Transcript Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues and
Dilemmas Faced by
Correctional Administrators
Carl
C. Danberg, Commissioner,
Delaware Department of
Correction
You must set the moral and
ethical climate of your
agency.
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Everyone should be aware of your
expectations.
Make sure you put your key points in
writing.
Don’t be shy about giving reminders.
Offer mandatory staff training
on state ethics laws
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Employees should have no excuse for
being unaware of the law.
Everyone can benefit from training.
Personal and professional
conflicts
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Conflicts are unavoidable, but must be
handled appropriately and
professionally.
When necessary and appropriate, tell
your boss.
Always do the right thing.
Avoid even the appearance
of impropriety.
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Err on the side of caution when it
comes to ethical issues in the
workplace.
Learn to manage the perception of
conflicts.
You are always under the
microscope
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Always behave and speak as if the
microphone is on.
Don’t say it if you don’t want to read
it in the newspaper tomorrow.
There is no such thing as
being “off duty”
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You must remember that you are
representing your Department and
your state at all times.
Power can corrupt
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Even the best people can be
vulnerable.
Don’t lose sight of your core mission.
Always do the right thing.
Maintain your integrity
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It is important to remember that you
should never need the job too much.
Beware of the perks
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Cars, expenses, etc.
Always remember that taxpayer
money is not your own. Spend
accordingly.
If taxpayer money pays for it, it’s
public record.
Do you want to read about it in the
newspaper?
Discussion and questions