Ethics is described by the Webster’s online dictionary as a “motivation based on ideas of right and wrong”(n.d.). Simply put ethics is about the values and morals we hold and placing them into a right or wrong, good or bad category. The role and function of police in society is to keep the peace by maintaining order, preventing and detecting crime, upholding and enforcing the law, providing social services and protecting life and property (PPP123 Team, 2010, Pg. 8). It is imperative that police perform these functions with an ethical approach. Fortunately police are guided ethically by legislations such as the ‘Oath of Office’ and the ‘Statement of Values’ as well as policy such as the ‘Code of Conduct and Ethics.’
In the Lane Cove break and enter scenario Senior Constable Cullen and Constable Black are faced with an every day run of the mill break and enter job in what appears to be an affluent area. As soon as Senior Constable Cullen accepts the job he states to Constable Black, “I am so over these rich people.” This very statement here directly breaches point four of the Code of Conduct and Ethics. Item four states an employee of