POLICE POWERS, ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM

Law enforcement requires clarity around scope of powers and professional expectations. Students examine legislated authorities and best practices related to detention, arrest, search, release and use of force. Through extensive review of statute law and case law, students explore the subjective nature of the rule of law and the necessary scrutiny around the application of police authorities. Importantly, students analyze various theories of ethical behaviour and decision-making. Through experiential learning, students examine the complexities of exercising ethical decision-making within a context of nuanced relationships between professional expectation, community expectation and personal belief.