Report

The Oregon Department of State Police (OSP) management team took a proactive approach in attempting to understand the prevailing ethical culture in their agency. When a department takes on the task of self-analysis, it demonstrates a willingness to deal with new and changing law enforcement challenges. Improving the public perception of the police requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which professional ethical integrity can be achieved and maintained. A police department’s commitment to enhancing service delivery by investigating officers’ values represents a new era of police professionalism.

The Oregon project may ultimately improve the quality and efficiency of service provided to the state’s residents. The Police Foundation was asked to make recommendations regarding a variety of issues related to professional ethical development. The results of the survey should prove useful to individuals at OSP who have the task of evaluating existing views on ethics, establishing professional goals, understanding others in the department, and making decisions regarding subsequent behavior. As a whole, the survey results will assist the department in interpreting the organization’s values, beliefs, and expectations.