the conclusion of their court-imposed sentence. Under supervision, the person serves the remainder of the sentence in compliance with the specific terms of the release agreement. The person may have to return to the institution if they violate the release agreement. Probation and parole are alternatives to incarceration. Their purpose is to supervise the enforcement of specific restrictions on people who may have received a suspended sentence after conviction or who may be on parole. ; LE113.3. Describe the primary components of the U.S. corrections system Levels of Criminal Involvement Investigating officers must determine the identity of people involved in a criminal incident, including witnesses, victims, and suspected perpetrators of a crime. As a law enforcement officer, you must also determine what each person knows about the incident and whether a person participated in the crime, was a victim, or merely witnessed it. You will be required to make initial determinations by questioning people, observing physical evidence at the scene, and reviewing documentation related to the incident. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 11 The flow chart below illustrates how people identified in the reporting or commission of a crime may move from one designation to another as the criminal justice process proceeds. Note that not every role is represented and that one role does not necessarily lead to another. Figure 1-1: Levels of criminal involvement ; LE113.4. Distinguish between the people involved in a criminal incident You should become familiar with the following terms: A complainant is a person who reports a crime or alleges that a crime has been committed. A witness is any person who has information about some element of the crime or about evidence or documents related to the crime. A witness may have heard statements or observed events before, during, or after the crime and may have information about a piece of evidence associated with the crime or knowledge of some document related to the crime. A victim is a person or entity that suffers an injury as a result of a crime. The injury may involve physical harm, loss of money, loss of property, or damage to property. Not all crimes have an individual victim. For example, the victim in the crime of unlawful possession of a controlled substance is the state of Florida. 12 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 A confidential source is a person who provides information in confidence about a crime, either from a sense of civic duty or in the expectation of some personal benefit or advantage, and whose identity is normally not disclosed unless required by law. A person of interest is someone involved in a criminal investigation who has not been arrested or formally accused of a crime. It commonly refers to someone in whom the police are “interested,” either because they are cooperating with an investigation or may have information that would help the investigation. A subject is a known person accused or suspected of committing a crime. A subject may not have actually committed the crime. A suspect/detainee is the person believed to have committed a crime. You may identify a suspect by:  directly observing that person commit the crime  indirectly through witness observations and statements  the suspect’s own statements  learning of the person’s identity based on evidence collected while investigating the crime An arrestee is a person who is under arrest or who has been arrested. A defendant is a person formally accused of committing a crime or a civil wrong in a court proceeding. An offender is a person convicted of a crime in a court of law. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 13 1 Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 4: Chain of Command Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the importance of following chain of command and the delegation of authority to the foundation of an effective organization. Think About This Officer Woods has lost a vital piece of evidence in a murder case. He knows he is required to report this through his chain of command. However, he consults his fellow officer instead of reporting to his supervising officer. What are some possible consequences for Officer Woods’ violation of the chain of command? Most law enforcement agencies have a structure that is practical and hierarchical. Under this system, subordinates report to a single superior. Many agencies have an organizational chart that shows how the various jobs and positions are related. Law enforcement agencies often assign ranks to the different structural levels of the organization. Chain of Command Chain of command is the order of authority within an organization. It provides the links of authority and responsibility that join one level of an organization to another. A typical rank structure in a law enforcement agency might be: sheriff/chief of police undersheriff or chief deputy/deputy chief of police colonel major captain lieutenant sergeant corporal deputy/officer/trooper 14 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Your rank as an officer identifies where you are in the structural level of the organization. In most agencies, officers with ranks such as lieutenant, captain, and higher are regarded as command level. ; LE114.1. Describe the chain of command Most organizations use the chain of command as a means of communicating and making decisions. A chief or sheriff cannot answer every question that subordinates might have on a given day, so most officers go to their immediate supervisor for help. Following a chain of command enhances an agency’s efficiency through coordinating communication channels and reducing confusion. There must be uniform channels for communication within the agency to manage the accomplishment of objectives. These channels must include both vertical and lateral communication. ; LE114.2. Describe the importance of following proper chain of command Vertical communication is a term for information from the agency head that flows down through the supervision levels to the lowest levels of the organization. The information that flows from the lowest levels to the highest is equally important. Lateral communication is communication across a level of the organization to employees on the same level within the chain of command. ; LE114.3. Differentiate between vertical and lateral communication All officers should operate within the chain of command and keep their immediate supervisor informed of their activities. Not following the chain of command can lead to the miscommunication of important information and data. Miscommunication can damage the relationship between you and your immediate supervisor and can result in confusion and a lack of coordination within the unit. In some situations, such as on patrol, your direct supervisor may not be available to answer an important question. This is when academy training comes into play, and you must make decisions to the best of your ability, knowledge, and training. Violating the chain of command may also result in insubordination. Insubordination can be a very serious violation that is often the result of failing to follow orders. However, insubordination is usually determined on an agency basis and may differ depending on the situation. ; LE114.4. Identify the consequences of not following proper chain of command Delegation of Authority Whether it is the chief of police, the sheriff, or the agency director, the consequences of everything that happens within the organization ultimately rest on one person. To effectively manage an organization, the person in command needs to assign decision-making authority to those under their command. When a person with authority grants decision-making authority to another person, it is called the delegation of authority. On each level of the chain of command, there is a distribution of authority and responsibility. Knowing who has the authority to make decisions and who has the responsibility for the follow-through is the foundation of an effective organization. ; LE114.5. Explain the effective delegation of authority Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 15 1 Unit 1: The Law Enforcement Officer Profession Lesson 5: Procedural Justice Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to practice procedural justice by using the LEED framework and understand the importance of police legitimacy for strengthening the bonds between you and the community you serve. Think About This You pull over a driver who is very angry and confused about why he has been stopped by the police. What are some ways you can help stabilize the situation? Procedural Justice Procedural justice is an approach that focuses on carrying out justice in a fair and equitable manner. Research shows that when people believe they have been treated justly by law enforcement, they are more likely to comply and generally have a more positive view of law enforcement. Including procedural justice in your duties as a law enforcement officer can help you be more effective in your work. Four main pillars compose the procedural justice approach: 1. Fairness and consistency of rule application—the perception of fairness is not just about outcomes; be consistent in your decision-making, and treat people with respect. 2. Voice and representation in the process—involve groups in the decisions that affect them and listen to their concerns. 3. Transparency and openness of the process—decisions are made without secrets and deception. 