Ethics-Based Policing: Solving the Use of Excessive Force

by Ross E. Swope, Cathy Lanier (Foreword)

Ross Swope served the police profession for more than four decades. Highly decorated and accomplished, he worked with thousands of officers and police officials who performed their duty with courage, dedication, and compassion. But today, those honorable professionals-and law enforcement itself-are threatened by the criminal acts of a few corrupt members.

In Ethics-Based Policing, Swope presents a clear guide for solving the problem. Focusing on seven building blocks of integrity, illustrated by stories from his career, he shows police departments how to use the tools already at their disposal to create a culture grounded in accountability. When his approach is implemented with unwavering dedication, police use of excessive force or brutality will dramatically decline, thereby reducing and even eliminating resentment and ill will.

This book is an invitation to join the call for higher ethical standards to improve the profession and restore an environment of trust, confidence, and cooperation between the public and those who have sworn an oath to serve them.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2023

Reviews

[Diana Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethics Based Policing is a timely and powerful read that tackles one of the most pressing issues in modern law enforcement. Ross Swope’s decades of experience shine through every chapter as he lays out a practical, integrity driven approach to reform. What stood out most to me was how he focuses not on punishment or blame, but on rebuilding trust and accountability from within the system. His real life stories bring authenticity and heart to the message, making it both inspiring and deeply human. This book isn’t just for police professionals it’s for anyone who believes ethics and compassion should guide those who serve and protect.