"Police in a bombing investigation alerted their prime suspect that he was under suspicion, which apparently had the effect of deterring further bombings. If they had not done so, he may have committed further bombings, thereby providing the evidence needed for successful prosecution."
The purpose of this essay is to discuss ethical issues that police officers would have to confront in making the decision whether to alert the suspect or not that he was under suspicion for bombing. Arguments will be put forward to justify the course of action the officers took and some against. A discussion will also be provided on the approach the author would have used in a similar situation and which argument is most convincing. This will be made using academic references to support the author's views as well as professional examples.
Some of New South Wales' legislations, New South Wales' Police Procedures and relevant issues police are to rely upon when making a decision as in this scenario include, but are not limited to:
? New South Wales Police Act/Regulations
? New South Wales Crimes Act
? New South Wales Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act
? Peers/Chain of Command
? Community View/Opinion
? Justification/Accountability
? Discretion
? Personal Beliefs/Ethics
The police officers involved in this scenario could justify their reason for alerting the bomber in a number of ways.
Firstly, police officers are bound by a number of legislations which govern their actions. The New South Wales Police Act 1990 is one such act. The Act states that the mission and function of the New South Wales Police is to provide police services for New South Wales. Police Services include:
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