Chapter-1_Unit-1_Lesson-2.pdf

Unit 1 Introduction Lesson 2 Criminal Justice Values and Ethics Lesson Goal You will be equipped to make ethical decisions in all personal and professional situations. Think About This Officer Roberts has just caught an inmate stealing some books that belong to another inmate. In- stead of re...

Unit 1 Introduction Lesson 2 Criminal Justice Values and Ethics Lesson Goal You will be equipped to make ethical decisions in all personal and professional situations. Think About This Officer Roberts has just caught an inmate stealing some books that belong to another inmate. In- stead of reporting the incident, he only verbally reprimands the inmate. Later that night, the same inmate is caught trying to steal the books again. Only this time, he is caught by the other inmate, who severely beats him. Now a formal investigation has to be conducted, a crime scene has to be processed, and the inmate needs medical attention. Could the officer have done something differ- ent in this situation? Officer Ethics ✅ CO112.1. Understand how values and ethics apply to a correctional officer’s behavior Values are principles, standards, or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable. They are core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate a person’s attitude and actions. Values determine how people behave in certain situations; they reflect what people care about and what they think is important. These convictions may be based on many factors, including cultural background, personal experiences, organizational values, or personal beliefs. For correctional officers, honesty, truthfulness, and fairness are especially important values and should always be practiced both on and off duty. Ethics are defined as the moral principles that govern a person or group. These principles are based on society’s understanding of right and wrong. Values and ethics are interrelated; both are essen- tial in the correctional officer’s personal and professional life. As a correctional officer, you must always act within the boundaries of your authority and uphold the recognized standards of your profession’s code of ethics. Ethical behavior is principled, values-based decision-making that is practiced daily. Correctional officers should behave ethically on and off duty and avoid conflicts of interest. Examples of ethical behavior are obeying all laws, policies, and procedures; protecting the civil rights of all inmates; respecting confidential and privileged communication; and treating persons who may be different from you with courtesy and fairness. Ethical violations can result in disciplinary action by your agency and the CJSTC, including termina- tion of employment and decertification. Chapter 1 Introduction to Corrections / 9 ✅ CO112.2. Know the American Correctional Association’s Code of Ethics The American Correctional Association Code of Ethics Preamble: The American Correctional Association expects of its members unfailing honesty, respect for the dignity and individuality of human beings and a commitment to professional and compassionate service. To this end, we subscribe to the following principles: Members shall respect and protect the civil and legal rights of all individuals. Members shall treat every professional situation with concern for the welfare of the individuals involved and with no intent to personal gain. Members shall maintain relationships with colleagues to promote mutual respect within the profession and improve the quality of service. Members shall make public criticism of their colleagues or their agencies only when warranted, verifiable and constructive. Members shall respect the importance of all disciplines within the criminal justice system and work to improve cooperation with each segment. Members shall honor the public’s right to information and share information with the public to the extent permitted by law subject to individuals’ right to privacy. Members shall respect and protect the right of the public to be safeguarded from criminal activity. Members shall refrain from using their positions to secure personal privileges or advantages. Members shall refrain from allowing personal interest to impair objectivity in the performance of duty while acting in an official capacity. Members shall refrain from entering into any formal or informal activity or agree- ment which presents a conflict of interest or is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of duties. Members shall refrain from accepting any gifts, service, or favors that are or appear to be improper or imply an obligation inconsistent with the free and objective exer- cise of professional duties. Members shall clearly differentiate between personal views/statements and views/ statements/positions made on behalf of the agency or Association. 10 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1  Members shall report to appropriate authorities any corrupt or unethical behaviors in which there is sufficient evidence to justify review. Members shall refrain from discriminating against any individual because of race, gender, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, age, disability, or any other type of prohibited discrimination. Members shall preserve the integrity of private information; they shall refrain from seeking information on individuals beyond that which is necessary to implement responsibilities and perform their duties; members shall refrain from revealing non- public information unless expressly authorized to do so. Members shall make all appointments, promotions, and dismissals in accordance with established civil service rules, applicable contract agreements, and individual merit, rather than furtherance of personal interests. Members