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Name Tate D

Date Apr 24 19

Police Professional Courtesy

The debate on the exercise of professional courtesy is rife among law enforcement circles

in the United States. The key point of divergence on the discussion is on whether a member of

the disciplined forced should receive some form of leniency when they commit a violation that

can be termed as petty such as a traffic offense. The professional courtesy is exercised in the

name of sticking together. Individuals who perform similar roles have more understanding and

appreciation for each other. Therefore, the natural inclination by law enforcement officers to

have empathy towards each other is undeniable.

Professional courtesy is not only a reserve for law enforcement officers. A form of

kindred exists between members of a certain profession. For instance, waiters make a habit of

tipping their colleagues when they eat out. In the hospitality industry, the workers exercise

courtesy to their colleagues by providing enhanced services or free drinks. Doctors also offer

discounted services to fellow medical practitioners and their families. From the consideration of

how tough the role of a police officer is, the colleagues may be moved to avoid charging them

for some petty crimes committed. Some of the crimes are not injurious to the public such as

overspending to go home after a tough shift.

Nevertheless, police officers are supposed to act in the highest ethical standards. The

society looks up to the police officers for guidance. Therefore, police officers should not be seen

as the ones who break the law. To that extent, charging fellow officers in open court for some

misdemeanor crimes can erode the confidence of the public in the criminal justice system.

Officers are highly reliant on public trust in the execution of their mandate. Some members of
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the public pass on critical information to the law enforcement officers with the hope that it is

going to be acted upon for the good of the society. If the members of public think that police

officers are not acting in good faith then they might withdraw their support.

The exercise of leniency to fellow police officers stems from risking their life for the

good of society. Therefore, when a police officer has a chance to pardon a colleague they do it as

an act of appreciation and cognizance of the sacrifice. Additionally, law enforcement officers

find themselves in difficult and dangerous situations in the course of executing their mandate. In

some instances, they are cornered by criminals, and it takes the intervention of fellow officers to

survive. Fellow officers intervene because they consider themselves as brothers and sisters.

In some cases, arresting a fellow officer means that they are bound to lose their jobs. The

consequences of arrests are higher for law enforcement officers than other members of the

public. Therefore, when it is a crime that a fellow officer can let go, it is advisable to do so.

However, a warning and a piece of advice are issued to the colleague. Nevertheless, professional

courtesy cannot be exercised for serious crimes. Crimes that are injurious to the public should be

punished to the full extent of the law. At the same time, professional courtesy cannot be

exercised over and over again for the same individual. Action should be taken against officers

who act in obvious contempt.