(EP) Ethics and Professionalism Module Overview

Ethics and Professionalism Module Overview

Ethical Conflict ImageWe have examined the importance of having strong report writing skills in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security professions. In this unit, we will focus on the importance of ethical behaviors and professionalism. All ethical decisions affect others. What damage can unethical decisions and unprofessional employees cause in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security fields?

Every profession has a code of conduct. Most professions have an ethics committee of some type. Ethics govern the behavior of professionals. It protects us from inappropriate behavior. Professionals whose behavior is found to be unethical can lose their ability to practice their trade.

In this module you will learn about ethics as it pertains to the LPSCS professions. The unit focuses more on law enforcement because ethical issues arise more often in that field than the others. You will also learn about personal morality and the role of ethics in a professional's life.

 

Essential Questions

  • What are some unethical and illegal actions that occur in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security professions?
  • What actions are identified in the code of ethics for Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security employees?
  • What are some reasons for corruption in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security professions?
  • Other than corruption, what other forms of misconduct exist in Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security professions?
  • How does corruption effect Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security professions?

 

Key Words

  1. Ethics- the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.
  2. Vice- immoral conduct; depraved or degrading behavior
  3. Oath- a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.
  4. Ambivalence - the coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings toward a person, an object, or an idea
  5. Morals - of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong
  6. Cynical- distrusting or disparaging the motives of others
  7. Honor- means that one's word is given as a guarantee
  8. Betray- is defined as breaking faith with the public trust
  9. Badge- is the symbol of your office
  10. Integrity- is being the same person in both private and public life
  11. Character- means the qualities that distinguish an individual
  12. Public trust- is a charge of duty imposed in faith toward those you serve
  13. Courage- is having the strength to withstand unethical pressure, fear or danger
  14. Accountability -means that you are answerable and responsible to your oath of office
  15. Community- is the jurisdiction and citizens served.
  16. Excessive force- a measure of coercion beyond that necessary to control participants in a conflict

 

Key Words Review

After reviewing your key words for this module, complete the review activity below:

 

 

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