Professionalism & Ethics in LPSCS Careers

Course Principles of LPSCS Units II and IV Law Enforcement Corrections Essential Question What are workplace professionalism and ethics in LPSCS careers? TEKS 130.292(c) (3)(C) (5)(A)(B)(C) Prior Student Learning Identify core values in the workplace. Estimated Time 2 to 6 hours Rationale Regardless of the field, all LPSCS career paths have certain standards by which they operate and which they expect their members to follow. Professionalism and ethics play a key role in a professionals success within an LPSCS agency. Without them, you could lose your job, lose business, or be convicted of a crime. Objectives The student will be able to: 1. Define key terms associated with professionalism and ethics in LPSCS careers 2. Interpret laws, regulations, and policies that govern LPSCS professionals 3. Identify ethical dilemmas in LPSCS careers 4. Evaluate ethical situations in LPSCS careers Engage Have the class split into three groups. Tell the students that todays lesson is on professionalism and ethics in LPSCS careers. Have each group pick two slips of paper out of a bowl. Before class prepare seven slips of paper with one of each of the following clichs typed on each: 1. What goes around comes around 2. Alls fair in love and war 3. There are two sides to every story 4. Its best to be morally neutral 5. You cant teach someone moral values 6. All people are the same on the inside 7. Just follow your conscience Place the seven slips of paper in a bowl or container. Remind the students to keep in mind the purpose of the lesson and to complete this exercise with that in mind. Have each group read the two clichs, discuss them, and write down the following: what is true about the clich, and what is false about it. After 10-15 minutes, have each group present their ideas about their clichs. Use the Presentation Rubric for assessment. The following are ideas for a guided discussion: 1. What goes around comes around Natural consequences vs. wishful thinking; bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people; there are no guarantees in ethics 2. All's fair in love and war Justification vs. fairness; there are no better times for fairness than during the critical times in life; ethics does not justify unethical behavior 3. There are two sides to every story True in disagreements and when in courtgetting both sides; regarding professionalism/ethics, inner 1
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4.

5.

6. 7.

conviction, taking a stand, and accepting responsibility are all very important It's best to be morally neutral Dont offend vs. conflict; no neutrality in moral issues; what one person thinks is a good moral choice might be what another thinks is immoral You can't teach someone moral values Inherited vs. learned; give up any effort at trying; teaching by example, opportunities for responsibility, and growth and maturity All people are the same on the inside ethics is about diversity and understanding; have similarities, but also differences Just follow your conscience A gut feeling? Where does your conscience come from? It takes hard work to figure out what you should do, and doing it because you ought to; its not always easy to make the ethical choice

