Discuss the role of integrity and accountability as foundational values in policing. Why are ethical violations in law enforcement considered more damaging to society?
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. Discuss the role of integrity and accountability as foundational values in policing. Why are ethical violations in law enforcement considered more damaging to society? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question: Former Deputy Superintendent of Punjab Police and Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Jagdish Bhola, an alleged kingpin of a synthetic narcotics racket worth Rs 700 crore, walked out of Bathinda Central Jail on June 1 after nearly 12 years of incarceration. Key demand of the question: The question asks to explain how integrity and accountability uphold ethical policing, and why breaches in these values are particularly dangerous and damaging in the policing profession. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention how police act as moral agents of the state, and ethical values define the legitimacy of their coercive powers. Body: Role of integrity and accountability: Show how they ensure legal compliance, public trust, impartiality, and professional conduct in policing. Why ethical violations cause greater harm: Explain how misconduct by law enforcers weakens constitutional justice, emboldens impunity, and disproportionately harms vulnerable groups. Conclusion: Reinforce the need for robust ethical training, independent oversight, and public engagement to ensure ethical policing in a democracy.
Why the question: Former Deputy Superintendent of Punjab Police and Arjuna Award-winning wrestler Jagdish Bhola, an alleged kingpin of a synthetic narcotics racket worth Rs 700 crore, walked out of Bathinda Central Jail on June 1 after nearly 12 years of incarceration.
Key demand of the question: The question asks to explain how integrity and accountability uphold ethical policing, and why breaches in these values are particularly dangerous and damaging in the policing profession.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention how police act as moral agents of the state, and ethical values define the legitimacy of their coercive powers.
• Role of integrity and accountability: Show how they ensure legal compliance, public trust, impartiality, and professional conduct in policing.
• Why ethical violations cause greater harm: Explain how misconduct by law enforcers weakens constitutional justice, emboldens impunity, and disproportionately harms vulnerable groups.
Conclusion: Reinforce the need for robust ethical training, independent oversight, and public engagement to ensure ethical policing in a democracy.