Ethical standards for criminal justice personnel versus civilian employment

Criminal Justice Ethics

The similarities in the ethical standards between criminal justice personnel and civilian employment in a broader sense are very much the same. It seems that ethical standards are basic skills that are needed for employment. Having a strong ethical characters means that as a worker, the individual will not cheat, steal or take advantage of the company that they are working for. Having strong ethical character also means that an individual is treating another with respect. In order to be successful in both civilian and criminal justice environments, it is absolutely imperative that a strong ethical character is fostered and developed as without it then it will be difficult to thrive in a workplace environment. Furthermore, a sense of ethics and morality is absolutely essential in a workplace where individuals are entrusting certain things to one another and trust that each individual part in the whole is not looking to cheat, or steal or do anything that works against one another. It is essential that in both the civilian and criminal justice environment that this broader sense of ethical standards is held and enforced so that the company, firm or entity can move forward together instead of working against one another.

Furthermore, it is certainly different working in a criminal justice environment because of the responsibilities that are associated with the occupation. In a police or any type of criminal justice occupation, there are more people that are at stake with every action that is taken. For example, if a police officer does not foster impeccable ethics, then it could potentially mean that criminals are out on the street, and ultimately, that the community is not being protected. If there is a corrections officer that does not adhere to the ethics of the prison that he/she is working at, then there is the potential that a fugitive can escape. Regardless of the position, it seems that if criminal justice personnel do not harbor a strong sense of ethics then people's lives are ultimately in danger.