Module 4 Memorandum

.docx

School

Southern New Hampshire University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

550

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

3

Uploaded by ConstableHamster3448

Report
MEMORANDUM Re: Using Official Capacity as a Police Officer for Financial Gain. I. INTRODUCTION I have been promoted to a front-line supervisor at a police department. Within the department I have become aware of officers using their badge and identification to receive discounted or free food and drinks at different establishment within our community. Within our department there are rules and regulations that prohibit officers from using their official capacity as officers for financial gain. Code of Ethic are in place as a guideline and officers should use their discretion. II. MAIN SUBJECT MATTER OF MEMO The ethical issue that officers are faced with is the overall requirement to act impartial. I believe that we are seeing an ethical dilemma of utilitarian ethics. Utilitarianism can be viewed as an ethical theory in which it determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. Additionally, utilitarianism can be seen as the ethical choice that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number (Ethics Unwrapped, n.d.). For example, officers receiving free food creates free unintentional protection for the establishment, which protects the establishments patrons and sense of security. Some may view perks such as free or discounted goods as a gateway to corruption. Some businesses may offer discounts or free stuff in order to have a police presence within their establishment, this can be seen as free security. This can however be seen as free incentives for police to protect them. We can begin to conclude that the action of police protecting establishments where they are viewed as favorable by receiving free or discounted things can create the idea that officers are easily persuaded (Open Text, n.d.). If policies are not enforced this can become a problem for the entirety of the department. If an officer is receiving financial gain that can be seen as malicious, it can damage other officers along with the entirety of the department. Remember, there should be no biasness as in who the police protect. As the Sergeant, I believe the first step in correcting this ethical dilemma is to hold constructive training sessions and begin with warnings. It would be important to identify which establishments are giving discounts or free items in order to inform them that the department can no longer accept the hand-outs. The establishments simply want free protection and to show their patrons that it is safe to visit the establishment. Police being unable to receive handouts will now allow them to serve other areas within the community that may have been neglected previously.
References: Ethics Unwrapped (n.d.). “Utilitarianism”. Accessed July 13, 2020. Retrieved from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/utilitarianism
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help