4. Impartiality and unbiased decision-making—decisions are based on relevance and data. ; LE115.1. Practice the concept of procedural justice and its four pillars throughout your law enforcement career 16 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Figure 1-2: Four main pillars of procedural justice To practice procedural justice in your daily police work, it helps to remember the LEED framework: Listen—give everyone you interact with a chance to tell you their side of the story. Explain—always explain your actions. Equity—make fair decisions. Dignity—treat people with respect. Practicing procedural justice minimizes tension and potential violence in law enforcement encounters with the public. For example, an officer who uses procedural justice when responding to a noise complaint explains exactly why they are there, gives the person who is accused of the violation a chance to explain the situation, is transparent about what will happen next, and treats the person with respect. The person might still receive a citation for the noise violation. However, because they feel they were treated fairly, they are more likely to have a positive view of the interaction and less likely to commit the same violation in the future. ; LE115.2. Describe the four factors of the LEED Framework Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 17 Every single encounter you have with the public is a chance to shape how the public feels about law enforcement officers. The three main roles discussed earlier in this chapter, supporter, stabilizer, and enforcer, all employ procedural justice. Even when you are acting as an enforcer and administering the law, always remember the four pillars of procedural justice. When arresting a suspect, treat them with dignity, explain your actions, allow them to speak if they want, and be fair in your enforcement of the law. A key component of procedural justice is the concept of police legitimacy. Police legitimacy happens when the community views law enforcement as fair, morally obligated to administer the law, and a legitimate authority of power. A positive perception of law enforcement helps build and maintain the public’s trust. The public’s perception of law enforcement is incredibly important. Research shows that police legitimacy is more effective at stopping crime than traditional deterrence, such as fines or prison sentences. In addition to deterring crime, police legitimacy is also connected to building and maintaining the public’s trust. Mutual respect between the public and law enforcement often results in a much safer situation for law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. When the public does not have confidence in law enforcement there may be many negative consequences. For example, people who do not trust local law enforcement officers are usually less likely to report crimes. This can result in situations where the public believes they must be in charge of their own safety. These conditions can lead to more crime and people feeling unsafe in general. Strengthening the partnership between law enforcement and communities by using procedural justice can help reduce crime and keep your community more secure. ; LE115.3. Demonstrate police legitimacy by building and maintaining public trust 18 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 1 Unit 2: Officer Ethics and Conduct Lesson 1: Criminal Justice Ethical Concepts Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the importance of ethical decision-making on and off duty, and the ethical standards that you must practice as a law enforcement officer. Think About This You respond to a domestic disturbance and you realize that the primary aggressor is a member of your command staff. What are your ethical considerations? Ethics Ethics are standards of conduct based on the principles of right and wrong defined by society. Ethics indicate how a person should behave. Laws and rules are derived from ethics. Your behavior as an officer should reflect ethical principles. Being a law enforcement officer requires the ability to make ethical decisions. Ethical behavior in law enforcement includes: being honest in your work refusing to accept or offer gratuities preserving evidence giving true and impartial testimony obeying all laws and regulations protecting the civil rights of everyone respecting confidential and privileged communication speaking up if you see your fellow officers acting unethically ; LE121.1. List examples of ethical decision-making while on or off duty You have a duty to intervene if you see another officer(s) committing an offense, treating a community member with disrespect, or engaging in any behavior that would be deemed unethical. Every action that you take as a law enforcement officer should reflect ethical behavior. This includes your actions off duty, when your conduct reflects back onto every other law enforcement officer. Your community will look to you to advocate for the highest ethical standards at every level and at all times. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 19 Influences on Ethical Problem-Solving During your career in law enforcement, you might be confronted by situations that challenge your ethical decision-making. Your fellow officers can influence the way you respond to a problem by their attitudes, whether they are positive and upbeat, or cynical and negative. The way you view your role and the roles of your peers can also have a large impact on your actions. Challenges in your personal life, including financial or legal troubles, can push you to consider using your position for personal gain. A law enforcement officer who abandons their ethical principles is no longer fulfilling their duty to serve the public. Be mindful of the fact that while you have great influence as an officer, this influence is tied to a responsibility to the community you serve. ; LE121.2. Determine factors that have an influence on your ethical decision-making It is important that early in your career you look for positive role models, both from inside your agency and in your personal life. Finding people in your life who model the type of ethical behavior you want to see in yourself can help ensure that you practice and uphold the high ethical standards required for an officer. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics provides specific principles for law enforcement officers to follow. The Law Enforcement Oath of Honor gives officers a shorter version of these ethical values. The shorter version allows you to memorize the oath with ease and to recall it when confronted with an ethical dilemma or stressful situation. Always keep the Code of Ethics and the Oath of Honor at the center of your work. This will help you focus on your responsibilities to the public. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. 20 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession... law enforcement. Source: International Association of Chiefs of Police ; LE121.3. Identify the approved ethical standards of conduct as provided in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics Law Enforcement Oath of Honor On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the agency I serve. Source: International Association of Chiefs of Police Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 21 1 Unit 2: Officer Ethics and Conduct Lesson 2: Unethical Behavior Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will recognize unethical behavior that will damage your relationship with your community and your career as a law enforcement officer. Think About This You are eating at a fast-food restaurant with a fellow officer and you are discussing the details of an arrest you just made. Your fellow officer finds the situation funny and begins to laugh. However, the sister of the woman you arrested is at the table next to you and has heard your conversation. Has an ethical violation occurred? Unethical Behavior Society considers certain types of behavior unethical; laws make some of these behaviors illegal. Unethical behaviors that law enforcement officers should guard against include engaging in criminal offenses, such as bribery, perjury, and misusing their position or authority. Bribery occurs when you accept something for your benefit that influences your professional conduct or decision-making. Perjury is the offense of lying in court after taking an oath. Criminal violations differ depending on the situation in which a person commits perjury. Perjury is a felony in proceedings such as testifying in court or giving a deposition. Officers should never reveal confidential information, engage in situations that present a conflict of interest, or accept inappropriate favors. The Florida Statutes contain certain standards of conduct for officers, and provide specific violations. Some of these violations include: perjury by false written declaration perjury when not in an official proceeding perjury in official proceedings perjury by contradictory statements false reports to law enforcement authorities false official statements bribery unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior refusal to execute criminal process 22 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 misuse of confidential information witnesses accepting bribes Misuse of Your Position Never misuse the authority entrusted to you as a law enforcement officer. The Florida Statutes prohibit misuse of your