Ethics Flashcards

You witness another officer plant evidence on a suspect. What is your ethical obligation?

Answer: Report it immediately to a supervisor or internal affairs

Witnessing evidence-planting is witnessing a crime; officers are obligated to report it through proper channels.

The 'blue wall of silence' refers to:

Answer: The unofficial code among officers not to report colleagues' misconduct

The blue wall of silence is an unwritten rule where officers protect each other from investigations, which undermines public trust and accountability.

An officer who enforces laws selectively based on personal bias is violating which ethical principle?

Answer: Impartiality

Impartiality requires officers to enforce the law consistently without favoritism or prejudice.

A community member offers you a cash gift for helping recover her stolen property. You should:

Answer: Politely decline and explain departmental policy on gifts

Most departments prohibit accepting cash gifts from the public to prevent conflicts of interest and perceptions of favoritism.

What does 'procedural justice' mean in the context of policing ethics?

Answer: Treating people with fairness, respect, and transparency during police interactions

Procedural justice emphasizes fair processes, respectful treatment, and transparent decision-making to build public trust.

You are off-duty and witness a minor traffic accident. Another off-duty officer says 'just drive past—it's not our problem.' What should you do?

Answer: Stop and render assistance as you are legally obligated as a police officer

In most jurisdictions, officers have a legal and ethical duty to render aid and take appropriate action even while off-duty.

Which of the following is the best example of ethical use of discretion?

Answer: Issuing a warning to a first-time speeder who was rushing a sick child to the hospital

Ethical discretion involves considering all circumstances and applying proportionate responses guided by policy and good judgment.