Consider Frank Serpico, New York City Police Detective (Retired).
In the 1970’s, Detective Serpico “broke the ranks” and exposed police corruption in the New York City Police Department. As a result, he was shot in the face, and it is his belief that he was set up by his colleagues—officers charged with the protection of the citizenry. Do you believe the subculture is so strong that an officer who is considered to be a “rat” or a “snitch” will be ostracized? Would this officer not be afforded backup or assistance in a crisis situation? Explain your response.
Congressman Charles Rangel and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani both speak of the “blue wall of silence.”
Please describe what you think is meant by the blue wall of silence? Does it truly exist or is this just a perception? Would a police officer with very strong morals, values, and ethics fail to expose officer wrongdoing? Does the subculture constrain the officer’s individual values?
In Hebrews 13 verse 17, the Bible states, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” What must effective leaders do to ensure they have faithful followership?
