Ends and Means in Policing

Policing is a pragmatic occupation that uses force,deception,and invasions of privacy to achieve social ends. This book explores the relationship between ends and means in policing, considering the dialectic of ends and means and offering a new perspective on police ethics. It surveys concrete issues such as noble cause corruption, dirty hands theory, lesser degradations, and impermissible means.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Policing is a multifaceted and pragmatic profession that is fundamentally driven by the pursuit of two critical social objectives: peacekeeping and public safety. In order to achieve these ends, law enforcement agencies are granted a wide range of powers, including the use of force, deception, and invasions of privacy. While these methods may be seen as controversial, it is often argued that their use is justified by the ultimate goal of maintaining order and safeguarding the public.

The relationship between ends and means has been a subject of intense debate throughout history, both in moral and practical reasoning and in public policy. In the context of policing, criminal justice philosopher John Kleinig delves into this complex dialectic, exploring the question of whether the ends justify the means or whether the ends never justify the means.

Kleinig begins by tracing the various ways in which ends and means can be construed, examining the ethical implications of different interpretations. He examines the competing moral demands made by ends and means, particularly in the context of policing. This includes considerations of noble cause corruption, dirty hands theory, lesser degradations, and ultimately, the use of means that are deemed impermissible by the majority in Western culture, such as torture.

Throughout the book, Kleinig offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on police ethics, challenging traditional notions of what is right and wrong. He argues that the ends of policing cannot be divorced from the means used to achieve them, and that a careful examination of the ethical implications of different policing practices is essential.

Kleinig's book is a valuable contribution to the field of criminal justice philosophy, providing a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between ends and means in policing. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethics of law enforcement and the role of the police in society.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367530167