formal law enforcement code of ethics and the police subculture or “Cop Code”?

Question

I am hoping someone can help me with this question, first off yes it is homework and the only reason I am asking for help is because I have drawn a blank. My textbook is no help I went over the last five chapters and even skipped ahead and I found nothing that could help me.
Here is the assignment

What conflicts do you see between the formal law enforcement code of ethics and the police subculture or “Cop Code”?

What ethical problems might these conflicts create?

How are these two different ethical codes tied to public perceptions of the role of law enforcement?

I live in a small town so we don't really ever hear about cop code ethics or misconduct.

Any help you can offer would be great. I am not asking anyone to do the work for me; I am just asking to be pointed in the right direction.

Thank you all so much. My paper is due today and all 3 of my babies are sick making it even harder to focus and find the track I need to be on.

Again thanks for your help

Answer 1

Wow...what an assignment!

In all actuality this misconception of a "Cop Code" is really non-existant. There is a "bond" between officers because of the unique circumstances involved in law enforcement. However, law enforcement officers hold themselves and fellow officers to a higher standard because we know we're in the "public eye" all the time.

In the old days some "cops" were known to "protect" each other in certain events and yet today officers are more professional and aware that the general public deserves the highest standard in the profession. As such, most officers will tell you that they police their own more strictly than others.

In movies and crime dramas you see a modern day sensationalizm of the 1920's and 1930's era when you had the Al Capones of the globe paying off crooked cops. Education and training of officers has changed those days!

When you see an event in the news involving an officer, the first thing that happens is the officer is normally suspended pending an investigation. Likewise, an officer under any indictment is also suspended. This is like putting the cart before the horse. Any other walk of life is innocent until proven guilty. In law enforcement, however, there is the desire to insure the public that we will not stand silent for any improprieties within the profession.

Modern day law enforcement officers take their responsibilities very seriously to insure the integrity and professional standards are maintained throughout the profession.

Today...a "Cop Code"...I wouldn't count on it!

Answer 2

Code: Protect and serve.
Reality: People will kill you to keep from going to jail. Minorities commit most crimes so they hate the cops because they go to jail the most. Politicians from minority areas side with their constituents against the police to get votes. The media loves a good cop scandal. What cops experience on the job: blood, guts, death, lives destroyed by crime, Become separated from society thru their experience's. So they cling together. Prison guards are in the same position. Doctors as well.