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cjustice
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Posted: Mon Nov 9th, 2009 03:27 am | 21st Post |
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| this is a test for max
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cjustice
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Posted: Mon Nov 9th, 2009 03:28 am | 22nd Post |
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cjustice wrote: this is a test for max
this is a second test for max
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Max D Arcadia
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Posted: Mon Nov 9th, 2009 03:48 am | 23rd Post |
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| It seems that some type of corruption is in the news everyday. Conflict of interest is just another type of situation that the general public hates to hear about, especially as it pertains to government workers (ie law enforcement). We are definitely expected to do the right thing. I think the public understands when we make honest mistakes, then own up to them. What gets us in trouble are the stupid mistakes, lies, and scandals. The public hates that. How many times can we apologize? If we are the leaders of our departments, let's act like it. Lead by example.
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Max D Arcadia
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Posted: Mon Nov 9th, 2009 03:54 am | 24th Post |
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| I forgot to answer the second part of the question. Obviously a great leader should have a balance of ethical character traits. Although, I think integrity is what is most important. All of the ethical character traits mirror each other, but I feel it all starts with integrity.
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Max D Arcadia
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Posted: Mon Nov 9th, 2009 04:02 am | 25th Post |
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jkeenunion wrote: Conflicts of interests are extremely devastating in government service because they can effect so many people and societies. It's extremely disheartening to see corruption played out, often hurting many and helping only a few.
I believe a leader must know and be reminded of a general overview of ethical character traits, as well as the consequences of making unethical decisions.
You make and excellent point regarding unethical decision making and making others aware of the consequences. We really don't hear about the consequences until the problem has happened. Maybe consequences need to be in the foreground and discussed more often.
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jmaddoxarcadia410
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Posted: Tue Nov 10th, 2009 11:17 pm | 26th Post |
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| Max I agree. When mistakes are made, people need to take responsibility for them, not cover them up or lie about what happened. It is already bad enough when something unfortunate happens, but it is compounded when it is discovered that someone was trying to hide something or lie about it. This does not help in our efforts to gain the publics trust.
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jpowersunion
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Posted: Tue Nov 10th, 2009 11:25 pm | 27th Post |
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1. Conflicts of interest are troublesome in government jobs because it usually violates a policy, procedure, or personal value. Government employees have to pass several steps prior to employment to ensure one is qualified for the position. Inquiries into personal and professional past behavior play a major role into the hiring process. Public perception of a government employee is usually high. The employee is held to a higher standard when conflicts become known.
2. I believe ethical traits are more important to a leader. They are the foundation of our character, which is demonstrated through our personalities. This is seen by the public, our peers, subordinates, and leaders. Our ethical traits should have a significant part of our decision making, which will control or prevent being involved with conflicts of interest. If it becomes an issue, our ethical traits should encourage us to make the proper decision.
JPowers-Brea
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jpowersunion
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Posted: Tue Nov 10th, 2009 11:36 pm | 28th Post |
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Art Arcadia
Those were excellent comments. You mention the word "choose" a few times. To add on the choices people make, there needs to be some responsibility for the actions taken. I have made mistakes in the past, and I was responsible for my actions. I took my lumps and moved forward. I held myself accountable. I never realized it back then, but the accountability sure helped me out, and I'm grateful.
All of the comments have been very good.
Great job!!
Last edited on Tue Nov 10th, 2009 11:38 pm by jpowersunion
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Albert
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Posted: Wed Nov 11th, 2009 07:49 pm | 29th Post |
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1.Why are conflicts of interest particularly troublesome in government service?
Government employees are held to a higher standard than the citizens we serve. We represent the Six Pillars of Character on and off duty. We compromise our positions and what we stand for by accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, rewards an/or personal or financial gain. We lose the trust and respect of those who look to us for such.
2.Second, of the two (a general overview of ethical character traits and a specific statement about conflicts of interest) which is the most useful to a leader in government service? And, why?
"The Power of Ethical Management" (Blanchard 1988) has three simple questions we should pose to ourselves in making ethical decisions:
a. Is it legal?
b. Is is fair?
c. Is it right? How will it make me feel after?
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Albert
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Posted: Wed Nov 11th, 2009 07:54 pm | 30th Post |
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Jim,
Good thougt and reflection on your responses. We are held to a higher standard than most and we should not compromise our image for anyone or anything. I know in my position I face conflict issues daily. I follow three basic fundementals; 1) do what's right; 2)do what's fair; 3) do what's legal.
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jpowersunion
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Posted: Thu Nov 12th, 2009 03:24 am | 31st Post |
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Excellent points Albert. I can also relate to being faced with issues on a daily basis.
Blanchard is a great reminder for us.
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rmullinsbrea
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Posted: Thu Nov 12th, 2009 05:53 pm | 32nd Post |
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Question: Conflicts of interest are common in human interaction. For the first part of the question, why are conflicts of interest particularly troublesome in government service? Second, of the two (a general overview of ethical character traits and a specific statement about conflicts of interest) which is the most useful to a leader in government service? And, why?
