Criminal Law Assignment: Police Subculture, Ethics, and Leadership

This essay delves into the intricacies of criminal law, focusing on the impact of police subculture on ethical conduct and leadership within law enforcement agencies. Drawing upon the case of Detective Serpico, the essay highlights the dangers faced by officers who are labeled as 'snitches' and the strong bonds of loyalty that often supersede ethical considerations. The concept of the 'blue wall of silence' is examined, illustrating how officers protect each other, even when actions violate codes of conduct. The essay argues that effective leadership is crucial in combating negative subcultures, advocating for ethical practices, and protecting those who report misconduct. The author references several scholarly sources to support the arguments presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and complexities within the criminal justice system.

Running Head: CRIMINAL LAW
Criminal Law
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According to Henry and Welsh (2018). Police subculture is built through loyalty between law
enforcers and leaders in their agencies. In most cases, this is aimed at providing support for
fellow officers at all times. Detective Serpico's case presents a good example that shows
how subcultures are strong. Being identified as a ‘snitch’ within a subculture is dangerous
especially to law enforcers. ‘Snitches’ are known to report bribes, corruption or general
indiscipline in the police force. In most cases, snitches are killed or retrenched from the
positions they hold. In a crisis situation, law enforcers are taught how to provide protection
and cover for each other. This did not happen in Serpico's case because he was identified as
a snitch and could expose his colleagues. Backing out or not providing cover is at times
premeditated so that a snitch can be left to die alone. This shows how subculture is strong,
with snitches not getting support when in danger. As a result, they are left to die because
they were not loyal to other members in the subculture, (Holmes & Smith, 2018).
The blue wall of silence is widespread amongst law enforcers. This is where law enforcers
‘take an oath’ to support fellow officers by not exposing their actions or omissions that go
against the code of conduct and ethics. For example, a law enforcer may physically abuse a
suspect, illegally take possession of his phone or money, or shoot the suspect intentionally.
This silence by fellow law enforcers is called the ‘blue wall of silence’ because law enforcers
vow not to expose their colleagues. In most cases, law enforcers state that they do not
know anything about the scenarios when they are being questioned. As such, this is not a
perception- it exists. Accepting bribes before a colleague is common among law enforcers,
(Reynolds et al., 2018). In fact, most of them share the bribe or pass it into their bosses

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hence showing how rampant this is. Officers with strong ethics and morals will not fail to
expose officer wrong dong because they see their acts as being wrong and against the law.
However, the fear of being reprimanded, losing one’s position or being labelled a snitch may
prevent one from exposing errant colleagues. This spirals back to the subculture which
negatively influences ethical officers. In the end, they become part of the subculture
because their moral values and ethics become constrained.
Effective leaders must ensure that they lead by example. Negative subcultures thrive
because leaders support corruption and abuse by law enforcers, (Schaefer & Tewksbury,
2018). An effective leader must advocate against corruption, physical or verbal abuse and
absenteeism. Leaders should also ensure that those reporting issues of corruption, drug
trafficking and lawlessness amongst law enforcers are protected. When one is protected, he
or she can freely report negative aspects being done by other law enforcers. The faithful
fellowship is also achieved when c colleagues are encouraged to stop their habits, confess
and help in the investigation processes.

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References
Henry, S., Chanin, J., & Welsh, M. (2018). Police Noncompliance: Why Law Enforcers May
Deviate From Laws, Rules, and Reform Mandates. In Contextualizing Compliance in
the Public Sector (pp. 120-137). Routledge.
Holmes, M. D., & Smith, B. W. (2018). Social-psychological dynamics of police-minority
relations: An evolutionary interpretation. Journal of Criminal Justice, 59, 58-68.
Reynolds, P. D., Fitzgerald, B. A., & Hicks, J. (2018). The Expendables: A qualitative study of
police officers’ responses to organizational injustice. Police Quarterly, 21(1), 3-29.
Schaefer, B. P., & Tewksbury, R. (2018). The Sellability of Police Use-of-Force. The Police and
Society: Touchstone Readings, 278.