respond to each thread separately with references such as scholarly articles or biblical references and in text citations please list references. Thank you! Peyton's thread: I do believe that if we are to think about ethical issues and moral dilemmas, we will be challenged to further examine our own beliefs and opinions and decide what the "right thing to do" is. We must look at other issues and dilemmas that are happening or happened in the past, and then further examine ourselves. If we see things that are not aligning with how they should, they should be looked at and further fixed. Along with what Fitch is trying to explain, although it is clear why officers need to have relationships with one another while working in such a stressful and dangerous field, it should not outweigh the ethical standards that are put in place that are crucial to follow. It seems as though Fitch is trying to explain that if an officer does something unethical or morally wrong, it is to keep a face and "stick in with the crowd". As a Christian, this type of mindset is frowned upon in the Word of God. Romans 12:2 states, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will ishis good, pleasing, and perfect will." (NIV, 2011). In this verse, it is clear that we are not to conform, but to continue to act as God would act, which would not include going against rules and conduct to keep a camaraderie. This idea goes along with loyalty, and if it needs to be a necessary value. Again, there is a huge reason why officers have a "stick together" mindset. However, this mindset should not follow suit with allowing one another to get away with misconduct or ethical issues. In a sense, the "loyalty", aspect of law enforcement was put in place so there was no disconnect between officers who were not following the rules. It is important to stay loyal to coworkers and friends, but at what cost? This loyalty should not follow covering up issues that should be brought to light. "Still, as was clear from our research, loyalty can push us to act well or poorly in any given situation. That is, it has a dark side. What several studies have found is that, even though people agree that it is wrong to engage in unethical behavior, they tend to downplay the significance of wrongdoing committed by people they are loyal to. And, even worse for organizations, people protect their loyal ties who have engaged in unethical behaviors, and tend to avoid blowing the whistle on them." (Berry, 2021). Although it is clear loyalty can become a problem, it is also necessary in law enforcement. Loyalty comes with trust, and trust in a stressful and dangerous situation is a must. For officers to trust each other, they must be loyal, so although it is necessary, it can cause issues. Once again, going on with this idea of loyalty is the code of silence. This is a "code" within law enforcement that is promoted by being loyal to one another. As discussed, being loyal is so much so, that it means you are silent, and sit idle while someone has been unethical, or gone against conduct. Although it shows you are a loyal coworker or partner, it goes against a standard that officers are meant to uphold by always doing the right and moral thing. There is an idea in Duteronmy that discusses having Christian leaders is a must. And I would have to agree. If we have proper Christians as leaders in our government, especially our justice system, there would be less corruption and misconduct. The Word of God calls Christians to always be ethical, and honest, and uphold His views. If this were the case, there would be much less issues. Going along with this, if there were Chirtsan leaders in our justice system, there would be two big steps that would be implemented. This would be true justice in all forms, as well as a focus on rehabilitation. In the Bible, it explains justice a multitude of times. Specifically in Proverbs 31. It states, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (NIV, 2011). This shows that Christian leaders would want to be just and fair, and this would be much better for the justice system. As well as that, rehabilitation would be looked at further. God believes we are all worthy of second chances, or even more. Because of this, rehabilitation is promoted, and everyone is valued no matter their sin. In 2 Corinthians it states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV, 2011). This shows that God makes us new, rehabilitates us, and loves us through it all. These views would help the justice system substantially. Soruces: Berry, Z. (2021, May 6). The Tricky Role of Loyalty at Work - Ethical Systems. Ethical Systems. https://www.ethicalsystems.org/the-tricky-role-of-loyalty-at-work/ NIV Bible. (2011). Zondervan Pub. House. Brianna's Thread: Thinking about things through a moral and ethical lens seems to be what people think should be what drives decision making. Though in reality it is selfishness that can be the first thing that drives decision making. A moral and ethical lens should cause one to do what one considers to be a correct decision. I think that Fitch's perspective is correct. In church growing up kids are told that the only one that you should be trying to impress is God. Though appreciative of the rewards and approval we receive from God you also seek approval from your peers. That is how peer pressure can be a thing. "Peer pressure refers to the experience of being urged or pressured to do something according to the norms of the peer group" (Gao et. al., 2021). It is the approval seeking of others. At all the jobs I worked at only one gave us a formal reward of quarterly bonuses for good behavior. Other than that, good coworkers would give you the recognition sought. Currently at the job I even do things a certain way just to gain the approval of another coworker just so she will keep her mouth shut and not complain. As is the case with the others as well. I think that loyalty should be given to a certain extent. In cases where one is insulting the department you are working in you should have loyalty. Especially if they are just being petty. There are occasions where you do not have to be loyal. For example, the manager position opened up at my job one time. Two people inside the department had applied for the promotion. In the meantime, the woman who had been there the longest took over in a way, she was one of the ones who applied for the manager's position. She was a bully, not just to people in our department but outside the department as well. I ended up applying for the position as well as just so we could have enough applicants apply and get her off her 'high seat'. My current boss, not the bullying woman, got the position. Though the mean woman practically trained all of us, we could not stay loyal for her to get the job because we wanted a good job environment. The code of silence that comes to my mind is the 'no snitching' code. It has no place because nothing can be done if the person stays silent. If the community stays silent then the suspect gets away with whatever crime that they committed. It is important because people who have strong character, morals, and ethics cannot be as easily swayed by outside forces. If they are Godly leaders, then they should have stronger morals and ethics and mostly want to impress God. A biblical worldview in the criminal justice system might be something simple like asking a suspect if they believe in God and giving them a sort of Bible lesson to confess. Or not cursing when getting frustrated with a suspect. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain" (Exodus 20:7 ESV). Honestly, I am not sure. References: English Standard Bible. (2016). Crossway Bibles. (Original work published 2001) Gao, L., Liu, J., Yang, J., & Wang, X. (2021). Longitudinal Relationships among Cybervictimization, Peer pressure, and Adolescents' Depressive Symptoms. Journal of Affective Disorders., 286, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.049