Discussion 2: What Would You Do? Deception

In the previous Discussion, you analyzed how you might act in a scenario focused on the use of reasonable force. You also took on the role of a fellow police officer and a citizen to both see your actions and your colleagues’ actions in a different perspective. Now, you face a new scenario and adopt a new perspective in this Discussion.

To prepare:

Read the scenario below, and then post your response. In this Discussion, you will not be able to see the first posts of your colleagues until after you post your first response.

Deception Scenario

While investigating a string of burglaries, Officer Gordon finds a suspect that he is certain committed the crimes. He has no evidence, relying instead on his years of experience, his intuition, and his ever “accurate” sixth sense that tell him the suspect is guilty. 

Officer Gordon contacts the suspect and tells him that he wants to talk with him about the burglaries. He tells the suspect that he doesn’t care whether he cooperates—he can simply take the evidence he has amassed to the court and obtain a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. The suspect, fearing arrest and jail, meets with Officer Gordon at the police department for questioning. During the interview, Officer Gordon fabricates a story that convinces the suspect that he has been caught. The suspect confesses to the burglaries, hoping that his cooperation would be viewed favorably by Officer Gordon. He is arrested and charged with seven counts pending a preliminary hearing.

Post a response to the following:

• Describe the action(s) you would take in the circumstances described.
• Explain your rationale for the action(s) you took.