Details of the case and evaluation of ethical dilemmas involved, including all key details
In the course of their work, law enforcement often find themselves in breach of ethics, ether intentionally or unintentionally. There have been many controversies surrounding police misconduct, a situation that has led to many laws and interventions being put in place to deal with the issues and help police in their work, while at the same time protecting the public from any possible cases of misconduct by police. One case investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in a case on rape in Derbyshire.
An investigating officer is accused of not having completed a requisite arrest package document on a potential offender after a complainant had reported cases of harassment (Matlockmercury, 2016). The failure to document the report and identify the complainant as a victim of harassment such that protection measures could be instituted. Failure to do this has resulted in the victim being at risk of assault, a risk that could have been alleviated had the police done due diligence. The call center handlers have also been accused of not giving sufficient details regarding the perpetrator’s bail status, information which could have helped in the investigation (Matlockmercury, 2016). The committee has recommended that police officers should strictly follow guidelines stipulated when handling cases and to ensure that they make a full report and have an understanding of abuse cases and responsibility in victim protection (Matlockmercury, 2016). As stated by Price, a police officer is required to understand his fundamental duties in order to effectively deliver in his role (Price, 2015). Failure to deliver as expected would be considered unethical and can have legal repercussions.
References
Maltockmercury (2016). Misconduct case for two Derbyshire police officers over rape investigation. Matlockmercury.co.uk. Retrieved 7 March 2016, from http://www.matlockmercury.co.uk/news/local/misconduct-case-for-two-derbyshire police-officers-over-rape-investigation-1-7742903Price, Vanessa. "Ethical Issues in Law Enforcement.” N.p., 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016.
Price, V. (2015). Ethical Issues in Law Enforcement.. Retrieved 7 March 2016, from http://www.ndci.org/conferences/2012/Sessions/E_sessions/E-10.pdf
