The use of force by law enforcement officers (LEOs) is constantly under scrutiny. Was it necessary to shoot the suspect? Did the officer have to use deadly force? Were there less-lethal options? The use-of-force actions our military takes (e.g., boats running drugs out of Venezuela) are also scrutinized. Some have accused the military of murder while others say the actions are justified to protect Americans.
The Air Force taught me that the use of deadly force against enemy combatants is restricted. These restrictions are called “rules of engagement.” Before any service member engages an enemy with lethal force, certain criteria must be met. These criteria are approved by the President and passed down through the chain-of-command. Law enforcement officers also operate under rules of engagement, generally called “use-of-force” rules—the rules are found in constitutions (federal and state), penal codes, and agency regulation manuals. These rules—whether for military or LEOs—are based on ethics. Ethics are guides that influence behavior—how we should live and how we treat others in society (including criminals and enemy combatants).
Morals, Values, Ethics, and Behavior
Morals, values, ethics, and behaviors are often confused. Confusion is caused by unclear and overlapping definitions. Let me simply define and distinguish them. Behaviors are actions. Behavior is what we see. Ethics are guides. Ethics influences behavior and come from values. Values are priorities. Values are things a person (or society) believe are important. Values are derived from morals. Morals define what is right. Morals express what is right and wrong, good and evil, moral and immoral. Morals are foundational to a person’s values, ethics, and ultimately behavior. Morals are principles of justice.
Human beings are different from animals. We live our lives by moral codes. Morals shape our behavior or the way we live out our lives. Morals are principles of what is right—that which accords with reality. For example, one moral principle is that human life has meaning and purpose. Hence, we value the sanctity of life. Therefore, murder is wrong. So, we don’t murder people. A behavior is either right or wrong. Feelings have no bearing on what is right or wrong.
The Judeo-Christian belief is that moral (or natural) law is inherent to humanity. In other words, this moral law is written on our hearts, and our consciences bears witness that somethings are naturally wrong,[1] such as murder, rape, and theft. This moral law is summarized in an ethical guide called the Ten Commandments. In other words, the Commandments codify what we know is inherently right.
This is the way it works. A moral law affirms ownership of private property. Value is placed on personal property. An ethical code states it is wrong to steal another’s property. The person doesn’t steal (behavior) because it violates his ethical code. If the person does steal, he knows it is wrong.
Everyone constantly makes ethical decisions, LEOs constantly make ethical decisions that have serious consequences for others and themselves. Hence, proper training is critical. This is one reason why the Strong Blue Line Foundation provides this critical training to LEOs across the country.
Bringing Hope to Law Enforcement
The Strong Blue Line Foundation—at no cost to officers or their agencies—brings hope to LEOs with training seminars that help them navigate a myriad of issues they deal with. One way we do this is by training chaplains. In the “Winning is More than Surviving” seminar and book, chaplains learn how to serve and minister to law enforcement officers by helping them understand the issues they deal with, their responses, and where they can find real hope. Please partner with us to make strong officers with strong relationships by giving them real hope for complete victory! To help, click the “Donate” button.
On the Road
This month we have two “Winning a Gunfight” seminars scheduled. One is in Hot Springs, AR and the second is in Shelby, NC.
Pray for your police.
[1] Romans 2:14
