U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Academy Library
Quantico, Virginia 22135

 

Subject Bibliography

 
ETHICS
 
 
8/2005
 
  Alderson, John. Principled Policing: Protecting the Public With Integrity. Winchester, UK: Waterside Press, 1998.
Call Number: HV 7924.A434 1998
Abstract: It is all too easy for quite 'ordinary' police officers to descend into behavior which is difficult to comprehend - as a result of working cultures, state maneuvering and the lack of fundamental values for police work. Through his description of what he calls 'high police' and by way of worldwide examples - from Northern Ireland to Tiananmen Square, Nazi Germany to the FBI and the British miners strike of 1984/5 - the author calls for decency, fairness and morality to act as touchstones for police officers everywhere.

Anderson, Jonathan. "Ethical Backup: A Policing Tradition." Law & Order (October 2003): pp. 118-20.
Abstract: On September 29, 1892, the first Metropolitan Police Peelers in London relied on their training, courage, discipline, and an ironclad practice of unconditional backup to survive. Anderson recounts the policing tradition of unconditional ethical backup that has served as a survival mechanism that kept officers safe and strong both physically and emotionally since the time of policing pioneers of 19th century London.

________. "The Oath." Law & Order (November 2003): pp. 104-5.
Abstract: Anderson talks about the act of taking oath, which signifies an acknowledgement, a promise, and a commitment to the ideals of one's profession. The act bonds an individual to a fraternal order. In truth, the practice of the oath has evolved as a bona-fide and proud element of law enforcement tradition.

Anonymous. "Achieving and Maintaining High Ethical Standards: IACP's Four Universal Ethics Documents." Police Chief (October 2002): pp. 64+.
Abstract: A public affirmation of adherence to ethical conduct is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to ethical standards. Ethical mentoring and role modeling should be consistent, frequent and visible.

Arslan, Hasan. "Disciplinary Procedures." TELEMASP Bulletin (January/February 2005): pp. 1-7.
Notes: Available full text on Proquest.
Abstract: All law enforcement agencies are under the threat of civil lawsuits. Police departments can be held liable for simple wrongful acts if they do not have a written policy or code of conduct. Here, Arslan reviews the disciplinary process and actions during a typical year among a sample of 39 Texas agencies.

Banks, Cyndi. Criminal Justice Ethics. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2004.
Call Number: HV 7419.B36 2004
Abstract: Provides an overview of the expected standards of behavior and ethical issues that confront those in the various fields of criminal justice.

Barker, Tom. Police Ethics: Crisis in Law Enforcement. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, 1996.
Call Number: HV 7924.B37 1996
Abstract: The book examines four questions that are critical to the understanding of the ethical problems of the American law enforcement community. Those questions are: (1) Is law enforcement a profession? (2) Can law enforcement officers be professional? (3) What forms of behavior are the major law enforcement ethical violations? And, (4) Can we control police ethical violations? The objective of this book is to provide law enforcement officers and supervisors with an understanding of ethical behavior as it relates to the police occupation.

Bennett, Wayne W. and Karen M. Hess. Management and Supervision. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning, 2001.
Call Number: HV 7936.P47B47 2001
Abstract: Presents real-life situations throughout to show how theory applies to work situations that law enforcement professionals deal with daily.

Borrello, Andrew. "Defining the Building Blocks of Ethics." Law & Order (January 2005): pp. 65-68.
Abstract: Ethics are built upon a foundation of lesser but equally important individual components, each with their own unique well-defined meaning and serve collectively as the framework that can offer a sweeping understanding of ethics. The first step to developing this understanding begins with defining the foundational building blocks of ethics.

Bushway, Scott. "The Ethics of Policing." Police Department Disciplinary Bulletin (May 2004): pp. 1-2.
Notes: Available full text on Proquest.
Abstract: Bushway discusses how it's possible for the community to have absolute confidence in the integrity of its police department when discipline issues are handled outside the view and review of the public. He claims that installing the belief in every officer to strive to be the same person in private as in public lays the groundwork for ethical decision making.

