Q.5. A peaceful protest was being carried out by a group of milk traders. The superintendent of Police instructs the Police Officials to prevent the group from committing any type of violence. He, however tells them to ‘teach them a lesson’, if situation warrants. A Police Official on duty indulges into an argument with a protestor and beats him up. When inquired about his action, he says that he was told to teach them a lesson by the Superintendent of Police. Give your comment on ethical behaviour of both the Superintendent of Police and the Police Official in the light of above-mentioned incident.

The ethical behaviour of both the Superintendent of Police and the Police Official in the described incident raises concerns.

In case of Superintendent of Police:

The Superintendent’s instruction to “teach them a lesson” is ambiguous and potentially incites unnecessary force. Ethical leadership requires clear, lawful directives that prioritize de-escalation and respect for citizens’ rights. The Superintendent’s choice of words could be interpreted as endorsing punitive action, which is not in line with ethical policing standards. The role of the police is to maintain order and protect the public, not to punish or seek retribution.

In case of Police Official:

The Police Official’s action of beating up a protestor is a clear violation of ethical conduct. Engaging in violence, especially when the protest was peaceful, undermines the principles of democratic rights and the rule of law. The Police Official’s justification that he was following orders does not excuse the unethical behaviour. Police officials have a duty to uphold the law and protect citizens, and they should exercise restraint and professionalism, even in challenging situations.

In summary, both individuals displayed a lack of ethical judgment. The Superintendent should provide clear, lawful instructions, and the Police Official should adhere to ethical policing practices, regardless of the orders given. It is crucial for law enforcement to act with integrity and accountability to maintain public trust and uphold democratic values.