shall respect, promote, and contribute to a workplace that is safe, healthy, and free of harassment in any form. Influences on Ethical Problem-Solving ✅ CO112.3. Know the factors that influence your ethics and decision-making Many factors affect how people solve problems and whether they do so in an ethical manner. Some officers come from families that emphasize strong values while others are taught that everything is acceptable as long as they are not caught. Some people grow up in violent neighborhoods, possi- bly exposed to unethical activities. The influence of family members and peers can greatly affect how officers solve problems. Values instilled during childhood can affect an officer’s decisions in adulthood. Officers’ pasts are by no means the only things that influence their current problem-solving abili- ties. Home life is especially important—it can affect everything from officers’ views of the world to their behaviors and decision-making. A good support system in place at home can give officers confidence in their opinions. Honest communications and working out differences at home enhance an officer’s ability to communicate with others on the job. Co-workers can influence the way officers respond to a problem by their attitudes alone, whether they are positive and upbeat or cynical and negative. The way officers view their roles and the roles of their co-workers can have a large impact on their actions. Officers’ time in the academy can also influence how they respond to situations both in and outside the criminal justice field. Instructors should display professionalism and act as mentors and role models, extending respect and courtesy to all members of the academy. Students should be respect- ful and take advantage of the fact that instructors are experts in their fields. Chapter 1 Introduction to Corrections / 11 Behaviors to Avoid When interacting with inmates and others, correctional officers should avoid demonstrating unpro- fessional behaviors. ✅ CO112.4. Understand the consequences of stereotyping Stereotyping is judging a group of people who are different from you based on your own or others’ opinions or encounters. Labeling people, whether positively or negatively, may limit your ability to interact with inmates or work effectively with colleagues. Both positive and negative stereotypes hurt because they categorize people unfairly; therefore, they are not acceptable practices. ✅ CO112.5. Understand why you should treat all people fairly and with dignity Showing consideration for your co-workers lets others see that you handle your job professionally. You are expected to treat people fairly, with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, gender, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, age, or disability. ✅ CO112.6. Know inappropriate and unprofessional behaviors that you must avoid in the performance of your duties Bias or prejudice is a strong belief or feeling about a person, group, or subject, whether positive or negative, that is formed without reviewing all available facts or information. Prejudices may grow from learned behavior and attitudes. Officers who act with prejudice may exhibit inappropriate behavior toward people or groups who represent a race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orienta- tion, national origin, disability, advanced age, gender presentation, or other self-defining charac- teristic. This type of behavior may be destructive and can invite civil liability. Discrimination is the negative behavior toward a person or group that is based on color, race, sex, age, religion, ethnic and national origin, disability, or marital status. Discrimination occurs because people choose to act on their prejudices. Each person has the right to live free from discrimina- tion and prejudice. An assumption is a notion, statement, or belief about a person, group, or event that may or may not be factual. People make assumptions when they consider something to be true or false with- out proof or demonstration. Assumptions are interpretations of what experience reveals and may not always be accurate. The following are examples of often false assumptions: Young inmates are disrespectful to elders and authority. Older inmates pose less threat to officers. Using stereotypes and assumptions to judge people limits officers’ thought processes and can threaten safety. Stereotypes and assumptions may cause an officer to act on emotions rather than plan a response. Responsive behavior requires you to think, plan a response, and act appropriately using verbal and non-verbal skills. 12 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 Ethical Decision-Making ✅ CO112.7. Use the Ethical Decision-Making Tool to make ethical decisions while on or off duty The Ethical Decision-Making Tool is an assessment tool that can assist you in making decisions in difficult ethical situations. It guides you through a series of questions that encourage you to think through what you plan to do. It analyzes alternative actions that can accomplish the goal. 1. Is my action legal? If no, stop! What action should I take? If yes, ask the next question. 2. Will the result of my action be good? If no, stop! If yes, ask the next question. 3. Will what I plan to do actually work? If no, stop! If yes, ask the next question. 4. Is there a less harmful alternative? If yes, stop and use the less harmful alternative! If no, ask the next question. 5. Does it undermine some equal or more important value? If yes, stop! If no, go ahead with the decision. 6. Does a good end ever justify a bad means? No! 7. Will I be able to justify my action if my decision is made public? If no, stop! If yes, go ahead with the decision. Chapter 1 Introduction to Corrections / 13