Coleman, Stephen. "The Place of Positive Discipline." Criminal Justice Ethics (Summer 2003): pp. 50-53.
Abstract: Coleman focuses on the concept of positive discipline, with the aim of determining when it would be appropriate to use such an approach in a police concept. He claims that positive discipline should be seen as only one of a number of possible responses available to police disciplinarians, and its use should be limited to cases which it is appropriate. If not used carefully, positive discipline can be seen as a form of discrimination, used to protect particular groups or individuals who enjoy the favor of those in power.

________. "When Police Should Say "No!" to Gratuities." Criminal Justice Ethics (Winter 2004): pp. 33-43.
Abstract: Examines the practice of accepting gratuities in order to highlight some particular situations in which their acceptance will always cause problems, and thus draw attention to those situations in which police ought to say "no!" The author's intention is to draw attention to those types of situations in which the acceptance of gratuities will inevitably lead to problems of one sort or another. He also recognizes that in an ideal world, there would be no need to question what sort of gratuities ought to be refused, and what sorts accepted, for an ideal world would have no need of such transactions.

Covey, Stephen R. "Enhancing Public Trust: It's an Issue of Character and Leadership." Police Chief (April 2003): pp. 128-33.
Abstract: The challenge before today's police administrators is not how to manage and control their people more effectively, but how to develop all their people as principle-centered leaders who embody the character that the profession demands. Covey discusses public trust in law enforcement.

Crank, John P. Understanding Police Culture. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson, 1998.
Call Number: HV 8138.C673 1998
Abstract: Police culture is at once more complex and elegant than suggested by a focus on dark elements of policing such as corruption, testimonial deception, and cynicism. The way in which culture uniquely characterizes the police force does not reside primarily in these most publicly visible attributes of police work, but in the myriad details of occupational activity. Culture is a diffusion of the work-a-day world in which ways of doing work become habitual and habits become meaningful. Culture, like heaven and the devil, is sustained, celebrated and feared; in short, lived in the concrete minutia of everyday work.

Davis, Michael. "Rank Has No Privilege." Criminal Justice Ethics (Summer 2003): pp. 38-43.
Abstract: Criticisms on the ethical issues surrounding the case of Philadelphia Police Captain James Brady, as described by William Giannetti, are presented. Davis claims that the Brady case helps one to see the advantages a better ethical environment could have, advantages not only for the reputation of the police department as a whole, but also advantages for the average officer on patrol and those higher up. Having to do something one knows is wrong because custom requires it is never pleasant and tends to leave those who, though basically honest, must do the dirty work, feeling dirty, which is the price to pay to avoid penalties for traffic offenses that those not in law enforcement accept bravely.

Delattre, Edwin J. Character and Cops: Ethics in Policing. Washington, DC: AEI Press, 1996.
Call Number: HV 7924.D45 1996
Abstract: The duty of public servants and their obligation to serve the public with integrity and competence do not ebb and flow with public opinion. Police and other public servants must always hold themselves to high moral and intellectual standards.

Ferrell Jr., Craig E. "Code of Silence: Fact or Fiction?" Police Chief (November 2003): pp. 9, 11.
Abstract: Regardless of the reality of the existence of a code of silence or blue wall, as it is often called, the perception by the public of its existence inhibits the ability of officers and their departments to perform their duties and to implement strategies such as community oriented policing. The key to influencing and changing public perception is the same as that for reducing municipal liability--proper training, proactive supervision, and open communication with the public.

Forsyth, Richard. "Increase Ethical Conduct." Law & Order (May 2003): pp.101-5.
Abstract: A leader's goal is to increase the level of personnel integrity within police organizations. Forsyth offers several tips in increasing ethical conduct to prevent misbehavior.

Giannetti, William J. "Handling Dirty Laundry." Criminal Justice Ethics (Summer 2003): pp. 43-50.
Abstract: In-house handling of misconduct offers possibilities for judicious and effective resolution, because it allows those who review such misconduct to give due consideration to many factors involved, unencumbered by misguided, politicized, or irreverent pressures from outside. Giannetti shares his insights and views of in-house reprimands in relation to Captain James Brady's case and indicates how the limits of police loyalty might be established in the face of what is sometime referred to as "awe of rank."

