Published: 2021-08-04
Views: 352
Author: Writer
Published in: Sociology

Ethics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the morals of right and wrong.

Ethics are guidelines that help distinguish between what is morally wrong and right, what is good and what is bad. It is simply put in place to tell you that you know what you cannot do because of a particular reason.

This is why agencies such as the police must understand their work ethics.

Ethics and its characteristics

Ethics tells what behavior is expected of us and why we should behave in that manner. Ethics is characterized by the following:

• They are to be maintained even when you are alone
• Ethics is normal.
• There is a method of looking through the inner side of ethics.
• It focuses on human actions and behavior

Forms of Ethics

There are two forms of ethics namely consequential and non-consequential ethics.

1. Consequential Ethics

This has to do with that determines if something is right or wrong based on the consequences of the action that is done. Lying is wrong ethical but lying to save or protect a person is right this is basically what a consequentialist believes.

There are two forms of consequential ethics namely utilitarianism and hedonism.

a. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is of the notion that the best action is one that benefits the most people and that the morality of an action is purely based on the happiness of a large number of people;

b. Hedonism

Hedonism implies that the pleasure of humans is of paramount importance therefore the best action in terms is that which gives humans pleasure.

2. Non-consequential Ethics

Morality is determined by the law in non-consequential ethics this law could be any kind of law. Non-consequentiality is about rules or principles that are determined by rationality.

There are 3 major forms of non-consequential ethics which are egoism, utilitarianism and pragmatism.

a. Egoism

Egoism focuses on self-interest, doing that which is best you not minding others involved, it is believed that everyone's action is done in their own best interest not that of others.

b. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism suggests that the best action is one that will do the best for a large number of people and

c. Pragmatism

pragmatism is basically the belief that things to be done scientifically, should be quantitative, not qualitative.

Importance of Ethics

It is important to take ethics into consideration because of the following reasons:

1. Creates credibility

Ethics create credibility, a person or organization with strong moral ethics can be trusted as they are guided by ethics.

2. Promotes moral and social value

This is regarded as crucial because it aids in the promotion of other important moral and social values.

3. Satisfying human needs 

One of the most basic human needs is to be fair, honest, and ethical. Every employee aspires to be such and to work for a company that operates fairly and ethically.

4. Secures society

The legal system is frequently seen as a mute spectator, unable to save society or the environment. According to Dr John O'Neill, ethics frequently succeeds law in protecting society.

Ethics governing the police

Police ethics refers to a set of moral values that are widely accepted as professional policing standards. Ethics in policing encompasses values such as allegiance, honesty, loyalty, and courage.

Ethics is defined as doing what is morally right. A police officer, for example, is expected to stop and assist a stranded motorist or to have reasonable suspicion of a violation before initiating a traffic stop.

But we all know that this doesn't always happen. It is important to note that police ethics are distinct from the written rules and regulations of the police department.

Following any written rules, formal regulations, or laws, on the other hand, would be considered ethical behavior. Stealing evidence or falsifying a report would be a violation of both the department's explicit rules and the law.

When considering unethical behavior, keep in mind that an officer's ethics are equally important.

When we question an officer's ethics, we are also questioning his or her decision-making abilities. When we question an officer's personal decisions, we also question that officer's professional decisions, and we lose trust and respect for our police. The integrity of the police is eroding.

Ethics guiding the police force

To be an officer you must be willing and able to follow the ethic guiding the police force of your country but in general they include:

Serve the community as a whole

be willing to protect lives and property; to protect the innocent from deception, the weak from oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful from violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.

Maintain an untainted private life

An officer by code of ethics is expected to keep his keep private life pristine as an example to all, and conduct himself in a way that does not bring discredit to himself or his agency.

Be courageous

An officer is expected to be calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule and master the fine art of self-control.

Ensure the welfare of others

An officer is expected to always be mindful of the welfare of others.

Honesty

Stand as a symbol of honesty in thought and deed in both personal and professional life.

Integrity and self-control

An officer is expected to enforce the law in a courteous and appropriate manner, without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never using unnecessary force or violence, and never accepting bribes.

It is important to know that while we must have trust in our police, they must also be ethically responsible, an officer who is off duty is still bound by his ethics and should act in a manner that will not lead to the questioning of the police force ethics remember while mentioning the characteristics of ethics I mentioned that they are to be maintained even when you are alone.