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Character and Cops

Name: Character and Cops
Author: Edwin J. Delattre
ISBN: 9780844741536

by Edwin J. Delattre

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Overview

From dark streets and hallways where criminals prey on their victims to the corridors of power where political agendas set policy, law enforcement officers face unrelenting demands on their courage and morality. In a dangerous world, are "Dirty Harry" tactics or "noble cause corruption" ever justified? What does it take to enforce the law and keep the peace honorably? In the expanded edition of Character and Cops, Edwin J. Delattre has added material on the Rodney King beating, gang-based violence, and the tragedy at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. He also includes an appendix, with a guide for designing academy courses and programs in ethics and for using the book as an instructional tool. Character and Cops explores the ethical standards that govern police commands and individual officers in pursuit of their duties. More broadly, though, the book addresses questions of individual character, public trust, corruption, moral training, and ethics education as they apply to society at large.

About the Author, Edwin J. Delattre

Edwin J. Delattre is professor of philosophy and education emeritus at Boston University, president emeritus of St. John's College, and an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He lives in Canton, GA.

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Editorials

Booknews

Delattre (philosophy and education, Boston U.), implicitly promoting the "bad apple" theory of police corruption and brutality, discusses how to promote good values in individual police officers through training and discusses how those values should lead officers to act in a variety of situations. This new edition adds a chapter on terrorism and policing, complaining that police lack the tools to effectively prosecute the "War on Terrorism" and examining issues of racial profiling. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Richard W. Myers

Dr. Delattre's book is the gold standard text on police integrity and ethics. Both applicants and seasoned veterans alike should read and apply the many lessons in this book. Rookies will gain wisdom on good decision making that no police academy teaches. Experienced officers will find affirmation for their noblest service.

Darrel W. Stephens

Police work is among the most challenging of careers and it is best done by those with strong character. For more than twenty years, Ed Delattre has been teaching police officers at every level about the complexities of ethical policing and providing clear guidance to strengthen their character. Each edition of Character and Cops builds on a rock-solid foundation of wisdom while recognizing the constantly changing world in which we police. In the sixth edition, he takes on the vexing issue of officers returning from deployments in war zones. His contributions to help those who police America cannot be overstated

James W. McMahon

Policing in the twenty-first century requires more than ever the utmost trust of the citizens law enforcement serves. Delattre’s emphasis on the virtues of character, integrity, and honesty coupled with compassion and equal justice for all makes this book required reading for police supervisors at all levels.

Thomas A. Constantine

Thankfully, someone who possesses both the intellect and proper value structure has chosen to study this issue. Police administrators throughout the United States are deeply indebted to Ed Delattre

Chuck Wexler

Delattre’s emphasis on the achievement of good character applies to every walk of public and private life.

George Will

This fascinating volume, a sophisticated exercise in applied political philosophy, illuminates the complexity of policing and the central role of that profession in a free society.