Grant, J. Kevin. "Ethics in Law Enforcement." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (December 2002): pp. 11-14.
Abstract: To flourish as a democratic society, the U.S. must continue to have one of the best criminal justice systems in the world. The world continuously changes, which brings different and more complex ethical questions. To adapt to these changes, law enforcement officials must continue to emphasize the importance of ethical standards. Only through sound hiring practices, proper training, ethical leadership, and a written code of ethics will the U.S. criminal justice system prosper.

International Association of Chiefs of Police. Enhancing Law Enforcement Ethics in a Community Policing Environment. Washington, DC: International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2002.
Call Number: HV 7924.E84 2002 A-V
Notes: VHS, 6min. 32 sec.
Abstract: This toolkit is both a call to action and a resource guide to assist local law enforcement agencies. Agencies using the activities and programs contained in this toolkit will heighten the awareness and visibility of law enforcement's ethical standards both internally and externally. The tools are here to engage your agency in the building blocks of high ethical standards and to demonstrate your department's commitment to ethics and professionalism to your community.

Jetmore, Larry F. The Path of the Warrior. Flushing, NY: Loose-leaf Law Publications, 2005.
Call Number: HV 7924.J47 2005
Abstract: Written for and about those who have embraced the field of criminal justice as a way of life. It provides an ethical framework leading to personal development, growth and professional success.

Jones, John R. and Daniel P. Carlson. Reputable Conduct: Ethical Issues in Policing and Corrections. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Call Number: HV 7924.J66 2001
Abstract: The intention of this book is not to lead the reader in any particular direction or to tell the reader what should be done in any given situation. The intention is to prod, push and poke the reader into thinking more deeply about what are important ethical issues and moral dilemmas facing those involved in the criminal justice field.

Josephson, Michael. "Character Counts: Now More Than Ever." Police Chief (September 2002): pp. 36+.
Abstract: Police chiefs and other law enforcement executives must take special care to ensure that the men and women entrusted to protect the public do so with the utmost competence and integrity. The importance of officer character and four tough ethical challenges officers face are discussed.

Kania, Richard R. E. "The Ethical Acceptability of Gratuities: Still Saying "Yes" After All These Years." Criminal Justice Ethics (Winter 2004): pp. 54-63.
Abstract: Kania reveals that some criminal justice scholars observed that gratuities serve functions beyond the improper personal enrichment of corrupted officials, such as agency solidarity and good relations with some elements of the public. They saw some gratuities as sincere expressions of appreciation for lawful services appropriately rendered. Thus they acknowledged that the "slippery slope" was not inevitable and that some forms of hospitality shown to police were not wrongful.

Kaptein, Muel and Piet van Reenen. "Integrity Management of Police Organizations." Policing vol. 24, no. 3(2001): pp. 281-300.
Abstract: Presents a conceptual framework for reviewing the integrity of police organizations, provides a general basis for developing specific activities and gives an overview of possible strategies and activities. Integrity management has to safeguard the conditions in the organization that enable police officers to find a responsible balance between three fundamental types of conflicting interest: the entangled hands dilemma; the many hands dilemma; and the dirty hands dilemma.

Kelly, Sean F. "Internal Affairs: Issues for Small Police Departments." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (July 2003): pp. 1-6.
Abstract: In the U.S., society holds small police agencies accountable for the conduct of their officers via the same laws and judicial review process that it holds departments with hundreds or even thousands of police officers. Kelly features the Durham, NH Police Department, which has found that a step-by-step approach can help the small police department navigate its way through the internal affairs process by using well-written policies that clearly delineate how its officers should conduct themselves, mission and value statements that set forth the department's goals and objectives, a strong code of ethics that every officer must learn and follow, and an investigative process that ensures a fair and impartial evaluation of any complaint.

