Unit 4 Lesson Plan-Professionalism and Ethics
UNIT 4.0 LESSON PLAN
PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS
Module 4.1
Professionalism and Ethics and the Corrections Officer
4 hours
J.K. Test #1
1 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Describe what being a professional corrections No test item
4.1.1 officer means.
1. Discuss with class Professionalism
a. What is professional—common definition
b. The professional Correctional Officer –Defined
1
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Define Ethics. No test item
4.1.2
Define acceptable and unacceptable behavior
1. Discuss and define ethics.
a. Moral principles, moral practices, morality.
b. Code of right and wrong, social laws
c. The “accepted” rules of conduct governing an individual or group.
d. Conduct and decency—moral values.
4.1.8 Review and discuss a departmental code of ethics. No test item
2. Discuss and define values. Include in discussion each agencies “Value Statement”
and what it means to the individual, the agency and the community.
a. Those fundamental beliefs upon which decisions and conduct
are based
3. Organizational Values—the ones that the group/organization subscribes to as a whole.
a. Integrity, honesty, compassion, competence—all the things that the organization’s
rules are based on.
b. Types of Organizational Values
c. The most important value in your profession is ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES.
4. Review agencies Code of Ethics in class. Discuss the meaning and intent.
If one is not available review the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and/or a Corrections
Code of Ethics.
2
Performance Objective: Explain ethical violations you might see in a 1 test item
4.1.3 correctional setting.
excessive use of obscene language
harassment of inmates
fraternizing with fellow officers or inmates
covering up for a fellow officer
making derogatory remarks about an officer or inmate
sleeping on the job
falsifying a report
small rule breaking such as giving inmates special treatment
drug use
1. Discuss what happens within an organization when ethical violations occur.
a. Breakdown of moral within organization
b. Unsafe environment
c. Inmate unrest
d. “Blue Code” of Ethics or the “Blue Curtain”
e. Public distrust
f. Corruption
2. Review and discuss the various types/levels of unethical behavior that may be exhibited by
Correctional Officers or other personnel working within the custodial setting.
a. Obscene or abusive language.
b. Discrimination/harassment of inmates. Potential physical abuse.
c. Define and discuss fraternization.
d. Covering up for a fellow officer
e. Derogatory remarks about officers and inmates
f. Sleeping
g. Falsifying a report
h. Small infractions of P&P by officers/other personnel.
i. Drug/Alcohol use/abuse.
3
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Explain why Corrections Officers, on and off duty, No test item
4.1.4 Should exemplify the highest ethical and moral
standards to:
Promote professionalism
Gain public support for the profession
Earn the respect and confidence of peers
Maintain a sense of self worth and pride
1. Discuss why support from the public/community is so important.
2. Review current issues in Corrections and Law Enforcement that have shed a
negative image of the profession to the media.
2. Discuss image of Corrections in past and where it is today.
Performance Objective: Discuss the best method for handling unethical situations, No test item
4.1.5 for example:
Expressing verbal disapproval of minor infractions
Discussing continued infractions with supervisor
Reporting misconduct to a supervisor
Preventing criminal behavior, if possible, and reporting it
to a supervisor immediately
4.1.6 Examine the problems associated when a corrections officer No test item
violates the law, for example:
Incurs public disrespect for the law and the corrections
profession.
Provides mixed messages to the public as to the meaning
and the applications of law to all.
4.1.7 Explain why it is necessary to take positive action when No test item
becoming aware of unethical and/or criminal conduct of
other corrections officers or correctional professionals to:
Maintain public trust
Prevent further misconduct
Permit corrective action to take place
4
1. Discuss why officers have a moral and legal duty to report ethical violations, policy
and procedure violations and the law.
a. Breakdown within organization
b. Officer Safety
c. Organizational expectation
d. Public/community expectations.
2. Discuss how they should handle minor violations.
a. Bring the infraction to the officer’s attention.
b. Use appropriate communication skills—don’t make it into a confrontation.
c. If it continues, report to a supervisor and document.
3. Major violations must be reported to a supervisor immediately.
a. Review liability issues
b. Failing to report makes them as culpable as the wrongdoer
5