What is likely a result of poor ethical decision-making in police training?

Poor ethical decision-making in police training can lead to decreased public confidence in law enforcement. When police officers engage in unethical behaviors—whether through misconduct, discrimination, or lack of accountability—it undermines the public's trust in their abilities to uphold the law fairly and impartially.

Community members expect police officers to act with integrity and uphold ethical standards, as these values are essential for building a relationship based on trust. If officers make decisions that appear to be unethical, or if they do not receive proper training on ethical practices, it can lead to negative perceptions and a loss of faith in the institution as a whole. This diminished confidence can result in community members feeling unsafe or reluctant to cooperate with law enforcement, further exacerbating tensions between the police and the community they serve.

Building and maintaining public confidence requires consistent demonstration of respect for ethical standards in training and day-to-day operations. When that is absent, it severely impacts the legitimacy of law enforcement and ultimately harms the relationship between officers and the communities they aim to protect.