Table of Contents

Foreword to the Sixth Edition, David R. Bores
Foreword to the First Edition, Patrick V. Murphy
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Excellence of Character
Chapter 3: The Mission of Police
Chapter 4: The Public Trust and Probity
Chapter 5: Discretion
Chapter 6: Public Corruption for Profit
Chapter 7: Authority and Reform in Controlling Corruption
Chapter 8: Leadership and the Character of a Department
Chapter 9: Illegal Narcotics—Moral Issues and Public Policy
Chapter 10: The Fundamentals of Character and Training
Chapter 11: Deliberation and Moral Problems in Training
Chapter 12: Tragedy and "Noble Cause" Corruption
Chapter 13: Death and Bereavement, Deadly Force and Guilt
Chapter 14: Taking Our Lives Seriously
Chapter 15: Fatalism, Microcosms, and Therapeutic Reductions
Chapter 16: Ethical Ideals, Youth Violence, and Gang Enforcement
Chapter 17: Police, the O.J. Simpson Trial, and Race
Chapter 18: The Spirit of Public Service and Individual Conscience
Chapter 19: Ethics int eh Future of Policing
Chapter 20: Terrorism and Policing
Chapter 21: Ethics in Action: Case Studies of Professional Excellence in Policing
Chapter 22: From War Veterans to Peace Officers
Appendix A: A Guide to the Future Study of Ethics in Policing
Appendix B; Internal Affairs and Integrity
Notes
Index
About the Author

About the Author

Edwin J. Delattre is professor of philosophy and education emeritus at Boston University, president emeritus of St. John's College, and an adjunct scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He lives in Canton, GA.

Reviews

Dr. Delattre's book is the gold standard text on police integrity and ethics. Both applicants and seasoned veterans alike should read and apply the many lessons in this book. Rookies will gain wisdom on good decision making that no police academy teaches. Experienced officers will find affirmation for their noblest service.
*Richard W. Myers, Chief of Police, Colorado Springs, CO*

Police work is among the most challenging of careers and it is best done by those with strong character. For more than twenty years, Ed Delattre has been teaching police officers at every level about the complexities of ethical policing and providing clear guidance to strengthen their character. Each edition of Character and Cops builds on a rock-solid foundation of wisdom while recognizing the constantly changing world in which we police. In the sixth edition, he takes on the vexing issue of officers returning from deployments in war zones. His contributions to help those who police America cannot be overstated
*Darrel W. Stephens, Executive Director, Major Cities Chiefs Police Association*

Policing in the twenty-first century requires more than ever the utmost trust of the citizens law enforcement serves.  Delattre’s emphasis on the virtues of character, integrity, and honesty coupled with compassion and equal justice for all makes this book required reading for police supervisors at all levels.
*James W. McMahon, former superintendent, New York State Police*

Thankfully, someone who possesses both the intellect and proper value structure has chosen to study this issue. Police administrators throughout the United States are deeply indebted to Ed Delattre
*Thomas A. Constantine, former administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration*

Delattre’s emphasis on the achievement of good character applies to every walk of public and private life.
*Chuck Wexler, executive director, Police Executive Research Forum*

This fascinating volume, a sophisticated exercise in applied political philosophy, illuminates the complexity of policing and the central role of that profession in a free society.
*George Will, winner of the Pulitzer Prize*