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Justice, Crime, and Ethics (Braswell): Chapter 4: 47-53

I discuss some data on police "subculture."

BrianGlenney
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Justice, Crime, and Ethics (Braswell): Chapter 4: 47-53

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  1. Police Culture JCE Chapter 4

  2. From last class(es)… • There are at least three “theoretical” ethical foundations for Criminal Justice. • Utilitarianism: Greatest Happiness for all. Consequences Matter Most. • Deontology: Duty to upholding the law. Intentions Matter Most. • Care: One must enforce with maternal positive energy of protecting and serving others. Feelings Matter Most.

  3. ….To this class • Policing operates from its own socio-politico-historico sub-culture of beliefs and values. These include: • Conservative (Politically Inclined to Maintain Dominant Paradigm) • Conformity (Unquestioning Respect of Authority) • Pragmatic (Utilitarian) • Noble Cause (“Hero”) • Fighting Crime (“Sheriff”)

  4. Sub-Culture • A group defined by an “ethos” (ethic) that includes: belief, law, morality, custom down to tastes, localities, fashions, and expressions • Often a sub-culture is most easily defined by its “sub” language or set of terms used almost exclusively by that group or by people that want to be a part of that group. People do not truly learn a “sub” language but are rather fostered or adopted into it.

  5. We are all part of some sub-culture • “Sportsman” sub-culture • “hunter” • “fisherman” • “Skater” sub-culture • “Bro” sub-culture • “lifter” • “jock”

  6. Sub-culture and Values One’s “sub-culture” primarily determines their “values:” thought, belief, and behavior. One only discovers what one’s ethos is at the theoretical level when they use philosophical reflection. Otherwise, they view themselves as having a “normal” ethical system. (This is kind of like when one does not believe they speak in an accent.)

  7. Subculture and Values • We all have “pre-decided” behaviors that suggest our values. • Most of us think we believe that we should treat others as we want to be treated ourselves, but we behave with favoritism to some and with prejudice towards others. Hence, we really have a value of favoritism. • A subculture acquaints one with a set of values and reinforces those values with exemplars of behavior. • Most subcultures will suggest favoring other members of that subculture over non-members.

  8. Example: American Evangelical Christian Sub-culture • Ethos/Values • Speak in Christianese: “hello brother,” “pray for me,” “bless you…” • Believe that it is ethically wrong to use profanity, have sex before marriage, drink alcohol, smoke, divorce, be impolite. • Attend Sunday gatheringsin professional clothing. • Listen to worship music. • Read the bible in the morning. • Pray before meals. • …..etc.

  9. American Police Sub-culture • Ethos/Values from TV • Speak in acronym/lingo: “apb,” “187,” “yes sir” • Belief that it is ethically wrong to flout authority, to be flamboyantly gay, and to engage in anti-social behavior. • Attend night gatherings at pubs. • Workout often. • Read the newspaper and biographies in the morning. • Believe in “courage,” “honor,” and “justice.” • Practice over Theory • Being a Hero • Fighting Crime • …….. • …..etc.

  10. American Police Sub-culture • Ethos/Values from Reality??? • … • … • … • … • … • …

  11. Peculiar Police Values (accord. to research) • Locality-based data suggests that two values are most crucial in police recruitment and success. • Conservative Political Ideals • Conformity to Middle-class social norms E.g. Many police recruiting projects will require extensive “cognitive testing” and “background checks.” These tests and checks prejudice socially outcast and liberal inclined applicants rather than skills to engage in actual police work (Kappeler, et al. 2005).

  12. Origin of Police Sub-Culture Values? Originate from the larger socio-economic middle/working class which has the values of: • Winning by defeating evil • Supporting the “underdog” • The American Dream • Working hard to achieve success (i.e. American Dream) • Ends Justify the Means

  13. Policing Values Summary • The “Crime Control” Model trades off on a “Protect and Serve” Model • Tension between beating the criminal (ends justifies the means) and protecting individual rights (citizens including criminals are ends). • Those who express support for individual rights, even Criminal Justice practitioners, are often viewed as “anti-police.”

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