Kirchgraber, Todd. "When Policy and Practice Collide: The Mixed Message on Gratuities." Sheriff (November/December 2004): pp. 43-45.
Abstract: Kirchgraber investigates the pervasiveness of accepting gratuities in law enforcement. Highly considered as an unethical practice among policemen, efforts to curtail this practice seem ineffective.

Klockars, Carl B., et al. The Contours of Police Integrity. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2004.
Keywords: HV 7924.C66 2004
Abstract: Introduces issues surrounding police integrity, followed by chapters that focus on the critical cultural, political and historical conditions that influence police conduct in fourteen different countries. This innovative text illustrates how officers in different cultures regard various types of corruption, how severely they think transgressions should be punished, and how willing they are to come forward to report infractions.

Kuidis, Debbie. "The Start of a New Lifestyle: A Police Officer's Mission." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (March 2005): pp. 18-21.
Abstract: In a speech for the graduation ceremony of the 89th cadet class, Debbie Kuidis relates a significant distinction that the class shares with no other in the history of the Albuquerque Police Department as it has the highest percentage of women and an excellent cadet retention. She reminds them that law enforcement is one of the more self-sacrificing occupations in society. Moreover, she highlights the importance of the police code of ethics, governing the police's life on duty and off duty.

Miller, Seumas, et al. Police Ethics. Sydney, NSW: Southwood Press, 1997.
Call Number: HV 7924.M55 1997
Abstract: A practical introduction to ethical issues affecting police officers of all ranks. The authors use the stark, sometimes shocking reality of real-life policing situations as the basis for detailed discussions of ethical issues. These situations are drawn from Australia, USA, The UK and South Africa, and range from everyday policing incidents to public events that attracted widespread media attention.

Mills, Ann. "Ethical Decision Making and Policing: The Challenge for Police Leadership." Journal of Financial Crime (April 2003): pp. 331-35.
Notes: Available full text on Proquest.
Abstract: This paper provides a framework that will increase awareness of ethical issues within the organization and help to enhance the process of ethical decision making in the police service. There can be little doubt that there has been a significant reluctance or best, apathy within the police service, as an institution, to embrace the ethical challenges facing their organization.

Moore, Mark, et al. Recognizing Value in Policing. Washington, DC: Police Executive Research Forum, 2002.
Call Number: HV 7925.M618 2002
Abstract: This publication is based on seven valuable goals of policing: reducing criminal victimization; calling offenders to account; reducing fear and enhancing personal security; guaranteeing safety in public spaces; using financial resources fairly, efficiently, and effectively; using force and authority fairly, efficiently, and effectively; and satisfying customer demands/achieving legitimacy with the policed. The dynamics involved in how and when we value these goals are discussed.

Performance Dimensions. Law Enforcement Ethics. Powers Lake, WI: Performance Dimensions, 1992.
Call Number: HV 7924. L38 1992 A-V
Notes: VHS, 28 min., color
Abstract: Using live footage and interviews, this film emphasizes the value and importance of ethics for today’s law enforcement professional.

Raterman, Max T. "Special Investigative Unit and Disciplinary Issues." Police Department Disciplinary Bulletin (July 2001): pp. 2-3.
Notes: Available full text on Proquest.
Abstract: Special investigative units require special attention from police administrators and unit commanders. These units, such as vice and narcotics units, often face ethical difficulties not normally presented to other enforcement groups, like patrol. Raterman discusses ethical and disciplinary issues with special investigative units.

Ruiz, Jim and Christine Bono. "At What Price a "Freebie"? The Real Cost of Police Gratuities." Criminal Justice Ethics (Winter 2004): pp. 44-54.
Abstract: The acceptance of gratuities provides an opportunity for corrupt intent, whether the intent is initially that of the giver or the receiver. Once that opportunity has been grasped, officers will find themselves on a slippery slope of compromise and opportunism. Acceptance of gratuities by the police is a harmful and degrading practice and should be actively discouraged.

