Srgt. Frank Meyers’ Dilemma, Essay Example

Case 3 Issue

Srgt. Frank Meyers is offered outside funds to patrol a neighborhood. While the additional patrol itself was cleared by the department, it may or may not be legal to take the additional money that is being offered to him. Furthermore, it is important to consider whether Ms. Bunt has the right to no longer offer him this incentive for engaging in the additional patrol.

Case 3 Rules

Police specific laws are drafted by the city or state. It is the responsibility of each area to draft their own rules. However, in most cases, it is not legal to bribe a police officer. If this situation occurred in California for example, the following law would apply “California Penal Code 67 –  Every person who gives or offers any bribe to any executive officer in this state, with intent to influence him in respect to any act, decision, vote, opinion, or other proceeding as such officer, is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three or four years, and is disqualified from holding any office in this state.”

Case 3 Application

In most cases, it would not be legal for Ms. Bunt to offer a bribe. Therefore, Srgt. Frank Meyers should have refused the money on the spot. However, he could have accepted the suggestion that Ms. Bunt put forth and agree to patrol her neighborhood anyway. For this exchange to be ethical and legal, no money should be involved.

Case 3 Conclusion

The policeman cannot enforce the terms of the agreement with Ms. Bunt because this exchange is not legal. However, he is able to offer these services free of charge if he gains approval from his department.