The Criminal Justice system in many aspects can be referred to having its own distinct set of rules and regulations that differ from mainstream society (Belshaw & Johnston, 2006). It is necessary that Criminal Justice policy makers to take a stand to “Do the Right Thing” so that the criminal justice system doesn’t become unethical. With good character, values, and morals an individual can represent the criminal justice system and not make immoral decisions that lead to corruption of themselves and the system.
Belshaw & Johnston (2006), agree that it is vital that the criminal justice community be committed to ethical standards that surpass those of an ordinary citizen. It is important to note that one’s actions and decision making are guided by his or her own personal beliefs. For an individual to maintain and display high character in a leadership position, they must first possess the values that allow their actions to reflect such qualities. Since corruption within the criminal justice system is nothing new, practitioners within the criminal justice system must be cautious of every decision that they make as it will have a chain reaction (Belshaw & Johnston, 2006).
It is important that any individual who represents the criminal justice system to take a stand to do the right thing, which is impossible without high ethical standards. My ethics and morals are continuously being shaped as I continue to grow as an individual. For me, my decisions and actions are guided by the values I possess of education, perseverance, compassion, love, and integrity.
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I begin with education, I grew up being consistently reminded of how important an education is. Education to me is simply the key to success, a chance at greater opportunities. The values and morals my family instilled in my strongly affected my decision to pursue a further education after graduating high school. The choice I made after graduating high school to pursue a higher education has had a great effect on my life and now my career in the criminal justice profession. Higher education has allowed me to gain knowledge about my passion and apply it to my career. With an undergraduate degree I have been able to begin my profession in the criminal justice system, with a graduate degree I plan to grow within my profession in the criminal justice system.
The value of perseverance I have has given me courage to finish every single time no matter how difficult the challenge. As an individual grows, one will realize not everyday is the best, and sometimes life’s challenges can feel unbearable. The ability to go to war with those challenges until you have won the battle. It is a value that has helped me become successful, the ability to get overcome and not give up. Perseverance continues to shape my character, It is the quality of confidence not giving up that this value allows me to display on a daily basis to my children. It is the same value that will also help me take on the leadership responsibilities as a police officer, to “Do the Right Thing” and not give up despite the hardships that I might face a long the way.
Compassion and the ability to be empathetic to other who are suffering in any kind of way should never get lost within the criminal justice system. Possessing the value of compassion has allowed me to extend kindness when I meet others who are facing adversity no matter their background, race, religion, etc. In my current position as a Juvenile Detention Officer, I work with various juveniles many who society would consider “bad kids”. In this position I work one on one with youth offenders, maintaining accountability, while ensuring safety and security. However, the biggest part of my job involves the ability to have compassion for these youth no matter how big of a crime they have committed. It is the same value that I will carry as a law enforcement officer to exhibit concern for every citizen I meet and community that I serve.
In spiritual context “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love doesn’t not delight in evil”. To value love in my life, to master my ability to care for my family, my children, my friends, my job, my devotion with an energy that can only be felt within. For me this specific value affects my decision making and affects my joy. My value of love allows me to lead others in addition to all the other values, to me it is the foundation. With love, I can lead and make decisions with an open heart to others that displays understanding, strength, patience, compassion, and dignity.
Lastly, my value of Integrity will always allow me to do the right thing and remain honest with myself and others. I feel that this is one of the most important values to have working in the criminal justice field. Having integrity allows me to remain ethical even when no on is around to observe it. In the future as a police officer, integrity will allow me to be a leader that exemplifies honesty and uncorrupt morals on and off duty.
To successfully reform the Criminal Justice system, we must first realize that more must be done to put new innovations in policing, and other aspects to improve police accountability, and ensure that legal and judicial systems treat all Americans equal despite their race (Jawando & Parsons, 2014). In addition, unethical police conduct should not be tolerated as this has been one of the biggest impacts on community and policing relations.
This alone will show the community that the system alone is exhausting all efforts to do the right thing, while addressing unethical decision making. Reforms are needed to address the injustice and inequalities in the criminal justice system (Jawando & Parsons, 2014). As a result, reformation within the Criminal Justice system will lead to rebuilding confidence in the system and provide opportunity to gain back the trust that has been replaced with fear due to challenges going unaddressed.
