Ethical Decisions As A Special Agent

Ethical Decisions as a Special Agent

By Joseph Parish

Let's play a game of make-believe. Suppose I am employed by the FBI and, I am instructing a friend's son in my classes. All of a sudden, it is discovered that the young man is cheating on his exams. Now we are faced with a real dilemma.

Friendship is fundamental in all aspects of our lives and should be treasured, unfortunately in view of the issues of dishonesty there are also ethical decisions which then enter into play. If I were employed in the Department of the FBI, as a result of my friend’s intervention, I would be especially appreciative of his assistance towards helping me in acquiring the position which I currently fill. However, it must be kept in mind that I have actually earned that position by virtue of my qualifications and education. With that said, I would owe both the academy and the FBI my sincere efforts involving fidelity, bravery, and integrity.

I initially would have mixed emotions pertaining to any problems involving turning my friend's son into my superiors as a result of his unethical actions. Here in front of me is my hypothetical friend’s son accused of cheating on his exams. It is now up to me to explain to his father, who is my friend, what has transpired within the class. Possibly earlier in the day, I might have proclaimed to my friend how proud I was of his son's academic progress, and now, sadly, I must make a complete 180-degree assessment of the situation. It is a perplexing problem to say the least. In view of this relationship, I could undoubtedly dismiss myself from the equation by claiming a conflict of interest, since I know both the young man involved and his father personally. I say I could plead conflict of interest, however, that would be the easy way out.

To be effective in one's chosen vocation, we cannot condone cheating in any way what-so-ever. Honesty and integrity are several of the highest traits valued by most law enforcement agencies, and as in this hypothetical agency, academic integrity is prized above all else. To overlook this transgression would be a "slap" in the face for every graduate who had successfully completed the course on their own merit. If I were a member of the FBI faculty team, I would be remiss in my duties and negligent of the trust placed in my position if I failed to respond appropriately to this issue.

It is my responsibility due to this trust which has been placed in me to adhere to all established agency policies without bias and in a straightforward manner. I am proud of what my agency stands for and take all of my responsibilities in a serious manner. My philosophy is that when someone cheats on their exam, they are actually pulling the complete agency down with them. It would not be in anyone's best interests for this issue to be swept under the rug and forgotten. Since a video of the offense has been produced by one of my associates, I am required in good faith to act accordingly.

The results of the trainee's actions may take one of several paths. Perhaps he will be given a warning and be required to re-test. He may be suspended from the school, and returned to his previous unit or dismissed completely from the public safety field. I am saddened that this has occurred, however, I will be counseled in the fact that I have done what is expected of me.

After concluding that I would need to personally deal with this issue, I would initially review all the facts involved in the scandal. I would begin my actions by reviewing the policies in effect with the school. I would next assess the video myself carefully to ensure that no misunderstanding is taking place. I would additionally consult and maintain an open line of communications with my immediate superior. If he or she has specific recommendations, they too will be taken into consideration. My next task would be to invite the trainee into my office and play the recording for him as well. He would then be permitted to formulate any responses which he so desired in support of his defense. After our meeting, I would document the discussion and make note of the trainee's attitude at the time. Since this is likely his first offense, he would be given a stern warning and placed on academic probation.

I would next discuss the complete findings with my friend. Being a fellow member of the hypothetical FBI scenario, I would expect my friend to foster similar values of honesty, as much as I do. He would be presented with the video to view and instructed as to my conclusion and my recommendations. In view of our mutual employment ethics, I would not anticipate him, expecting me to go against my own code of ethics and provide any special treatment in favor of his son. I would stress to him during our conversation that this was unacceptable behavior and unfitting towards our organization.

In conclusion, I would explain what my course of action is and that his son has now been placed on academic probation and that any further infractions of our rules and codes would result in him being permanently removed from the program. It is easy to formulate plans and procedures when dealing with imaginary situations, however, those which occur in reality are likely to be a different situation all together.

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