position as a public employee: No public officer, employee of an agency, or local government attorney shall corruptly use or attempt to use his or her official position or any property or resource which may be within his or her trust, or perform his or her official duties, to secure a special privilege, benefit, or exemption for himself, herself, or others. Examples of misusing your position may include having a family member’s traffic ticket dismissed, using your badge to gain unauthorized entry to a concert, or wearing your uniform for the sole purpose of obtaining a discount at a local restaurant. ; LE122.1. Recognize unethical behavior for a law enforcement officer Confidential Information You will spend a great deal of time collecting information through interviews with victims and witnesses. It is important to maintain privacy, trust, and loyalty when people volunteer information or act as sources of information. Do not gossip, discuss cases with anyone, or post about cases on social media. Do not share information with friends, relatives, or the public. This obligation applies to both off- and on-duty time. Examples of inappropriate sharing are divulging information from a criminal justice database, sharing crime scene photos, or disclosing information about victims, witnesses, or suspects. These actions may risk ongoing investigations and cause serious consequences for you and your agency. If you divulge confidential information for non-law enforcement purposes, you could face agency and CJSTC disciplinary action. ; LE122.2. Explain inappropriate disclosure of confidential information Conflict of Interest A conflict of interest is a situation, on or off duty, in which an officer is in a position to personally benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity. In official law enforcement matters, you must not influence the actions of other people with whom you have significant personal, business, or employment relationships. For example, you cannot arrest someone and recommend a specific attorney to represent the arrestee. ; LE122.3. Explain what conflict of interest means for a law enforcement officer Do not engage in any off-duty employment if the position compromises or would reasonably tend to compromise your ability to impartially perform your duties as a law enforcement officer. For example, you cannot be a private investigator and a certified law enforcement officer at the same time. Accepting a gratuity may also present a conflict of interest. A gratuity is anything of value intended to benefit the giver more than the receiver. Do not take something given to you because of your position or Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 23 authority. This is an ethical issue that law enforcement officers often face. Whenever a situation involving gratuity arises, ask yourself: “Does this person want something from me?” “Would I be offered this if I were not a law enforcement officer?” “What is expected in return?” For the public to maintain its faith in the integrity and impartiality of law enforcement officers and their departments, you must not engage in any situation that would present a conflict of interest. Sexual Misconduct While on Duty Every year, the CJSTC addresses numerous disciplinary cases of sexual misconduct while on duty. This can include anything from asking a driver for a date when conducting a traffic stop, to having sex on duty. There is always an inherent power imbalance between you and the public. For example, if you pull over a driver and ask them out on a date, they might feel they have to say yes because you are a law enforcement officer. Remember that you are viewed as an authority figure and always serve as a representative of your agency as well as of the law enforcement profession. ; LE122.4. Describe sexual misconduct while on duty Harassment in the Workplace Everyone has a right to work in an environment free of harassment and hostile conditions. There are many different types of harassment, but all involve creating a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment is a workplace that is difficult or uncomfortable to work in because of a harasser’s behavior. For example, if someone posts explicit photographs and posters in a break room, other employees might be less likely to use that communal space, because they are uncomfortable with the photos. In the work environment, harassment may occur in the form of quid pro quo, a Latin phrase that means “something for something.” An example of quid pro quo harassment is when a supervisor demands sexual favors from an employee in return for allowing that employee to continue to work. The employee believes that any complaint will result in job loss. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It is also a form of discrimination. Sexual harassment includes verbal and non-verbal behavior as well as physical actions. Verbal actions can include giving sexual compliments, pressuring someone for dates, or ridiculing someone with a sexual message. Non-verbal actions can include making facial gestures, displaying nude pictures, posting inappropriate messages on social media, or using suggestive body language. Physical actions may include touching and brushing against someone, hugging and patting, or horseplay. ; LE122.5. Describe behaviors that constitute sexual harassment an officer should avoid 24 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 A workplace that allows sex-based discussions, humor, banter, or posters, promotes a hostile work environment. For law enforcement employees, it is becoming increasingly difficult to define the workplace. Court cases have created a very wide definition of where people work. As an officer, your workplace may be a police station, patrol car, or training academy; therefore, make sure to be respectful everywhere you go and at all times. Responses to Harassment Many agencies have trained staff members who handle sexual harassment complaints, procedures, and training. A victim should report the behavior to a supervisor or member of management informally or formally, as agency policies dictate. If the conduct becomes criminal, the victim may make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Remember, even if you are not a victim of harassment, if you observe someone being harassed you should report that harassment. The victim may also file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and consult with an attorney. The EEOC is the governmental agency that enforces compliance with the Civil Rights Act (Title VII). Training and communication are key to understanding and preventing sexual harassment. To prevent liability, follow the law and your agency policies. Avoid engaging in behavior that could be misinterpreted, and act professionally at all times. Address any sexual harassment as soon as it occurs to prevent escalation. ; LE122.6. Identify appropriate responses to sexual harassment Consequences of Sexual Harassment An officer who engages in sexual harassment may face severe consequences. The officer’s agency may impose internal disciplinary action, such as mandatory retraining, leave without pay, loss of rank, and termination. The CJSTC could revoke the officer’s certification. If a lawsuit is filed, a court could impose monetary damage. In a criminal case such as stalking, assault, battery, or official misconduct, an officer could face imprisonment. ; LE122.7. Describe the consequences of engaging in sexual harassment Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 25 1 Unit 2: Officer Ethics and Conduct Lesson 3: Fair and Unbiased Policing Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the impact unbiased and biased policing has on your community, the roles that stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination play in discriminatory policing, and the importance of fair and impartial policing. Unbiased Policing Bias is the unfair treatment and attitude toward a group of people, and it is considered unethical behavior. Unbiased policing (also known as fair and impartial policing) is the equal treatment of any person you stop, question, search, detain, or arrest, regardless of the person’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender presentation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, homeless status, mental or physical disability, age, or other self-defining characteristic. When you practice unbiased policing, you make decisions based on evidence and data rather than emotions and predetermined ideas of a person. Bias can present itself in different ways. Someone with explicit bias is aware of their dislike of certain groups of people and might be openly hateful and biased in their actions. According to the MerriamWebster Dictionary, implicit bias is a bias or prejudice that is present but not consciously held or recognized. To simplify, implicit bias is when someone unconsciously makes judgments about others without being aware that they are making those judgments. Every person has implicit bias of some kind, including but not limited to, someone’s education level, class level, or age. Our brains make these associations without our awareness. People develop implicit bias because of images in the media, a lack of exposure to diverse groups of people, and other societal factors. Because law enforcement officers must often make split-second decisions, it is critical for them to understand implicit bias. When you have to make quick decisions based on limited information, implicit bias can influence your actions without your awareness. Implicit bias cannot be eliminated overnight; being aware of it is only the first step in countering its consequences. Taking the time to slow down and think through your actions can also help. Another part of confronting bias-based policing is acknowledging the complex history of policing in the United States. Being aware of this history can help you understand why some people might be afraid when they encounter a law enforcement officer. If you understand this and practice procedural justice, you can help strengthen the ties between you and the community you serve. ; LE123.1. Compare explicit and implicit bias and how it impacts a law enforcement officer Discriminatory Practices Avoiding bias is just one step in fair and unbiased policing. You must also avoid stereotyping, prejudices, and discrimination. 