Becoming an Ethical Professional

Situation 1 You are a senior getting close to graduation and are taking too many classes during your last semester. You find yourself getting behind in class and not doing well on tests. One of the classes requires a 30 page term paper, and you simply do not have the time to complete the paper by the due date. While you are on the Internet one day, you see that term papers can be purchased on any topic. You ordinarily would do your own work, but the time pressure of this last semester is such that you see no other way. Do you purchase the paper and turn it in as your own? Situation 2 You are a rookie police officer and are riding with a Field Training Officer (FTO). During your shift, the FTO stops at a convenience store and quickly drinks four beers in the back room of the store. He is visibly affected by the beers, and the smell of alcohol is noticeable. What should you do? What if the FTO had just written a favorable evaluation of you even though you should have received a reprimand for an improper disposition of a traffic accident?

Sample Solution

I would not purchase a term paper and turn it in as my own. It is academic dishonesty, and it could have serious consequences for me. I could be expelled from school, or I could be suspended for a semester. I could also be banned from taking classes at that school in the future.

There are other options available to me. I could talk to my professor about my situation and ask for an extension on the paper. I could also ask a friend or classmate for help with the paper. I could even hire a tutor to help me with the paper.

Purchasing a term paper is not the only way to get out of a difficult situation. There are other options that are both ethical and effective.

Full Answer Section

Situation 2

If I were a rookie police officer and my FTO stopped at a convenience store and quickly drank four beers, I would first try to assess the situation. I would need to determine if the FTO was still capable of performing his duties safely. If I believed that the FTO was impaired, I would need to take action.

I would first try to talk to the FTO about my concerns. I would explain that I believe he is impaired and that I am worried about his safety and the safety of others. If the FTO is not receptive to my concerns, I would need to report him to my supervisor.

It is important to remember that I am a police officer and that I have a responsibility to uphold the law. If I see an officer who is impaired, I have a duty to report it. I cannot simply ignore the situation because I am afraid of the consequences.

The fact that the FTO had just written me a favorable evaluation is irrelevant. My job is to uphold the law, and that is what I will do. I will not let my personal feelings or relationships influence my decision-making.

I know that reporting an impaired officer could have serious consequences for the FTO. He could be suspended or even fired. However, I believe that it is the right thing to do. I cannot allow an impaired officer to put the public at risk.

I would also document the incident. I would write down what happened, including the time, date, and location. I would also take pictures of the FTO's car and the convenience store. This documentation would be important if I ever need to refer back to the incident.

Reporting an impaired officer is not easy. It takes courage and integrity. However, it is the right thing to do. I would not hesitate to do it again if I saw an officer who was impaired.

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