Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real MTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics flashcards as text
Which of the following behaviors would most seriously undermine public trust in law enforcement?
Answer: Officers lying under oath to secure a conviction
Perjury by officers destroys the integrity of the justice system and severely damages public confidence in law enforcement.
An officer discovers that a close relative is involved in drug dealing. Ethically, the officer should:
Answer: Report the information through proper departmental channels and recuse if necessary
Personal relationships do not exempt individuals from the law; officers must report the information and manage conflicts of interest officially.
What is the primary purpose of a law enforcement code of ethics?
Answer: To establish a framework of values and conduct guiding officer behavior
A code of ethics defines the values, principles, and standards of conduct expected of law enforcement professionals.
You arrest a suspect who resists and is ultimately subdued. During booking, you notice the suspect has injuries that occurred during arrest. You should:
Answer: Document the injuries accurately in your report
Accurate documentation of injuries is required to ensure transparency, protect the officer, and safeguard the suspect's rights.
A sergeant asks you not to document a use-of-force incident in your report. What should you do?
Answer: Document the incident accurately regardless of the request
Officers are obligated to file accurate and complete reports; omitting use-of-force incidents constitutes misconduct.
Which of the following is considered an ethical conflict of interest for a police officer?
Answer: Investigating a crime committed by your business partner
Investigating someone with whom you have a personal financial relationship creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed and managed.
When is it appropriate for a police officer to lie to a suspect?
Answer: During an interrogation, within the bounds allowed by law
Courts have permitted certain deceptive interrogation tactics (e.g., false evidence ploys) within legal limits, but lying in reports or court is never permitted.