A Qualitative Analysis of the Effectiveness of Professional Ethics Training Standards in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies use ethics training to promote conscientious police work and to deter ethical violations by law enforcement officers. However, determining the effectiveness of ethics training in preventing ethical violations has been difficult due to scarce research on the topic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ethics training programs in preventing ethical violations by law enforcement officers. The overarching research question for this study sought to determine whether current ethics training standards for law enforcement officers (LEOs) in four law enforcement agencies in a southern state are effective in preventing unethical acts. Theoretical frameworks used in this study include Tittle's refined control balance theory and Mills' institutional structure theory. Semistructured interviews from 11 law enforcement officers from 4 law enforcement agencies were used in this qualitative case study. Information from semistructured interviews was analyzed for themes, coded to categories, and further analyzed using data source comparisons. Findings indicate that ethics training was not effective despite indications that participants successfully learned ethical concepts. Findings also indicate that refined control balance theory and institutional structure theory were both supported and held valid. Supporting statements indicate LEOs are placed in ethically challenging situations and that LEOs must exercise constraint and self-control. The statements indicate support for Tittle and Mills' theories. Positive social change implications include modifications to existing training standards, development of ethics intervention programs, and improved relationships between communities and law enforcement officers.