Key Points I. Professionalism A. Definition Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace B. Ways to Exhibit Professionalism 1. Treat everyone (from all levels) with respect 2. Speak without judging, blaming, or demeaning 3. Listen with an open mind 4. Avoid gossip, name-calling, and offensive humor 5. Take responsibility for your behavior II. Offensive and Disruptive Workplace Behaviors A. Intimidation, threats, and bullying B. Sarcasm C. Excessive criticism, complaining, nitpicking, and negativity D. Sabotaging other employees or departments E. Faultfinding and blaming behaviors F. Open hostility towards management or other groups G. Frequent use of obscenities, cursing, and swearing H. Gossiping or spreading rumors I. Language, behaviors, or humor which demeans individuals or groups J. Teasing or making others the punch line of a joke III. Ethics A. Definition A set of rules and standards that govern individual conduct. It also establishes right and wrong, and good and bad B. Ethical Goals 1. Integrity Moral soundness, honesty, and freedom from corrupting influences or motives 2. The values or beliefs of a person or social group in which they 2
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have an emotional investment; (either for or against something) 3. Morals are concerned with the judgment of right or wrong, human action, and character 4. Trustworthiness a) Honesty prohibits stealing, cheating, fraud, or trickery to get anything of value b) Loyalty moral responsibility to promote or protect the interests of an organization c) Integrity treating beliefs about right and wrong as the ground rules for behavior 5. Responsibility a) Accountability accept responsibility for decisions; dont blame others or take credit for work you didnt do b) Self-Restraint willingness to take advance long-term interests into account c) Pursuit of Excellence diligence, perseverance, good work habits, and commitment to quality 6. Respect a) Courtesy treating others with consideration b) Tolerance and Acceptance acknowledging anothers beliefs and differences 7. Caring a) Consideration of others b) Treat others the way you want to be treated 8. Citizenship a) Contribution to the overall good b) Charity support or volunteer work c) Voting and jury duty d) Reporting crimes 9. Fairness a) Following procedures b) Impartial treatment c) Objective discipline d) Equal treatment of each person IV. Ethical Misconceptions A. It is a personal opinion or belief B. Legal equals ethical C. Its okay if its not specifically forbidden D. Dilemma Any difficult or perplexing situation or problem E. Ethical dilemma Any difficult or perplexing situation or problem of an ethical nature V. Personal Ethics A. Specific moral choices (I will or I will not it) B. Formed from cultures, families, communities, religious entities, and 3
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morals C. Lying, cheating, stealing, tardiness, vulgarity, and being inconsiderate, etc. VI. Professional Ethics A. Rules or standards governing a profession B. Work ethic C. No abuse of sick leave D. Arriving early (allowing time for unforeseen circumstances) VII. Workplace Behaviors are Governed by A. Conduct 1. Personal behavior 2. The way someone acts B. Laws 1. Authority-established principles and regulations 2. Established by the community authority 3. Applicable to its people 4. Legislation or custom 5. Recognized and enforced by judicial decision C. Regulations 1. Law, rule, or other order prescribed by an authority 2. Prescribed to regulate conduct D. Policies 1. A definite course of action adopted by an entity 2. Promotes expediency 3. A guiding principle for those associated with an entity VIII. Dilemma Solving Techniques (Five Steps of Principled Reasoning) A. Clarify determine precisely what must be decided B. Evaluate distinguish solid facts from beliefs, desires, theories, suppositions, unsupported conclusions, and opinions that might generate rationalizations. C. Decide after evaluating the available information, make a judgment about what is or is not true and what consequences are most likely to occur D. Implement once a decision is made about what to do, develop a plan of how to implement the decision in a way that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the costs and risks E. Monitor and Modify monitor the effects of decisions and be prepared and willing to revise a plan, or take a different course of action, based on new information IX. Professionalism in Law Enforcement Careers Code of Ethics A. As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent 4
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against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession...law enforcement. The International Association of Chiefs of Police B. Hypothetical Situations 1. A police officer pulls over an erratic driver; determines the driver is intoxicated; prior to arrest, the driver tells the officer that he is a sergeant at a neighboring police agency; the driver reminds the officer of police brotherhood. Should the officer arrest the driver? 2. A police officer goes to the movies on his night off; the officer is wearing a training t-shirt identifying his agency; a movie employee says, Go on in, officer. There is no charge. How should the officer respond? 5
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X. Professionalism in Legal Careers A. Observe a fiduciary duty B. Protect confidential information C. Act competently D. Avoid conflicts of interest E. Use trust accounts for client money F. Avoid sharing attorney fees with non-lawyers G. Use due diligence H. Refrain from direct communication with an opposing party who has a lawyer I. Avoid the unauthorized practice of law J. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct http://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics/tx/code/TX_CODE.HTM K. The Texas Code of Judicial Conduct http://www.courts.state.tx.us/judethics/canons.asp L. The Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas http://txpd.org/tpj/38/column01.asp M. Hypothetical Situations 1. A prosecuting attorney has filed criminal charges against a defendant; the defendant goes to Defense Firm A to obtain representation; a partner in Defense Firm A is married to the prosecuting attorney. Should Defense Firm A represent the defendant? 2. Judge Blue plays in a charity golf tournament; Attorney Gray is scheduled to appear before Judge Blue in an upcoming capital murder case; Gray donates a significant amount of money to the charity golf event on the condition that he is paired up with Judge Blue; while playing golf, Gray starts talking to Blue about the upcoming case. How should Judge Blue respond? XI. Professionalism in Correctional Careers A. The following are links to Texas Department of Criminal Justice regulations, policies, and procedures regarding the ethics and conduct of its employees: 1. http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/policy/ED0201.pdf 2. http://nicic.gov/Library/018456 3. http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/vacancy/hr-policy/pd-22.pdf B. Hypothetical Situations 1. You are responsible for 15 offenders on a work squad. While out in the field, another officer arrives to transport an offender back to the unit for an appointment with the institutional parole officer. The officer yells out to the offender, Hey, racial slur, come here. The offender says, Dont call me a racial slur. The officer replies, Ill call you whatever I want to call you, and 6
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theres nothing you can do about it! The offender pushes the officer. The two begin to fight. You are armed with a shotgun and tell the offender to lie down. The offender complies, and there is no further incident. The captain later hears about the fight and asks you what happened. How do you react? 2. You observe one of your friends pulling an offender in the sally port, yelling at him, and punching him in the stomach. He tells you that he is under investigation and needs you to back him. He wants you to tell the lieutenant that he did not strike the offender. How do you respond? Activities 1. Read Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss. Pass out Activity #1 Handout: Horton Hatches the Egg. Have the students complete the handout. Discuss the traits the students list. Discuss who should get custody of the baby bird: Horton or his biological mother. Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment. 2. Professionalism Scenarios the students will divide into three groups. Assign one of the following careers to each group: Police Officer Lawyer Prison Guard Have each group come up with a professional or ethical dilemma scenario that could occur in their assigned career. Have each group pick a means to present their scenario to the class (computer-based presentation, role-playing, puppets, etc.). Have the groups present their scenarios to the class. The Presentation Rubric may be used for assessment. Have the groups lead a class discussion after each presentation. Have each group member complete the Cooperative Teams Rubric. 3. Pass out the Character Traits Activity Handout. Have the students complete the handout. Assessments Professionalism and Ethics Quiz and Key Cooperative Teams Rubric Discussion Rubric Individual Work Rubric Presentation Rubric Research Rubric Materials Professionalism and Ethics computer-based presentation Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss 7
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Horton Hatches the Egg Activity Handout Character Traits Activity Handout Professionalism and Ethics Key Terms White Board/Chalk Board Presentation materials or computer-based presentation software Resources Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct http://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics/tx/code/TX_CODE.HTM Texas Code of Judicial Conduct http://www.courts.state.tx.us/judethics/canons.asp The Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility of the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas http://txpd.org/tpj/38/column01.asp Texas Department of Criminal Justice http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/policy/ED0201.pdf http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/vacancy/hr-policy/pd-22.pdf National Institute of Corrections http://nicic.gov/Library/018456 Do an Internet search for the following: easy fun school Horton Hatches the Egg. Accommodations for Learning Differences For reinforcement, the students will list terms and give a workplace example for each. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment. For enrichment, the students will research specific cases where police officers, lawyers, and/or corrections officers have violated codes of ethics, regulations, and/or career specific policies. Use the Research Rubric for assessment. State Education Standards Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education 130.292 Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security (OneHalf to One Credit) (3) The student formulates ideas, proposals, and solutions to address problems related to law, public safety, corrections, and security in order to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services. The student is expected to: (C) use critical-thinking skills to solve ethical issues identified in law, public safety, corrections, and security; (5) The student analyzes the legal responsibilities associated with roles and functions within law, public safety, corrections, and security organizations to demonstrate a commitment to professional and ethical behavior. The student is expected to: (A) examine real-world situations involving ethical dilemmas and 8
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professional conduct; (B) explain laws, regulations, and policies that govern professionals; and (C) recommend a strategy for responding to an unethical or illegal situation. College and Career Readiness Standards English Language Arts II. Reading B Understand new vocabulary and concepts and use them accurately in reading, writing and speaking. 1. Identify new words and concepts acquired through study of their relationships to other words and concepts.

