Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer with a brief introduction to the case.
• Discuss Ethical Issues involved in the case, possible courses of action that can be taken, merits and demerits of these courses of action and the course of action you would take.
• Conclude with a way forward approach.

Introduction

As a senior police officer in charge of the Mumbai police, I've learned about a sensitive situation. A subordinate won Rs 2 crore in a fantasy sports app and appeared in media interviews while wearing a police uniform without permission. This raises ethical concerns, tarnishing the police force's reputation and setting a bad example. We'll discuss the ethical issues, options, and their pros and cons to determine the best course of action.

Body

Ethical Issues Involved in the Case:

• Misuse of Uniform: Officer's media interviews in uniform without permission raise concerns about misusing the police uniform, potentially harming public trust and professionalism.
• Conflict of Interest: Winning money on a fantasy sports app as a police officer can create a conflict of interest, influencing on-duty actions for financial gain.
• Ethical Responsibility: Police officers have an ethical duty to maintain public trust; engaging in questionable activities can erode this trust.
• Role Model for Others: Officers should set an example for others; the officer's actions can negatively influence both fellow officers and the public.
• Performing an activity whose Legality and Morality is in question: The Officer's involvement in a debated activity like fantasy sports apps may be perceived as endorsing them, adding to the ethical dilemma.
• Public Perception: The officer's sudden fame and wealth could lead to the perception that officers can easily make money outside their duties, raising ethical concerns about their primary responsibilities.

As a senior police officer, I have several possible courses of action:

• Take no action: This approach may lead to the continuation of the subordinate's behavior, potentially causing further damage to the image and reputation of the police force.
• Issue a warning or reprimand: This action can serve as a deterrent for the subordinate and other officers, highlighting the ethical concerns associated with playing fantasy sports apps.
• Suspend or transfer the subordinate: By taking more severe disciplinary action, you can send a strong message about the unacceptability of the subordinate's behavior and its potential consequences.
• Engage in a dialogue with the subordinate: This approach can help you understand the subordinate's perspective and educate them about the ethical concerns associated with playing fantasy sports apps.

The merits and demerits of each course of action are:

• Take no action:
  • Merits: Allows the subordinate to exercise personal freedom.
  • Demerits: Fails to address the ethical concerns and potential damage to the police force's image.
• Issue a warning or reprimand:
  • Merits: Highlights the ethical concerns and potential consequences of the subordinate's behavior.
  • Demerits: May not be a sufficient deterrent and could strain the relationship between you and the subordinate.
• Suspend or transfer the subordinate:
  • Merits: Sends a strong message about the unacceptability of the subordinate's behavior and its potential consequences.
  • Demerits: May not address the underlying ethical concerns.
• Engage in a dialogue with the subordinate:
  • Merits: Allows for a better understanding of the subordinate's perspective and an opportunity to educate them about the ethical concerns.
  • Demerits: May not be effective in changing the subordinate's behavior and could be time-consuming.

Course of Action I Would Choose and Why:

Considering the potential impact on the image and reputation of the police force, as well as the need to address the ethical concerns associated with playing fantasy sports apps, the most appropriate course of action would be to engage in a dialogue with the subordinate. This approach allows for a better understanding of the subordinate's perspective while also providing an opportunity to educate them about the ethical concerns and potential consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

I would choose this approach because it balances the need to address the ethical concerns while also providing the subordinate with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. However, if the behavior continues or escalates, more severe measures like suspension or transfer may be necessary to protect the reputation of the police force and ensure compliance with ethical standards. Ultimately, the choice of action would be determined by the subordinate's response and the gravity of the situation.