Criminal Justice Ethics – Week 4 Case Study
Scenario:
University City Police Department
has problems with officer misconduct that may lead to civil lawsuits. When Lou Tennent
accepted the position of chief of police for University City, the city manager,
Hardy Harr, had him come to his office for a meeting with the mayor.
While in
the city manager's office, Hardy Harr said, “Lou, the reason the city council
selected you as chief of police was not only for your exemplar record but you
are an outsider. The city council was hopeful that someone with your background
and expertise would have some innovative ideas that would help clean up the
police department. Unfortunately, the
city is looking at several civil lawsuits due to officer misconduct.”
The
mayor, Jed I. Night said, "Lou, I do not want to put you on the defensive
your first day, but how do you plan on preventing future mishaps?"
Before Lou Tennent
could answer the mayor’s question…
Hardy Harr interrupted and shook Lou’s hand
and said, "Welcome aboard, let me show you to your office." Hardy Harr quickly directed Lou out of his
office and down the hall. While walking
to Lou’s office, the city manager said, “The former chief was asked to step
down, which caused the vacancy for the position of chief. After he left three of his officers quit the
same day.” Hardy Harr opened the door
and said; “Here you go, if you need anything, my office is right down the hall,”
and he walked away.”
Assignment:
Using the information from
chapter seven in 2 to 3 paragraphs, a minimum of 250 words evaluate and discuss
ways to reduce police officer misconduct through better screening methods for
new hires. Also, explain how improved
training and efficient monitoring, along with disciplinary actions when
warranted, decreases officer misconduct.
Explain why hiring a college graduate over a candidate without a degree will
improve the ethics of policing. Also,
explain the importance of effective training, and how this can reduce officer
misconduct.
Type all Case Studies
in Times New Roman 12pt font – include the header, title page, and reference
page; APA formatting is required in this course. Use at least two reference sources – one is
your textbook, and one may be taken from the course or the Grantham Library.
Additional references may be obtained from the Internet. Citing your references
by using parenthetical citations (in-text citations) is a skill that each
student must demonstrate in this course.