PCSD ethics training features former commissioner of ISP

Kicking off Putnam County Sheriff's Department ethics training, retired Indiana State Police Commander Paul Whitesell discusses the medieval code of chivalry. Whitesell reminded PCSD employees that as representatives of law enforcement, they are held to higher standards than the rest of society. (Photo by JARED JERNAGAN)

In a stirring kickoff to a recent Putnam County Sheriff's Department training session, retired Indiana State Police Commissioner Paul Whitesell reminded the officers they are held to a higher standard.

"They don't pay police officers for what they do," Whitesell said. "They pay police officers for what they may have to do."

Discussing the double-edged sword of authority and responsibility, Whitesell, also a licensed psychologist, gave the PCSD employees a brief introduction to the medieval knights code of chivalry. He called on law officers to hold themselves to the same standards as the ancient knights.

It was a fitting introduction to the subject of the afternoon-long sessions -- ethics training.

In a program created by Doug Cox of DePauw Public Safety and hosted by the DePauw University Prindle Institute for Ethics, each employee of the sheriff's department devoted an afternoon to the training.

"Working in concert with DePauw Public Safety, came together and looked at how to develop an educational training program that incorporates a code of ethics," Cox said. "We chose to do it here at Prindle for a specific reason, the study of ethics."

Cox worked in concert with Todd Smith, general counsel for the sheriff's department, going over Sheriff Scott Stockton's mission statement for the department and developing a code of ethics for the department.

"To truly be a profession, you have to have a code of ethics," Smith said. "The public expects police, judges, attorneys who, when faced with a set of facts, respond in a consistent manner -- a manner that's right and just."

With merit deputies, jail staff and administrative staff all involved, the entire department went through the program at some point between Monday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 11.

Stockton emphasized that the training was a continuing education opportunity for each employee. He was also thankful to Cox for setting up the training and the use of the ethics institute.

"We appreciate not only the use of this building, but Doug for bringing his knowledge ans skills," Stockton said.

A former Indiana State trooper, Stockton also thanked his former commanding officer for coming on his own time and giving up three afternoons to be a part of the training.