Reference no: EM132667376

Question: In this unit, we discussed ethics and how professionals in the criminal justice arena should adhere to ethical principles. If you were a police officer and you saw your younger sibling shoplifting, would you arrest your sibling or pretend that you did not see this incident occur? Additionally, this is a state that has a three-strike policy, and your sibling has already been convicted of two separate offenses. If your sibling is convicted of this crime, your sibling will potentially receive a life sentence. Explain your rationale for whatever action you decide to take.

Answer the above discussion and then reply to my classmate's response to the above questions and explain why you agree? (a minimum of 125 words each discussion)

Classmate's Post

This is a tough question. First, I would like to think that my sibling would not be so bold as to attempt shoplifting right in front of me. This would avoid the ethical dilemma associated with this question. In all honesty, I would simply look at her and say, "Put it back - are you crazy?" The reason is because we have two separate issues. One is our ethical principles and commitment as a police officer while the other issue is our commitment to family. We are also talking about a violent crime versus a non-violent crime. I think if any officer responded to a dispatch call for gunshot fire or a burglary and arrived on scene only to find out it was his sibling, then I believe an arrest is justified. However, if we are talking about a non-violent crime like shoplifting then I think the officer must use discretion when it comes to "catching someone in the act." Police officers use the same discretion when someone is pulled over for speeding and deciding whether to issue the driver a citation. I think the second part of this question justifies the answer to the first part. Even though my sibling seemingly did not learn her lesson from the first two offenses, I do not want it on my conscience to be the one to know I'm the reason she could potentially face a life sentence. I would rather "let it go" and if, after my leniency, she chooses to commit the crime again and face the life sentence, then that is on her - not me.