26 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Stereotype Prejudice (Idea) “People with blue eyes are bad people.” (Feeling) “I don’t like people with blue eyes.” Discrimination (Action) “I don’t want to be friends with anyone who has blue eyes.” Figure 1-3: Discriminatory practices Stereotyping is judging a group of people who are different from you based on your own or others’ opinions or encounters. Both positive and negative stereotypes hurt because they categorize people unfairly. Additionally, judging a person based on stereotypes will cause you to miss valuable information and clues that could help save a life or solve a crime. Law enforcement officers should also avoid prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice is an unjustified and baseless attitude toward a person only because of their membership in a social group. Prejudices may grow from learned behavior and attitudes. Discrimination occurs when people choose to act on their prejudices. This type of behavior can break down the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve and can also lead to liability. Stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination can cause you to misunderstand information or exclude vital information in an investigation. False assumptions may lead you to act on emotions rather than a planned response. Always avoid these unethical practices in your career as a law enforcement officer. ; LE123.2. Describe the relationship between stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination Understanding Discriminatory or Biased-Based Policing Discriminatory or bias-based policing is the unequal treatment of any person, including stopping, questioning, searching, detaining, or arresting a person solely or primarily because of the person’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender presentation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, homeless status, mental or physical disability, age, or other self-defining characteristic. Discriminatory or bias-based policing includes any law enforcement action that targets a person based on a variety of group characteristics, including occupational status or ability to speak English. This behavior is illegal and can bring criminal or civil penalties against you. ; LE123.3. Describe the impact of biased and unbiased policing Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 27 The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees every person within the United States equal protection under the law. In Mapp v. Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that no state can limit this constitutional right; every person is entitled to be treated the same under similar circumstances. It is illegal and unethical to use race, ethnicity, religion, gender presentation, or sexual orientation as the sole basis for stopping a person. Some law enforcement agencies require officers to report demographic data, including race and gender, on some calls for service. This data assists agencies in investigating possible allegations of bias-based policing. Various laws and court rulings require this information to detect and eliminate unfair policing. It is your responsibility to treat everyone within the community equally. 28 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 1 Unit 3: Officer Well-Being Lesson 1: Stress and Officer Wellness Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize how the different types of stress impact your mind, body, job performance, and quality of life. Think About This Officer Jones was called to help respond to a residential fire over three weeks ago. The fire resulted in multiple fatalities, including some children. Though the incident happened over three weeks ago, he is having difficulty sleeping, is often irritated at work, and is beginning to frequent the bar close to his house on a regular basis. What might be causing this change in Officer Jones? What Is Stress? Stress includes the physical or emotional reactions to an event or situation. Stress may come from a perceived or real threat. It can also be a physical or mental response to a demanding situation or change. Negative stress can slow reaction time, make you question your decisions, or cloud your judgment. Not all stress, however, is negative. Stress can make you aware of a potentially dangerous situation and prepare you to react, such as in the case of the fight-flight-freeze response. The fight-flight-freeze response consists of: fight—the body prepares to face the danger head-on. flight—the body prepares to get away from a dangerous situation. freeze—the body fails to react. ; LE131.1. Describe the three primary responses to stress As a law enforcement officer, you will respond to high-stake situations such as domestic disputes, child abuse, traffic accidents, and homicides. For victims, these situations may occur only once in a lifetime, but as a law enforcement officer, you may find yourself regularly in dangerous situations. It is vital that you be able to recognize and manage the stress that goes with these difficult situations. Categories of Stress The level of stress you feel in a given situation depends on your perspective and personality, as well as the type of threat. There are three general categories of stress. Routine stress usually happens on a daily basis and is a normal part of life. Some examples include the ordinary stresses of being an officer, balancing home and work, and taking care of dayto-day tasks. Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 29 Acute stress is often short-lived and occurs when you experience unexpected changes in your life, such as the end of a relationship, the death of a family member, or sudden unemployment. Traumatic stress occurs during major events like war, disasters, incidents of assault, or other events when you feel your personal safety or the safety of others is in danger. Most people who experience traumatic stress are able to recover. However, some people might be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Your career in law enforcement is likely to expose you to more traumatic stress than many other people ever face. Be aware of this, and make sure you learn how to manage your stress appropriately. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Law Enforcement Due to the high levels of stress law enforcement officers face, some may go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that develops after experiencing an extremely stressful event such as war, physical violence, or a natural disaster. It can also develop over time due to repeated exposure to stress. Sometimes the sufferer is not the person threatened by the situation but someone who witnessed it. Hypervigilance is one of the symptoms of PTSD. Hypervigilance, a sense of always being on guard, can keep you from disengaging from a stressful situation. Officers experiencing hypervigilance are always expecting danger or threats. Since officers who experience hypervigilance are unable to let go of the sense of being on duty, they may lose connections with family and friends. Other symptoms of PTSD include: irritable or aggressive behavior reckless or self-destructive behavior problems with concentration difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep An officer with PTSD may also display symptoms such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and recurring nightmares. The officer may become emotionally unresponsive or have an unpredictable outburst of anger due to intrusive thoughts of re-experiencing the event. Avoidance of reminders or anything associated with the event may be a coping mechanism to relieve stress. ; LE131.2. Recognize the symptoms and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder that a law enforcement officer may experience Traumatic stress has medical consequences. When you are frightened and nervous, your brain releases stress hormones, which help you survive during life and death situations by allowing you to react quickly. Even though stress hormones play an important role in keeping you safe during dangerous incidents, they can be harmful if experienced on a long-term basis. Repeated exposure to traumatic stress keeps the brain flooded with stress hormones even when you are not in a stressful situation. High levels of stress hormones have been linked to illness, anxiety, and increased risk of drug and alcohol addiction. ; LE131.3. Explain how trauma impacts the brain 30 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 As a law enforcement officer, traumatic stress is a normal part of your job. Feeling