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Name______________________________

Date____________________________

Horton Hatches the Egg Activity

Please mark which traits are exhibited by the characters in the story. If any of the characters display traits contrary to those listed, please list those traits in the box.

Mayzie Horton Friends Hunters Circus Professionalism Ethics Integrity Morals Values
Trustworthiness

Responsibility Respect Caring Citizenship Fairness Dilemma Conduct

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Essay Question:
In a short essay explain who you think should get custody of the baby bird, Horton or his biological mother.

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Name________________________________

Date___________________________

Character Traits Activity

From the list of character traits, please list a minimum of three desirable traits for each LPSCS career. Explain why that specific trait is required by that profession. Traits: Professionalism Morals Responsibility Citizenship Ethics Values Respect Fairness Integrity Trustworthiness Caring

Police Officer: 1.____________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________ 3.____________________________________________ Explanation:

Lawyer: 1.____________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________ 3.____________________________________________ Explanation:

Jailer: 1.____________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________ 3.____________________________________________ Explanation:

Judge: 1.____________________________________________ 2.____________________________________________ 3.____________________________________________ Explanation:

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Professionalism and Ethics Key Terms

1. Professionalism: Exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace 2. Ethics: A set of rules and standards that govern individual conduct; establishes right vs. wrong and good vs. bad 3. Integrity: Moral soundness, honesty, and freedom from corrupting influences or motives 4. Morals: Concern with the judgment of right or wrong, human action, and character 5. Values: The beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment; for or against something 6. Trustworthiness: Honesty, loyalty, and integrity 7. Responsibility: Accountability, self-restraint, and the pursuit of excellence 8. Respect: Treating others with courtesy and acknowledging anothers beliefs and differences 9. Caring: Consideration of others by treating them the way you would want to be treated 10. Citizenship: Societal contribution to the overall good 11. Fairness: Following established procedures, including the objective and equal treatment of others 12. Dilemma: Any difficult or perplexing situation or problem 13. Conduct: Personal behavior; a way of acting 14. Laws: The principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or custom, and the policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision 15. Regulations: A law, rule or other order prescribed by an authority, especially to regulate conduct 16. Policies: A definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc.; a guiding principle