Ruiz, Jim and Christine Bono. "Blinded by the Lights and Seduced by the Siren's Song." Criminal Justice Ethics (Winter 2004): pp. 65-67.
Abstract: Ruiz and Bono agree that not every police officer who accepts gratuities will become corrupted or move on to a greater level of corruption. But they argue that some will. Thus, they emphasize that police administrators should guard against this potential of some police to commit corruption, in the form of gratuities.

Schafer, John R. "Making Ethical Decisions." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (May 2002): pp. 14-17.
Abstract: Making ethical decisions consist of a series of choices. Schafer addresses the need for police officers to develop decision-making strategies before they confront ethical dilemmas.

Staveley, Steve. "Service Leadership Made Simple." Journal of California Law Enforcement vol.38, no. 1(2004): pp. 5-16.
Abstract: Leading others successfully toward the goals of the organization and in congruence with the values of the profession, organization, and community results in a very personally satisfying experience, one of the most satisfying experiences of a professional life. Staveley reviews the word SERVICE - supervise, evaluate, respect creation, values demonstration, inspection, coordination, ethical behavior - and discusses some of the specific things being of service to one's subordinates must entail.

Strong, Paul. "Teaching the THIN BLUE LINE." Law & Order (January 2005): pp. 69-71.
Abstract: When teaching the components of the thin blue line, the qualities of loyalty, character, integrity, and leadership need to be emphasized in a way that officers can relate to the information without feeling as if they are talked down to or demoralized. Instructions need to be done in a positive manner and related to the beliefs that law enforcement officers have to do what’s right and encourages them to participate. Far too often instructors teach over the heads of their students, and much of the instruction comes in a demeaning tone.

Thompson, David. "Above the Law?" Law & Order (January 2001): pp. 77-79.
Abstract: Police corruption is not a new phenomenon in the U.S., but the types of cases and the conduct of the officers have gone through a transition over the past 20 years. The perception of police officers that they are not constrained by traditional moral values and that they need not adhere to the law creates confusion and leaves them searching for appropriate boundaries, but good ethics training can help to maintain integrity, morality and legality in law enforcement.

Trautman, Neal E. The Cutting Edge of Police Integrity. Longwood, FL: National Institute of Ethics, 2000.
Call Number: HV 7924.T72 2000
Abstract: The goal of this book is to provide department administrators, trainers and academy instructors with a comprehensive, yet practical presentation of the most important state-of-the-art aspects of current law enforcement ethics training.

________. "Special Report: Ethics--Truth About Police Code of Silence Revealed." Law & Order (January 2001): pp. 68-76.
Abstract: Trautman presents the findings of the National Institute of Ethics (NIE) survey of police officers and recruits from across the nation about direct participation in the code of silence. The goals of the research were to determine if the code of silence exists in law enforcement, determine what factors within the organizational culture of law enforcement agencies influence officers to conceal the misconduct of other officers, develop conclusions from which effective recommendations could be made and serve as a needs assessment for the development of training.

Vernon, Robert. "Inspirational Leadership and Ethics." Law & Order (October 2003): pp. 218-9.
Abstract: Vernon comments on the issue of ethics facing law enforcement leadership.

Westmarland, Louise. "Police Ethics and Integrity: Breaking the Blue Code of Silence." Policing & Society (June 2005): pp. 145-65.
Abstract: Analyzes evidence from a survey of police officers who were asked about their attitudes towards police corruption, unethical behavior and minor infringements of police rules. It reveals that most of the officers who took part in the study regard certain actions, such as those involving the acquisition of goods or money, as much worse than behavior involving illegal brutality or bending of the rules in order to protect colleagues from criminal proceedings. It also reveals that officers who responded to the survey are relatively unwilling to report unethical behavior by colleagues unless there is some sort of acquisitive motive or outcome predicted. Overall the findings support the existence of cultural "blue code" and "Dirty Harry" beliefs systems surrounding police rule bending.

White, Mike. "The Problem With Gratuities." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (July 2002): pp. 20-23.
Abstract: Police officers often face the dilemma of accepting gratuities. Department policies on gratuities vary among agencies, and officers may question exactly what constitutes a gratuity. To eliminate confusion, departments should ensure that their policies clearly distinguish what is acceptable.