distressed by traumatic situations is not a failing on your part. It is your body’s biological response to trauma. Understanding this will help you realize that when you are impacted by traumatic stress, it is a good idea to reach out to a professional for help. Effects of Stress While acute and routine stress may not initially appear to be as dangerous as traumatic stress, both can have negative effects on your life if not managed properly. Routine and acute stress responses include temporary increases in anxiety, tension, and irritability. Health-related stress responses include headaches, blood pressure changes, and loss of sleep. Job performance-related stress responses include inconsistent work habits and decreased productivity. All categories of stress also can affect your personal relationships and damage your connections with loved ones. Long-term stress responses may include depression or suicidal thoughts. Failure to address stress may also result in chronic health problems, including disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, and coronary heart disease. Due to the nature of their duties, law enforcement officers are at greater risk for many of these conditions. Additionally, officers have a higher risk of suicide and substance misuse. Monitor yourself as well as other officers for warning signs of stress. Some of the most common indicators are sudden behavioral changes, inconsistent work habits, accidents or injuries, frequent tiredness, sleeping and eating disorders, anxiety, alcohol misuse, drug use, and complaints from other officers or members of the community. Reach out for help if you or a fellow officer is struggling with physical or mental health. ; LE131.4. Describe how to recognize indicators of stress Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 31 1 Unit 3: Officer Well-Being Lesson 2: Behavioral Health Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand how to cope with the stress that accompanies your job as a law enforcement officer and how to build resilience for career longevity. Think About This Officer Hernandez has begun to regularly attend therapy in an effort to combat his stress. When a few fellow officers learn about this, they tell Officer Hernandez that he might not be cut out for law enforcement because they don’t go to therapy and they are fine. What is causing Officer Hernandez’s colleagues to react in this way? Reducing Stress Due to the challenges you will face as a law enforcement officer, you should prioritize your health from day one. Failing to care for your emotional and physical well-being can affect both your personal and professional life. Remember, while you will be tasked with protecting members of your community, it will be impossible to do this successfully without first taking care of yourself. Managing your physical health is an important part of reducing stress. Ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle include: regular physical exercise, such as running, swimming, and bicycling sufficient sleep each day a diet low in fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and water Staying active outside of law enforcement with community organizations, religious groups, or sports teams can significantly reduce your stress. It is essential that you establish a life for yourself outside of your job. Balancing work and home life give perspective and time to decompress from the stresses of law enforcement. Having a support system in place is another good way to manage stress. Your support system can be professional, personal, or a combination of the two. An understanding support system can guide you through tough times during your career. Making your mental and physical health a priority will help you build resilience. Resilience is the capacity to effectively cope with stress, trauma, and other serious problems. You can strengthen resilience by making your health a priority, seeking help from licensed mental health professionals, and connecting with people 32 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 in your support group. Building your resilience will not happen overnight, and you do not have to do it on your own. Having resilience does not mean that you are unaffected by difficult situations. It means that when you experience them you have healthy coping strategies and know when to reach out for help. ; LE132.1. Practice strategies for coping with stress and building resilience Assistance Resources Every agency has resources available to its officers. Many will have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP at your agency can be a good first step to access a number of resources. EAPs are often designed to help employees address issues such as mental and physical health, family care-giving, and financial planning. Many agencies also have peer-to-peer support assistance. Individuals who provide peer-to-peer support will often be fellow officers who have been trained to give support and listen to their colleagues. There are also many outside resources available. A few options include: Alcoholics Anonymous Crisis Text Line Narcotics Anonymous 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) The National Alliance on Mental Illness Many organizations and resources exist solely to help law enforcement officers. A few examples include: Badge of Life Blue HELP Center for Officer Safety and Wellness, International Association of Chiefs of Police Concerns of Police Survivors First Responder Support Network HEART (Healing Emergency and Response Team) 9/11 Police Officers Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA) Safe Call Now The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit – Office for Victims of Crime ; LE132.2. List available resources for managing mental health Chapter 1 Introduction to Law Enforcement / 33 Career Longevity Sustaining a career in law enforcement means being aware of the challenges you will face and knowing how to cope with them. Many people who work in careers that regularly place them in traumatic situations are at risk of developing secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. Secondary trauma (sometimes known as vicarious trauma) occurs when a person is exposed to the trauma of others and develops physical or mental impacts. Experiencing secondary trauma may result in absences at work, inability to focus on tasks, and a shortened career. Compassion fatigue is the emotional exhaustion that comes from helping others on a long-term basis. Symptoms of compassion fatigue include irritation, withdrawal from social situations, and feeling emotionally drained. Awareness of these possible complications is important because officers who neglect their mental health may not have the career longevity they hope for. In the past, it was commonly believed that people should deal with trauma and stress on their own. This was due to the stigma associated with mental health issues. Stigma is the belittling and disapproval of people because of certain characteristics they have. In law enforcement this can consist of officers making jokes or perpetuating stereotypes that can prevent people from getting professional help. Statements such as, “Just deal with it,” or “You need to be tougher,” foster this stigma. Recognize that mental health is as important as physical health, and similarly, it sometimes requires the help of a professional. Law enforcement officers may not seek help because they fear that this will negatively impact their careers. However, getting help from a licensed mental health professional is strictly confidential. The only exception to this is when the mental health professional has reason to believe their patient is an immediate danger to themselves or others or there is a case of child or elder abuse. Focusing on building your personal resilience and taking care of yourself can help you cope with secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. Reaching out for help before you are experiencing stress will help you with career longevity. It is recommended that on top of your annual physical exam at your general medical practitioner, you also schedule an annual mental health checkup with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist. By doing this, you make it a habit to prioritize your mental health. You do not have to wait until you experience a crisis to seek help. ; LE132.3. Describe how to foster personal resilience against trauma, compassion fatigue, and stigma for career longevity 34 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 2 Communication Unit 1: Fundamentals of Communication Lesson 1: Communication Basics / 37 Lesson 2: Verbal and Non-verbal Communication / 41 Lesson 3: Conflict Resolution and De-escalation / 44 Unit 2: Professional Communication Lesson 1: Knowing Your Community and Interacting with the Public / 47 Lesson 2: Core Communication Competencies / 50 2 Communication 2 Unit 1: Fundamentals of Communication Lesson 1: Communication Basics Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to communicate effectively using empathy, courtesy, and professionalism while serving your community. Think About This While on patrol a resident approaches you and says they are angry because of an increase of burglaries in their neighborhood. They begin to raise their voice and ask you why the police aren’t doing more to protect their homes. How could you help de-escalate this situation? In this chapter, you will learn several communication skills that will make you safer