Ethics and the DTO GPSTC Regional Police Academy – Dalton (706)

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO2 Objectives Given ethical situations that arise in the Departmental Training Officer (DTO) process, determine the proper course of action to take in accordance with material presented in class.Given ethical situations that arise in the Departmental Training Officer (DTO) process, determine the proper course of action to take in accordance with material presented in class. –Discuss the profile of the decertified officer. –Identify the Role of the DTO. –Identify areas where ethical dilemmas can arise. –Discuss procedures that can be implemented by the DTO to help identify and reduce occurrences of ethical dilemmas.

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO3

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO4 Why All the Big Fuss? Survey by POST Commissions and Councils and the National Institute of EthicsSurvey by POST Commissions and Councils and the National Institute of Ethics –2,296 Decertified ( ) –32 years of age –7.2 years of experience –W/M –High School/GED –2.16 previous departments

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO5 Why all the Big Fuss? CostCost –7.2 x 32,000 = $230,400 –Doesn’t include Fringe BenefitsFringe Benefits Equipment CostsEquipment Costs Training CostsTraining Costs Etc…Etc… –How much does a Civil Suit for an ethics violation cost? Tangible vs. IntangibleTangible vs. Intangible

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO6 DTO GPSTCDEPT.P.O.S.T.OFFICERACADEMY Role of the DTO

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO7 DTO Responsibilities Training RecordsTraining Records Enrolling StudentsEnrolling Students Needs AnalysisNeeds Analysis POST FormsPOST Forms Reporting TrainingReporting Training BudgetBudget FTO ProgramFTO Program Instructor CoordinationInstructor Coordination Etc…Etc…

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO8 DTO as an Instructor Role ModelRole Model MentorMentor EvaluatorEvaluator CounselorCounselor SupervisorSupervisor

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO9 Class Exercise Brainstorming Exercise:Brainstorming Exercise: –Name situations in which officers in your department have made “bad” choices in ethical situations. –Street or Classroom Example: Theft, Cheating, etc...Example: Theft, Cheating, etc...

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO10 The “Top Ten List” 1.False Statements/Reports (19.92%) 2.Larceny (12.12%) 3.Sex Offenses Other Than Rape (9.48%) 4.Battery (9.15%) 5.DUI (5.08%) 6.Excessive Use of Force (5.05%) 7.Fraud/Forgery (5.03%) 8.Drugs Other Than Cannabis/Cocaine (4.64%) 9.Weapons Offenses (4.02%) 10.Cocaine-Possession or Sell (3.08%)

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO11 Ethical Classroom Challenges FraternizationFraternization CompromisesCompromises DiscriminationDiscrimination HarassmentHarassment CheatingCheating AttitudeAttitude

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO12 “Millions saw the apple fall, but only Newton asked why.” Bernard Baruch

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO13 Where Do I Begin! Needs AnalysisNeeds Analysis –Training Gap in Knowledge vs. Managerial IssueGap in Knowledge vs. Managerial Issue –Ethics Establish ObjectivesEstablish Objectives –Immediate (TPO/EO) –Intermediate (6 mos) –Ultimate (12 mos)

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO14 Viable Solutions Quality Background InvestigationsQuality Background Investigations Quality FTO ProgramQuality FTO Program Fight Political InterferenceFight Political Interference Consistent, Fair AccountabilityConsistent, Fair Accountability Conduct Effective Ethics TrainingConduct Effective Ethics Training –Incorporate Ethics in every scenario/topic Positive Leadership Role ModelsPositive Leadership Role Models Prevent Officer VictimizationPrevent Officer Victimization Effective Employee Intervention ProcessEffective Employee Intervention Process Promotions based on Character and Role ModelingPromotions based on Character and Role Modeling Courage to Acknowledge and Resolve Integrity NeedsCourage to Acknowledge and Resolve Integrity Needs

3/29/2007Ethics and the DTO15 “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt Our only legacy we have to leave with the department is our integrity.