PFD440 - Ethical Reasoning in Public Safety

Subject Title
Ethical Reasoning in Public Safety

Subject Description
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of ethical theories, values, morality, and codes of conduct. It introduces the concept of ethical decision-making and examines contemporary ethical issues faced by law enforcement officers. Students will debate issues and develop critical thinking skills that will assist them in resolving ethical dilemmas through the application of case studies, scenarios, and current events. Police governance, statutory considerations and the need for accountability will also be examined.

Credit Status
This is a Police Foundations prescribed credit subject.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Define the significance of values and how they relate to ethics.
2. Compare and contrast the major schools of ethical thought and moral reasoning.
3. Describe the historical development of ethical reasoning and decision-making.
4. Identify and discuss the six stages of moral development.
5. Discuss contemporary police culture and its impact on ethical behaviour.
6. Discuss contemporary ethical issues faced by police officers in Canada.
7. Explain how codes of conduct are applied to modern police practices.
8. Describe the role of civilian governance over police conduct.
9. Explain the public complaint process as outlined in the Police Services Act of Ontario.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.