and more effective in your work as a law enforcement officer. Officers who possess strong interpersonal skills can respond appropriately and potentially avoid triggering or escalating a crisis situation. Law enforcement officers interact with people of many backgrounds, cultures, religious beliefs, and ethnicities. You should be able to adapt your communication style to fit the needs of the people you are interacting with and to fit the situation at hand. Miscommunication may create problems and potential safety issues. Miscommunication happens for different reasons: unclear expression, communication barriers, or a failure to understand the other person’s needs. Having good communication skills will help you avoid misunderstandings and escalation of tense situations. This will help keep you and the community you serve safe. Communication involves the exchange of messages, verbally and non-verbally. Communication methods include spoken or written language, gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. For communication to occur, the speaker must send their message in a way that the listener will understand. Then, the listener can show that they understand by responding. Refer to the following diagram demonstrating effective communication. ; LE211.1. Describe the components of effective communication Chapter 2 Communication / 37 Communicating Effectively Think First Assess Response Deliver Message Allow Time for Understanding Figure 2-1: Communicating effectively Characteristics of an Effective Communicator Empathy Think of empathy as a tactic you can use to help in the situations you will encounter as a law enforcement officer. Empathy is the ability to understand and care about the emotions of others. Empathy is not the same as sympathy, which is feeling sad for someone. Empathy allows you to connect with someone. When you are empathetic, you think about how that person must be feeling and how you would feel in that same situation. Officers can use empathy in many settings to help keep situations safe for everyone. For example, you respond to a call about a person loitering in front of a store. Use empathy to help navigate the situation. Consider that this person might be fearful of the police and unsure of the situation. Think back to times when you were afraid or felt unsafe and use these experiences to let this person know that you understand how afraid they might be. Using empathy to put yourself in another’s shoes will also help you employ the four pillars of procedural justice. If you were in the same situation, you would want to be listened to, treated with respect and fairness, and know what was going on. These behaviors may seem basic, but in a stressful or volatile encounter, empathy can mean the difference between escalating into violence or keeping everyone safe and secure. ; LE211.2. Describe the role of empathy in effective communication 38 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 Courtesy Courtesy is how you display professional conduct or show respect for others. The following tips may help you demonstrate courtesy as an officer: Be personal yet professional by introducing yourself by name and using the person’s name to establish rapport. Treat every person you meet with dignity and respect. Avoid words, phrases, and a sarcastic tone that may create barriers. An example is using the word “obviously” when the situation may not be obvious to someone else. Another expression to avoid is the phrase “you people,” which establishes an instant separation between you and the people you are addressing. When a person’s request seems unrealistic, instead of focusing on what cannot be done, redirect the focus to what can be done. Explain what actions you are taking and why. Maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor will help you respond appropriately to situations and can make the public more likely to assist you. ; LE211.3. Practice courtesy throughout your career Professionalism Professionalism is behavior that demonstrates good character and is marked by pride in yourself and your career. The characteristics of a professional include service, integrity, respect, quality, fairness, honesty, courage, compassion, moral and ethical leadership, trustworthiness, and common sense. Some examples of professionalism include: doing the right thing when no one is looking knowing your job, being competent dressing professionally maintaining a calm presence recognizing and admitting your mistakes being courteous practicing customer service maintaining your training and continuing education Be mindful of your attitude and assume one that supports the professional behavior you should display every time you go to work. Your attitude shapes your expectations of what will happen in any given situation, and it affects how people perceive you. An officer with a professional and positive attitude is a valuable member of society and of the law enforcement community. Chapter 2 Communication / 39 Another way to maintain professional behavior is to practice the four pillars of procedural justice, and the LEED framework—listen, explain, equity, dignity—in all your interactions. Remembering the LEED framework will give you guidelines to follow and make it easier to remain professional in a variety of situations. ; LE211.4. Demonstrate professionalism throughout your career Projecting a Positive Self-Image Command presence, an officer’s most valuable non-verbal tool, is your demeanor and confidence exhibited by personal appearance, erect posture, alertness, and attention to surroundings. You can improve your self-confidence, credibility, and command presence through training, education, and experience. Displaying a positive self-image extends to every role you play as a law enforcement officer, and will vary depending on which role you are serving at the moment—as a supporter, stabilizer, or enforcer. For instance, when acting as a supporter, maintain your command presence, but adjust it to fit the situation. An example might be when speaking to a victim, sitting down with them instead of standing over them. In this way, you are still in control of the situation and conveying ability, but also making the victim more comfortable. Being aware of what role you need to take on will help you determine a suitable professional response for that situation. Project a positive self-image in your physical appearance. It is the first non-verbal message you give upon arriving at a scene. Keep your uniform clean and pressed and your shoes shined. Maintain your personal hygiene. This demonstrates respect for your job and the people in the community you serve. ; LE211.5. Recognize the importance of having a positive self-image 40 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 2 Unit 1: Fundamentals of Communication Lesson 2: Verbal and Non-verbal Communication Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will be able to interpret non-verbal and verbal communication, taking into consideration the context of the incident. Think About This You have responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex. When the tenant opens the door, he tells you that everything is fine, but he is sweating, breathing heavily, and has an expression of terror on his face. How can you read his non-verbal communication to help you assess the situation? Verbal and Non-verbal Cues The more you understand verbal and non-verbal cues, the greater your ability to communicate and choose responses appropriately. Constantly evaluating your verbal and non-verbal communication as well as the verbal and non-verbal communication of the people you are interacting with is important to your job and safety. For example, you may observe that a person’s verbal communication (what they say with words) during a traffic stop seems unemotional but their non-verbal communication seems aggressive. Non-verbal communication is any message or signal sent from one person to another without the explicit use of language. Some communication cues include: Voice and tone—verbal communication is not just what we say but how we say it. Pay attention to how loud you speak and your tone and inflection. Ask yourself: What are the tone, volume, and pitch of the person’s voice? Does my tone of voice indicate sarcasm, confidence, compassion, or anger? What words are used, and how are they spoken? General appearance and dress—all of us make judgments based on a person’s appearance. However, it is important to stay objective regarding a person’s way of dressing. Posture—posture refers to the way we sit, walk, stand; it can include our bearing, subtle movements, and general presence. When you ask someone about their timeline on the date of a crime, does the person shift their weight or suddenly cross their arms? Does someone’s non-verbal communication match what they are saying to you? Does the person’s posture help validate or contradict what they say? Chapter 2 Communication / 41 Body movement—body movements often offer vital non-verbal cues. We use our body movement to communicate our attitude or our emotional state by facing or leaning toward a person or through moving away from a person. When you interview someone, what is your body language saying? Do you lean forward to indicate interest? Does the person you’re talking to exhibit physical indicators, including rocking back and forth, twitching their eyes, or shaking their legs? These behaviors could indicate that the person is nervous and is trying to soothe