Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 1 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 Module 7: Code of Silence

Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 2 Excuses Selfishness Bad Decisions Fear of “Paying the Price” Code of Silence Reasons Officers Act Unethically

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 3 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. Code of Silence

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 4 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. Pervasiveness of Silence

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 5 Undermines the very purpose of law enforcement. Damages public safety. Erodes public trust. Demoralizes or destroys officers. Consequences

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 6 Represent people – not a political party. 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. Undermines the Very Purpose of Laws and Government Regulations

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 7 Careers are destroyed. Leaders are demoted. Civil suits ruin department budgets. Public no longer trusts department. Officers become hateful toward each other. Employees go to prison. Employees may commit suicide. Employees are fired. Damages Public Safety

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 8 Citizens believe everyone is corrupt. No support for budget increases. Demand for leaders to be fired. No credibility when controversies occur again. Erodes Public Trust

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 9 Good officers are harassed and insulted by the public. 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.” Demoralizes or Destroys Officers

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 10 Peer Pressure Displaced Loyalty Why the Code Exists

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 11 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. Peer Pressure

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 12 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. Displaced Loyalty

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 13 Ethical Leadership Training The Criminal Justice System Breaking the Code

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 14 Demonstrate a sincere commitment to integrity. Model ethical behavior. Emphasize traditionally honored values. Ethical Leadership

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 15 Acknowledging integrity problems. Receiving training on ethics and integrity. Conducting an integrity needs assessment. Teaching classes on integrity. Developing a plan to concentrate on integrity needs. Ethical Leadership: Demonstrate Commitment to Integrity

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 16 Encouraging visible displays of integrity. Becoming directly involved in background investigations. Conducting confidential integrity surveys annually. Demanding ethical behavior of all leaders. Tracking complaints and compliments. Ethical Leadership: Demonstrate Commitment to Integrity (cont.)

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 17 Avoiding a “leader’s” Code of Silence. Investigating all claims of dishonesty. Demonstrating a loyalty to honor and integrity rather than people. Refraining from ridiculing upper administration. Abstaining from committing minor policy violations. Resolving major causes of employee anger and frustration. Watching for sudden changes in employee behavior. Making time to talk about an employee’s personal problems. Ethical Leadership: Model Ethical Behavior

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 18 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. Ethical Leadership: Emphasize Traditionally Honored Values

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 19 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. Training

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 20 Discourage and deter officers from committing crime. Protect society from dangerous and harmful officers. Punish officers who have committed crimes. Rehabilitate and reform officers who have committed crimes. The Criminal Justice System

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 21 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. New Orleans Police Department Case Study

Module 7: Code of Silence Integrity Awareness and Workplace Ethics WorkshopPage 22 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. Summary and Review