Public service professionals ― government officials, those in the legal system, first responders, and investigators ― confront ethical issues every day. In an environment where each decision can mean the difference between life and death or freedom and imprisonment, deciding on an ethical course of action can pose challenges to even the most seasoned professional. Ethics for the Public Service Professional explores these issues as they relate to virtually all areas of public service.

Examining the history of ethics, codes, and legislation relating to public service, this volume:

• Provides timely coverage of current police and public service controversies
• Discusses important new mechanisms of accountability, including comprehensive use-of-force reporting, citizen complaint procedures, early intervention systems, and police auditors
• Presents real-life situations faced by those within public service, encouraging discussion and debate
• Incorporates news stories throughout the text to demonstrate the diverse scope of ethical issues within the public service workplace
• Includes a list of Web sites to facilitate further research

Each chapter begins with learning objectives to emphasize active rather than passive learning, along with key terms for readers to assimilate. Many chapters contain Ripped from the Headlines current event examples that demonstrate actual scenarios involving the issues discussed within the chapter. Case studies and summations further assist readers in comprehending the material, along with sections offering insight from public servants specializing in a particular area. Review questions at the end of each chapter test comprehension.