themselves or could be indicators of fight or flight. Facial expressions—we are able to express many emotions through our facial expressions, without saying a word. The good thing is that most facial expressions are universal. For example, the facial expressions for sorrow, joy, surprise, rage, disgust, and terror are the same across most cultures. When communicating with others, listen attentively and ask yourself questions like, “What facial expression is this person making, and does it provide additional information?” Does the person’s facial expression match the verbal message they are sending? A person may tell you that they are fine, but their facial expression may be one of rage. Touch—non-verbal behavior regarding touch also depends on the person. You may find yourself having to touch people to perform your duties. For example, when consoling a victim, you may give a reassuring pat on the shoulder to show empathy, or you may have to physically redirect someone to a particular location. Think about what messages you are giving to others when you touch them, and make sure to always respect someone’s boundaries if they seem uncomfortable or don’t want to be touched. Smell—smell can sometimes be a barrier to communication. For example, some people may not share your expectations of personal hygiene, may have certain medical conditions, or may have dietary restrictions, that cause them to smell differently. Avoid making false judgments about people with whom you interact. Personal space—personal space varies greatly from one person to another. While it may be acceptable in some cultures to move into close proximity to communicate, it may not be in others. Be mindful when you move within someone’s personal space; you may make them uncomfortable, limiting your ability to communicate with them. Eye contact—your ability to establish, maintain, and understand eye contact will enhance your ability to communicate effectively. Factors such as personality, cultural background, nervous tension, medical condition, and emotional state can influence eye contact. Use your knowledge of eye contact to help determine someone’s emotional state. Two concepts that you should be aware of are mutual gaze and break of gaze. ; LE212.1. Describe the elements of verbal and non-verbal communication Mutual gaze is the common level of eye-to-eye contact that two people have when conversing. Mutual gaze usually starts when someone is trying to get someone else’s attention. For example, as an officer, while interviewing a subject who appears hesitant to reveal information, you might establish mutual gaze by nodding your head and maintaining eye contact to encourage the subject to continue to talk. A break of gaze usually occurs when a person unintentionally or intentionally drops their gaze from the person looking at them. This could be caused by: personality emotional state 42 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 traumatic event cultural norms recalling information If a person breaks their gaze, it may indicate any number of emotions or non-verbal messages. Don’t be too quick to assume that you understand their response if they are not making eye contact with you. Effectively evaluating your verbal and non-verbal communication will prove useful when you have to conduct criminal investigations, interviews, traffic stops, and interrogations. As a general rule, evaluate verbal and non-verbal behaviors within the entire context of what is going on, taking into consideration cultural factors. All communication is subject to misinterpretation because people may react differently in stressful situations. Chapter 2 Communication / 43 2 Unit 1: Fundamentals of Communication Lesson 3: Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the barriers to communication and how to use conflict resolution and de-escalation skills to resolve incidents with equity and dignity. Think About This You are responding to a conflict between a homeowner and his plumber. The plumber is upset because he says the homeowner has not paid him for any of his services. The homeowner is cursing and claiming the plumber did not do his job so he refuses to pay. How could you help manage this conflict? Anticipating potential conflict will help you prepare for any law enforcement duty. There are many verbal and non-verbal cues to be mindful of as situations unfold. This lesson discusses strategies for conflict management that can be tailored to your duties. Each situation is unique and should be approached with patience and empathy. Challenges to Effective Communication There are some common barriers, verbal and non-verbal, that you should try to avoid when communicating: failing to explain your actions failing to listen to what the person has to say using dialect, slang, words that have multiple meanings, or different languages using curse words or slurs phrasing your message in a disrespectful way having prejudices or implicit biases that lead to false assumptions or stereotyping suddenly changing body language or tone non-verbal communication not matching your spoken word using derogatory hand gestures or body movements ; LE213.1. Recognize potential barriers to effective communication 44 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 In particular, you should try to minimize barriers to communication when: people have physical or psychological disabilities or conditions; for example, you will need to speak louder for someone who may be hard of hearing a person has a language difference or accent environmental and situational distractions are present, such as background noise in a person’s home with a child crying or the radio on full-blast To prevent common barriers to communication: Maintain appropriate eye contact so that you can read non-verbal cues. Keep sentences brief and to the point. Short sentences minimize distractions, especially in stressful, confusing, or noisy situations. Give clear, specific directions; for example, “Stand next to the trunk of your car,” is better than “Move over where I can see you.” Use open-ended questions (not yes-or-no questions) to promote communication without limiting the other person’s responses to short or one-word answers. Allow the person to give their side of the story. Treat everyone with respect. The more you get to know your community and they get to know you, the better you can prevent and resolve communication obstacles. Understand that there will be times when communication barriers will be beyond your control; however, using the above communication strategies may help reduce the frequency of these occurrences. ; LE213.2. Describe how to overcome communication barriers Managing Conflict Officers frequently mediate conflicts. Conflict resolution is a part of managing a conflict and either temporarily or permanently resolving a situation before it escalates. Properly managing conflict can increase the awareness and understanding of the people involved and help them accept a decision or outcome. To manage conflicts effectively, you should employ active listening, understand human and cultural diversity, and practice self-control. You will learn about active listening later in this chapter. It is also important to be well-informed of the law and your authority, and how to appropriately apply both to a situation. You should remain unbiased and calm when helping people resolve conflicts. Many situations could potentially escalate to violence if not properly managed. Some examples are domestic disputes, child custody exchanges, landlord-tenant disagreements, and civil disputes. Chapter 2 Communication / 45 Conflicts between juveniles and their parent(s) or caregiver(s) are common calls for service. You may have to respond to a call in which your skills as a neutral third party will provide conflict resolution between a juvenile and their parent(s) or caregiver(s). As with adults, many of the following strategies can be used with juveniles by tailoring your approach to each individual situation. Strategies for conflict resolution include: 1. Separate the people involved, making sure they are in a safe location and they cannot communicate with one another. 2. Render first aid, if needed. 3. Gather information from all sides. Allow people to give their side of the story. 4. When appropriate, explain what you’re doing and what the people involved can do. 5. Provide options and available resources. 6. If possible, help mediate a compromise. 7. Tell the people involved why you’re taking action (or not taking action). 