CRJ220 Assignment 6
Thomas Seagle
Strayer University
What does it mean to be an ethical leader? Obviously, one first has to be sure that one is not personally engaged in unethical and corrupt behaviors. Unfortunately, in many recent examples, leaders cannot pass even this first test. In addition, one has to take responsibility for the larger role responsibilities of a leader position. One of the most distressing aspects of public scandals involving public officials is the discovery that their wrongdoing was often well known to those who should have done something about it, the topic of the “Quote and Query” box. (Pollock, J. 2010 Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice Sixth Edition)
Leadership is the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group. Criminal justice professionals should develop and maintain leadership skills in their professional and personal lives because it’s what they do. To some, they are role models, but to all they are the ones who make and/or carry out the laws. Leadership involves the commitment, dedication, and risk taking attitude of the individual. Some leadership skills that they should obtain is (1) Quick thinking. This means that those working in criminal justice must be of sharp and sound mind, able to adapt to situations quickly and make snap decisions with good judgment. (2) Strong ethical sensibility. You should be ethical, act fairly and always in the best interest of the people. (3) People skills. You need to be able to communicate with others. Communication and people skills are critical in everything from directing traffic to conducting an interview to testifying in court. (4) Knowledgeable of laws. If you work in the criminal field you should be familiar and know the laws of the state and national. Especially officers, they should always be familiar with laws and how to enforce them. (5) Ability to handle stress. Most criminal justice jobs,
References: Pollock, J. (2010) Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice Sixth Edition Retrieved June 3, 2012 Denton (2011) Ethics & Leadership in Criminal Justice Retrieved June 3, 2012 from http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Leadership-Skills-For-The-Criminal-Justice/818941 Weaver, G.R (2006) ‘‘Virtue in Organizations: Moral Identity as a Foundation for Moral Retrieved June 3, 2012 from http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt /67/ EH EP 0017 /EHEP001767-2.pdf Pollock, J (2010) Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice Seven Edition Retrieved June 3, 2012 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/63772532/Ethical-Dilemmas-and-Decisions-in-Criminal-Justice