Personal Ethics

According to Webster's dictionary ethics is defined as "moral principles that govern a person's group or behavior; the moral correctness of specified conduct. (2013). Ethics are similar in the fact that they also deal with principles and standards governing how a person acts in a situation. Sometimes these terms are inter-changeable but they still hold somewhat different meanings and are used in different context. People's ethics and morals are like DNA, they are specific to each person and no one has the same morals, values and ethics. They are shaped and formed from events in life, other people, circumstances and upbringing.

Each person has core values and systems that have shaped their moral beliefs, ideas and opinions. People may have had similar experiences in life but each experience is different because of the surroundings of that experience to include; circumstance, people, religion, culture, tradition, environment and organization. Belief systems have a strong impact on an individual's character as well as their morals and values.

I remember growing up in a Christian household where morals, and ethics were part of our everyday lives. From the smallest task to saying prayers before eating and being thankful for basic needs such as food, water and shelter. We gave thanks to God and prayed. My morals and beliefs were shaped from what the teachings of the Holy Bible. The basic belief system of the Bible was the Ten Commandments and followed from there.

The Ten Commandments stated; 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord they God in vain. 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5. Honour thy father and thy mother. 6. Thou shalt not kill. 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 8. Thou shalt not steal. 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 10. Thou shalt not covet.

My father, mother, pastor and friends in church instilled these principles and guided me in living a Christian lifestyle. My father and mother were both raised in Christian homes were these principles were also instilled and therefore they passed these principles, morals and belief system to my sisters and I. At a young age I was taught to be honorable by telling the truth and respecting others by listening to their opinions. My older sisters help instill my moral belief system as well because following their guidance was what I was taught to do. This was my normal social behavior.

Beardsley (2010) states. "Our ethics expose and express our core values, our beliefs, and the way we view ourselves and others. Whatever is on the inside of us- values, character, nature and beliefs - is shown on the outside by how we present ourselves and how we interact with and treat others." I have worked for two major organizations over the past 12 years of my life to include the Marine Corps and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept. In both of these organizations ethics and morals are a foundation on which they pride themselves and have built their institution. The Marine Corps motto is Honor, Courage and Commitment. The men and women who serve and have served live by a set of enduring core values, which form their character. The honor they teach is to exemplify terminal moral behavior; do not steal, cheat or lie and to comply with a code of integrity. Courage is mental, physical and moral strength to overcome any obstacle and overcome fear. Commitment is taught as a spirit of determination and dedication to your brother and sisters that wear the same uniform and respect each other.

These principles that are taught exemplify and corroborate the same values and belief system that I was taught growing up in the teachings of the Bible. They have been tailored to fit the organization but still are in line with my belief system. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept have the same moral belief system and principles that corroborate with the Marine Corps, and teachings of the bible.

Within the police department I deal with people on an everyday basis, sometimes in what is considered their worst moments. Having a strong moral foundation and following through