8. Act with dignity and leave people with their dignity. Determine if the conflict can be resolved or only managed. Know the resources available to manage the conflict and bring it to an appropriate conclusion. Establishing order by guiding the people involved in the dispute toward a peaceful end should be the main goal; however, everyone may not agree with the solution. There are times you will be required to respond to situations that have escalated into violence or have the potential to do so. Sometimes managing conflict requires actions the officer must take to establish control, such as, calling additional personnel, re-deploying resources, issuing strong verbal commands, or using physical force or the threat of force. These actions along with others are commonly referred to as deescalation techniques and are designed to bring a volatile situation under control so that other techniques, such as mediation and arbitration can take place. Remember, you can’t successfully manage situations that are not under control, but through the use of deescalation techniques you may regain or establish control of the situation so that dialogue and mediation can occur. Unfortunately, not all conflicts can be managed to a peaceful conclusion. Sometimes, you may need to take enforcement action, such as make an arrest. Know the limits of your skills, the law, and your authority, and how to appropriately apply these to a situation. ; LE213.3. Describe how to diffuse a situation through conflict management 46 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 2 Unit 2: Professional Communication Lesson 1: Knowing Your Community and Interacting With the Public Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will know how to interact fairly and professionally with your diverse community. Think About This You are interviewing witnesses at the scene of a traffic crash. One witness is with her grandmother who, upon seeing you, begins crying and steps behind her granddaughter in an effort to hide from you. Her granddaughter apologizes and explains that her grandmother is just afraid of law enforcement officers. What might have happened to this woman to hurt her trust in law enforcement? Community Expectations and Officer Response Community refers to the people and locations that make up the neighborhoods, institutions, and businesses in the area where you work. Partnerships between law enforcement officers and communities can make the community more secure and protected from criminal elements. The community expects officers to behave in a courteous, efficient, and accessible manner, treating all people fairly with consideration and compassion. Displaying professional behavior when dealing with the community is just as important as demonstrating proficiency with firearms or defensive tactics. Behaving unprofessionally can have an adverse effect on how your community views you. For example, a slur or disparaging comment made by an officer can inflict emotional harm on anyone who hears it. It can also undermine the officer’s reputation and the law enforcement profession as a whole. ; LE221.1. Describe community expectations for law enforcement Community Demographics and Officer Response As a law enforcement officer, you will meet people from different countries and cultural groups, and you will communicate with people from and with various socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, physical abilities, religious beliefs, living situations, sexual orientations, political beliefs, and ideologies. People from these groups may feel fear or distrust or be uncomfortable when interacting with you. They may not understand how the criminal justice system works, or they may have had negative experiences with law enforcement in the past. People sometimes form negative opinions of law enforcement based on how law enforcement previously responded to calls for service in their communities. An officer’s unprofessional reaction to a situation can destroy the goodwill that took years to build within a community. Surveys show that people will most likely complain about your behavior if you show disrespect or arrogance, humiliate people, or rush to judge Chapter 2 Communication / 47 situations before gathering all the facts. Communities also complain about officers who make assumptions and then respond in inappropriate and biased manners. You need the public’s respect, support, and cooperation to provide effective law enforcement services. To improve your communication with diverse communities, learn the demographics and social characteristics of your community. Demonstrate a sincere willingness to learn about those you serve. Learn about the belief systems of different cultures and make an earnest effort to connect with community members. Recognize differences that may block your communication as well as similarities that may support your effectiveness. Ask yourself questions such as: Does my gender affect this situation? Is there a family or cultural hierarchy that I should be aware of? Is there a language barrier? How can I work to communicate effectively if this is the case? Recall the tips regarding non-verbal cues presented earlier in this chapter. Be aware of how eye contact, gestures, personal space, and facial expressions can affect your communication with diverse communities. Building rapport, respecting others, and taking time to explain your actions can help you gain cooperation and lessen negative consequences. As the people you serve become used to how you police the community, they will begin to understand how local law enforcement agencies can partner with the community in crime prevention. ; LE221.2. Explain how professionalism helps you communicate effectively Intercultural Communication Culture is one of many factors affecting communication. Culture may be identified as the customary beliefs, social norms, and significant traits prevalent among a group of people or in a particular place. It is important to understand the concept of intercultural communication and how it can affect your job as an officer. Intercultural communication takes place when people from different cultures communicate. “Intercultural” can mean interethnic, interreligious, interregional, as well as between genders. When intercultural communication is done poorly, this can result in miscommunication and division between you and your community. For example, some cultures prefer to establish rapport or an informal relationship before conducting business. If you attempt to question someone from a culture like this without establishing rapport first, the person might be less inclined to share information with you. ; LE221.3. Describe cultural influences that can affect interpersonal communications You can improve your intercultural communication by being culturally responsive. When you are culturally responsive, you are open to learning about new cultures, respectful of cultural differences, and recognize the important role culture plays in people’s lives. 48 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (LE): Volume 1 You can work on being culturally responsive by: Learning about your community, including:  diverse populations in your city or county  faith organizations  languages spoken  cultural organizations  small businesses Demonstrating respect for the cultures of your community members:  Culture is an important part of everyone’s lives and identities. Showing respect for someone’s culture can help make community members feel valued.  Showing respect for the others’ culture also leads to a better relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Being open to learning and fixing mistakes when they happen:  If a community member corrects an error you have made regarding their culture, listen, accept responsibility, and try not to be defensive.  Recognize that making mistakes is part of the learning process. What is important is that you are willing to learn and grow.  If you are not sure, ask. If you ask a question about someone’s culture in a respectful manner, you open up a dialogue that can result in a relationship built on a foundation of respect. Remembering that not everyone has the same experiences as you:  Everyone sees the world in a different way because each person’s experiences are unique.  Take the time to talk to your community members and learn their perspectives. Being culturally responsive is something to which you will need to dedicate time to build awareness and learn how to respond, but it will make you more effective as an officer. Chapter 2 Communication / 49 2 Unit 2: Professional Communication Lesson 2: Core Communication Competencies Lesson Goal At the end of this lesson, you will understand the importance of self-talk and self-awareness in preparation for using the core communication competencies when serving your community. Think About This You are on your way to respond to a call about possible child abuse. You realize this might be a difficult situation and you need to keep your emotions in check. What are some ways you can prepare so that you remain professional while handling this incident? Preparing for an Interaction While on your way to a call or before a conversation, mentally prepare for the possible interactions you may have. There are several techniques that can help you prepare. Self-talk is the practice of talking to yourself as you anticipate, encounter, or evaluate an event. Self-talk strategies for a law enforcement professional include recalling skills and information learned during training, applying agency policies and procedures, and visualizing a professional response. Visualizing the conversation can help you remain objective in a difficult situation by keeping your thoughts, verbal and nonverbal communications, and emotional responses in check while you assess a situation and complete tasks. Use self-awareness and empathy to remind yourself that the individual you are interacting with is a person too, and likely has similar needs and wants as you. Focusing on things you have in common will help you resist thinking about the other person in stereotypical or derogatory terms. ; LE222.1. Identify how self-talk and self-awareness can help with communication While being aware of your own perceptions, assumptions, and limitations, you must also be aware that others have perceptions and assumptions of you. To communicate effectively, you must con

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