What You Need to Do

Read and respond to a workplace scenario that presents an ethical dilemma in at least two Discussion posts. In your response, address what you would do in the situation and suggest strategies to avoid the dilemma in the future. Discuss the posted options with your group as you consider what to do in the situation. Use the step-by-step instructions below to complete the task.

How This Activity Connects to the Course

Ethical considerations matter in everything that you write in the workplace. You may well find yourself in a situation similar to this scenario once you graduate (or even sooner as an intern). This scenario considers how law enforcement officers communicate with the community about their use of AI surveillance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Success Tip

You can use the online texts, any notes that you have, and the available course pages in Canvas for help as you work on these questions. You can also talk to one another.

  1. Read the scenario below and consider the ethical dilemma involved for Sargeant Sass.
  2. In your your first post, present a position statement that answers the question “What would you do in this situation?”
    • Provide reasoning from your own personal code of ethics. Here you focus on what YOU think is right.
    • Provide reasoning from your discipline’s code of ethics, OR Provide at least one supporting statement or example from the Ethics Resource Module.
  3. Read the posts from others in your group, paying attention to how you agree or disagree on their solutions.
  4. Write at least one additional post to discuss the solution your group will recommend and the actions Sargeant Sass should take.

The Scenario

AI in Law Enforcement Surveillance

A photo of Sergeant Sass, a law enforcement officer and community liaison, presenting to community members.
Image created with Midjourney

Firefly Flats, a small but growing community, has implemented an AI-driven public surveillance program managed by local law enforcement. The program monitors public spaces, including businesses, schools, and parks, to enhance security and public safety. However, this initiative has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties among residents.

Scenario

Sergeant Sass, a community liaison officer, must address these concerns and ensure the community feels informed and secure about the surveillance program. Sass has been asked to evaluate the possible options and write a report that recommends what should be done.

Options for Sergeant Sass

  • Public Forums: Organize public forums where community members can ask questions, express concerns, and receive detailed information about the surveillance program.
  • Regular Reports: Publish regular reports that provide updates on the surveillance program, including data on its effectiveness and measures taken to protect privacy.
  • Community Newsletter: Distribute a monthly newsletter that includes information about the surveillance program, upcoming meetings, and opportunities for community input.
  • Online Platforms: Utilize social media and the community’s official website to share information, gather feedback, and engage with residents.
  • Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community groups to disseminate information and gather diverse perspectives on the program.
  • Social Media Campaign: Launch a social media campaign to share information, address concerns, and engage with the community through posts, videos, and live Q&A sessions.

Issues to Consider as You Decide What Sergeant Sass Should Do

  • Privacy Concerns: How will the surveillance program ensure the privacy of individuals while monitoring public spaces?
  • Civil Liberties: What measures are in place to protect civil liberties and prevent misuse of surveillance data?
  • Transparency: How can the program maintain transparency to build trust and confidence within the community?
  • Community Engagement: What are the best ways to engage the community and address their concerns effectively?
  • Effectiveness: How will the effectiveness of the surveillance program be measured and communicated to the public?

Conclusion

Sergeant Sass must decide how to effectively communicate the details and safeguards of the AI surveillance program to the residents of Firefly Flats. Which options should he choose to best promote transparency, trust, and security within the community?

Assessment

I will mark your participation in this Discussion Complete (or Incomplete) after the end of the Grace Period passes and I confirm that you have made at least two posts (required: one response to the original scenario, and a second in response to others in your class). Allow me several days to read and mark all your posts.