Conflicts of interest in government service are akin to gratuities. Conflicts of interest and acceptance of gratuities potentially lead to the following issues:
- Deviance -- behavior inconsistent with the police culture's norms or values
- Corruption -- immoral, habitual behavior involving misuse of office for self-interest
- Favoritism -- unfair or unjust acts ("breaks") usually given to friends or relatives
- Misconduct -- wrongful violations of a police department's rules, policies, and procedures
The very first thing that all of us as law enforcement members must do is not be guided by what may have occurred – including with each of us – in the past, but rather recognize that our profession has evolved tremendously in a variety of ways over the last several decades. Some things that were tolerated in the past are appropriately considered as mortal sins today. In many ways, the “good old days” were not. As with most other professions, our folkways, mores, customs, and expectations have changed.
As for the comparison between the ethical standards versus the conflict of interest memo, I feel that the Josephson model is most applicable to the law enforcement profession. The Josephson model is a guide for your time at work as well as character traits that should be utilized in one's personal life.
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rmullinsbrea
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Posted: Thu Nov 12th, 2009 05:59 pm | 33rd Post |
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In response to Max - your post made me reflect on many internal affairs investigations that I have conducted where the officer would not have been disciplined for the initial act. Rather, they chose to lie about it and were disciplined for the lie.
This example reinforces the adage that "The truth shall set you free!"
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CCuffUnion
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Posted: Fri Nov 13th, 2009 07:41 am | 34th Post |
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| In my opinion conflicts of interest in government service is inevitable, especially when dealing with law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies don't opperate in a bubble meaning the priorities can be swayed by outside influences IE: local politicians, and personal agendas. Oftentimes these are factors that the line level officer cannot control, however if each individual carried out thier duties with integrity and in line with the core values of their agency they will be just fine.
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CCuffUnion
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Posted: Fri Nov 13th, 2009 08:02 am | 35th Post |
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| As it relates to the character quality that would be the most useful to a leader in government service, fairness tops my list. In my experience many law enforcement officers can deal with a supervisor who is mean spirited, or stubborn so long as that individual treats everyone equally. Arbitrariness when dealing with subordinates is the quickest way to kill morale
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Eric Mills Arcadia CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 01:56 am | 36th Post |
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| From a business perspective, when a conflict arises, I as the consumer can choose to take my business elsewhere I I don't like what I see. In Government, this is a problem, because the public does not have a choice. If they don't like how we run our PD, there is not a viable alternative. Trust is what keeps that relationship healthy, and conflicts of interest violate the trust.
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Eric Mills Arcadia CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 02:03 am | 37th Post |
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| I see the six pillars of character as a foundation for any leader to build their leadership style, and conflicts of interest are an extension of the ethical discussions relating to honor and integrity. So 6 pillars are more useful to any leader.
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kflorendoArcadia410
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 02:04 am | 38th Post |
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Conflicts of interest are part of human life wherever you go and whatever you do. However, in government service/law enforcement, conflict of interest is particularly troublesome due to the nature of our positions. Government agencies and their agents are constantly under the microscope. This is because the public whom which we serve rely on our sound decisions and judgments when it comes to the performance of our duties and actions. We as government agents have the obligation to do our best to avoid these conflicts of interest at all times.
As a leader in government service, I believe integrity is one of the most important traits one can have. This trait will guide you in making sound decisions when faced with challenges.
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Eric Mills Arcadia CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 02:10 am | 39th Post |
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CCuffUnion wrote:
As it relates to the character quality that would be the most useful to a leader in government service, fairness tops my list. In my experience many law enforcement officers can deal with a supervisor who is mean spirited, or stubborn so long as that individual treats everyone equally. Arbitrariness when dealing with subordinates is the quickest way to kill morale
When I responded initially, I see that CCuffUnion took a different look at the question. Fairness is a great trait, but it is sometimes confused with equality. My understanding of fairness is to compensate for differences. For that reason, fairness can't be equal (look at golf handicaps). When we look at discipline, the unions want all persons who do the same transgression to be punished the same way (equally).
Eric
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Eric Mills Arcadia CA
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Posted: Mon Nov 16th, 2009 02:11 am | 40th Post |
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kflorendoArcadia410 wrote:
Conflicts of interest are part of human life wherever you go and whatever you do. However, in government service/law enforcement, conflict of interest is particularly troublesome due to the nature of our positions. Government agencies and their agents are constantly under the microscope. This is because the public whom which we serve rely on our sound decisions and judgments when it comes to the performance of our duties and actions. We as government agents have the obligation to do our best to avoid these conflicts of interest at all times.
As a leader in government service, I believe integrity is one of the most important traits one can have. This trait will guide you in making sound decisions when faced with challenges.
Ken, I agree. Thats why we carry those cards...A moral compass when reality challenges our decisions.
Eric
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