Module 7: Code of Silence
Module 7: Code of Silence
• Reasons Officers Act Unethically
• Code of Silence
• Consequences
• Why the Code Exists
• Breaking the Code
• Role of Criminal Justice System
• Role of Ethical Leadership
• Role of Training
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Reasons Officers Act Unethically
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Excuses
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Selfishness
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Bad Decisions
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Fear of “Paying the Price”
•
Code of Silence
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Code of Silence
•
Informal mechanism that prohibits or discourages members of a
close knit group from reporting the misconduct of their fellow
members.
•
Unwritten understanding that members will face harmful
consequences if they testify against fellow members.
•
Natural phenomenon among people who spend significant time
together.
•
Loyalty to people is placed above loyalty to principle.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Pervasiveness of Silence
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Nearly half of law enforcement officers have personally
perpetuated the Code of Silence.
•
It is often the greatest enemy of prosecutors and police reformers.
•
The challenge is to mold and sustain the culture so that the
majority will not be paralyzed by the fear of being ostracized.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Consequences
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Undermines the very purpose of law enforcement.
•
Damages public safety.
•
Erodes public trust.
•
Demoralizes or destroys officers.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Undermines the Very Purpose of Laws and Government Regulations
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Represent people – not a political party.
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Know the law and its limitations.
•
Defend the legal system.
•
Study the principles of the laws.
•
Seek aid from superiors when needed.
•
Understand relationships within the legal system.
•
Don’t violate the law or disregard public safety.
•
Never use illegal means.
•
Be mindful of special identification by the public.
•
Be a decent and honorable person.
•
Live in a manner that inspires confidence and trust.
•
Make arrests in accordance with the law.
•
Refuse special gifts or favors.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Damages Public Safety
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Careers are destroyed.
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Leaders are demoted.
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Civil suits ruin department budgets.
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Public no longer trusts department.
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Officers become hateful toward each other.
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Employees go to prison.
•
Employees may commit suicide.
•
Employees are fired.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Erodes Public Trust
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Citizens believe everyone is corrupt.
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No support for budget increases.
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Demand for leaders to be fired.
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No credibility when controversies occur again.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Demoralizes or Destroys Officers
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Good officers are harassed and insulted by the public.
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Many citizens think everyone in the department is corrupt.
•
Good officers are afraid of bad officers.
•
Good officers may be fired if they refuse to “cover up.”
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Why the Code Exists
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Peer Pressure
•
Displaced Loyalty
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Peer Pressure
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Peer pressure within enforcement organizations is particularly
strong.
•
Normal controls on behavior may crumble when in a group.
•
Understanding peer pressure is essential in making the right
choices.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Displaced Loyalty
•
Corrupt officers are more loyal to each other than to honor or
integrity.
•
Peer pressure contributes to displaced loyalty.
•
To end the corruption, loyalty to integrity must be placed above
loyalty to one’s peers.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Breaking the Code
•
Ethical Leadership
•
Training
•
The Criminal Justice System
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Ethical Leadership
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Demonstrate a sincere commitment to integrity.
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Model ethical behavior.
•
Emphasize traditionally honored values.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Ethical Leadership: Demonstrate Commitment to Integrity
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Acknowledging integrity problems.
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Receiving training on ethics and integrity.
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Conducting an integrity needs assessment.
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Teaching classes on integrity.
•
Developing a plan to concentrate on integrity needs.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Ethical Leadership: Demonstrate Commitment to Integrity (cont.)
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Encouraging visible displays of integrity.
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Becoming directly involved in background investigations.
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Conducting confidential integrity surveys annually.
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Demanding ethical behavior of all leaders.
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Tracking complaints and compliments.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Ethical Leadership: Model Ethical Behavior
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Avoiding a “leader’s” Code of Silence.
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Investigating all claims of dishonesty.
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Demonstrating a loyalty to honor and integrity rather than people.
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Refraining from ridiculing upper administration.
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Abstaining from committing minor policy violations.
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Resolving major causes of employee anger and frustration.
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Watching for sudden changes in employee behavior.
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Making time to talk about an employee’s personal problems.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Ethical Leadership: Emphasize Traditionally Honored Values
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Create an atmosphere in which dishonest officers fear the honest
ones.
•
Create a culture where honor is more important than loyalty to an
officer guilty of misconduct.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Training
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Make sure leaders are trained before non-leaders.
•
Ensure all training topics are addressed from an ethical
perspective.
•
Teach officers about the Code of Silence.
• Require written examinations on the material.
•
Place posters, pictures, and quotes throughout the organization.
•
Create a Code of Honor.
•
Use video or audio ethical dilemma situation training.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
The Criminal Justice System
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Discourage and deter officers from committing crime.
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Protect society from dangerous and harmful officers.
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Punish officers who have committed crimes.
•
Rehabilitate and reform officers who have committed crimes.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
New Orleans Police Department Case Study
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Reputation for being one of the most corrupt police departments
in the U.S.
•
One of the most brutal police departments in the country.
•
FBI undercover operation in 1993 exposed the corruption within
the organization.
•
In 1995, the department made one of the most impressive reforms
in law enforcement history
•
Key element of the reform was leadership acknowledging
problems and leading positive change.
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Module 7: Code of Silence
Summary and Review
•
Code of Silence is an informal mechanism that prohibits or
discourages law enforcement officials from reporting the
misconduct of their colleagues.
•
Consequences include:




Undermining purpose of law enforcement.
Damaging public safety.
Eroding public trust.
Demoralizing/destroying officers.
•
Code of silence is a result of peer pressure and displaced loyalty.
•
Breaking the Code of Silence requires:



Mandating ethical leadership.
Providing training.
Using the criminal justice system.
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