Case Studies with Questions and Answers
Chapter 03: Peacemaking, Justice, and Ethics
As a 20 year veteran of the local police department, you have started to "burn out" of the typical grind of patrol work. The thrill and excitement of the job has gradually turned to cynicism and resentment toward the public as the years have passed. You have always patrolled a particular district that is known for its poverty and high crime. Your lieutenant has recently begun a community policing program, where officers are to walk the beat or patrol on bicycle instead of patrol cars. The intent is to get to know the residents and improve relationships with police.
The lieutenant senses that you need a new challenge and asks you to become one of the community policing officers. Initially you are reluctant, saying "I already know them all because I have arrested most of them before". Despite the initial cynicism, you agree to participate.
After a month on the new assignment, your attitude begins to change as you see a different perspective of the resident's lives. Sue is one woman that you take particular interest in. You arrested Sue 2 years ago for drug use, and she has just returned to the community. After talking to Sue, you realize that she is emotionally scarred from her prison experience and unable to find an employer that will hire a convicted felon. Still, she is very hostile to you and remembers you as the arresting officer. During your term as a patrol officer, you have become acquainted with many of the business owners and begin to actively search for a job suitable for Sue. This action draws criticism from many of your former patrol friends, who mock you for "quitting real police work in order to waste your time finding jobs for criminals."