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Name________________________________

Date__________________________

Professionalism & Ethics Quiz

Answer the following multiple choice questions. 1. _____ Which of the following involves the values that govern a societys attitude toward right and wrong? a. Ethics b. Morals c. Values d. Integrity 2. _____ What are the means for determining what a societys values ought to be? a. Ethics b. Morals c. Values d. Integrity 3. _____ What is exhibiting a courteous, conscientious and generally businesslike manner in the workplace referred to as? a. Values b. Ethics c. Morals d. Professionalism 4. _____ What is also referred to as moral soundness, honesty, and freedom from corrupting influence or motives? a. Values b. Ethics c. Morals d. Integrity 5. _____ The beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment; either for or against something. a. Values b. Ethics c. Morals d. Integrity 6. _____ Which of the following is not an ethical value? a. Integrity b. Irresponsibility c. Trustworthiness d. Citizenship

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7. _____ You show which of the following core ethical values when you tell the truth? a. Responsibility b. Citizenship c. Trustworthiness d. Fairness 8. _____ If you spread gossip, call other employees names, or use offensive language, you are considered a professional. a. True b. False 9. _____ Which of the following activities would be considered unprofessional conduct? a. Understanding the new policy on sexual harassment b. Arriving for work 15 minutes late c. Deciding which duties should be performed for the day d. Taking responsibility for your decisions 10. _____ If its legal, it must be ethical. a. True b. False

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Professionalism & Ethics Quiz Key

1. A 2. B 3. D 4. D 5. A 6. B 7. C 8. B 9. B 10. B

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Name: ____________________________________

Date:_____________________________

Cooperative Teams Rubric

Objectives Participates in group discussions Encourages others to join the conversation Maintains the pace of the discussion to achieve goals Shares ideas and thoughts Offers constructive criticism and recommendations Credits others for their contributions and ideas Empathizes with others Requests input from others to reach an agreement Expresses ideas and thoughts Total Points (36 pts.) Comments: 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts.

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Name_______________________________________

Date_______________________________

Discussion Rubric
Objectives Participates in group discussion Encourages others to join the conversation Keeps the discussion progressing to achieve goals Shares thoughts actively while offering helpful recommendations to others Gives credit to others for their ideas Respects the opinions of others Involves others by asking questions or requesting input Expresses thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively Total Points (32 pts.) Comments: 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts.

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Name______________________________________

Date_______________________________________

Individual Work Rubric

Objectives
Follows directions Student completed the work as directed, following the directions given, in order and to the level of quality indicated Time management Student used time wisely and remained on task 100% of the time Organization Student kept notes and materials in a neat, legible, and organized manner. Information was readily retrieved Evidence of learning Student documented information in his or her own words and can accurately answer questions related to the information retrieved *Research/Gathering information (if relevant) Student used a variety of methods and sources to gather information. Student took notes while gathering information Total Points (20 pts.)

4 pts. Excellent

3 pts. Good

2 pts. Needs Some Improvement

1 pt. Needs Much Improvement

N/A

Pts.

Comments:

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Name:____________________________________

Date:_____________________________

Presentation Rubric
Objectives Topic/Content Topic discussed completely and in-depth Includes properly cited sources (if used) Creativity/Neatness Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to create a professional presentation (transition and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are included, using acceptable format Mechanics Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are correct Image and font size are legible to the entire audience Oral Presentation Communicates with enthusiasm and eye contact Voice delivery and projection are dynamic and audible Audience Interaction Presentation holds audiences attention and relates a clear message Clearly and effectively communicates the content throughout the presentation Total Points (20 pts.) 4 pts. Excellent 3 pts. Good 2 pts. Needs Some Improvement 1 pt. Needs Much Improvement N/A Pts.

Comments:

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Name______________________________________

Date_______________________________________

Research Rubric
Objectives
Question/goal Student identified and communicated a question or goal of the research Research/Gathering information (if relevant) Student used a variety of methods and sources to gather information. Student took notes while gathering information Conclusion/Summary Student drew insightful conclusions and observations from the information gathered. Information is organized in a logical manner Communication Student communicated the information gathered and summary or conclusions persuasively. Student demonstrated skill in the use of media used to communicate the results of research Reflection Student reflected on the importance of the research and its potential application

4 pts. Excellent

3 pts. Good

2 pts. Needs Some Improvement

1 pt. Needs Much Improvement

N/A

Pts.

Total Points (20 pts.)

Comments:

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