Security and Ethics

Security personnel are granted special powers to enable them to provide citizens with a safe and secure environment. With these special powers are expectations of professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability. Unlike many other occupations, security professionals are expected to maintain high ethical standards. Whether on duty, off duty, at work or at home, the public is watching.

Though actual or deliberate acts of unethical behavior are rare, misconduct can occur in a variety of forms, including the use of excessive force, improper conduct, acceptance of gratuities, and in some instances a criminal act. Education that emphasizes what is appropriate and what is inappropriate is key to avoiding ethical pitfalls.

Security and Ethics explore the complexities surrounding ethical decisions and dilemmas. Focusing on ways to avoid improper and unethical conduct, this course helps security professionals ensure their behaviour, judgment, and decisions are appropriate in their day-to-day duties.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Differentiate between morals, ethics, and values
• Explain why it is important to be aware of and open to ethical issues as a security professional in contemporary society
• Differentiate between an ethical and unethical individual
• Explain how to properly respond to an ethical dilemma
• Describe the development of ethical and professional security work
• Explain how misconduct happens and provide examples
• Discuss the ethical issues and dilemmas surrounding gratuities and noble causes
• Explain how to foster ethics and professionalism in the workplace