Ethics in Community Corrections

Course Code: REL-PSC-0-ECC

Hours: 2.25

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 6/30/2026

Learning Objectives:
Recognize 9 common types of unethical behavior in community corrections.
Identify more than 45 strategies for maintaining ethical boundaries.
Describe 15 tips correctional officers should keep in mind when using technology personally and professionally.
Explain how an agency's mission statement, code of ethical conduct, and values/value statements can outline expectations for ethical decisions in the workplace.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Ethical Behavior and Professional Conduct

Priorities

Parole Officer Dycus

Ethics

Effects of Unethical Behavior

Not Just Those on Supervision

Common Types of Unethical Behavior

Commission and Omission

Review

Summary

Section 3: Strategies for Maintaining Ethical Boundaries

Elements of Ethics

Taking the High Ground: Matters of Integrity

Doing No Harm: Matters of No Maleficence

According Dignity: Matters of Respect

Benefiting Others: Matters of Beneficence

Quick Check

Exercising Caution: Matters of Prudence

Caring for Others: Matters of Compassion

Seeking Fairness: Matters of Justice

Promoting Autonomy: Matters of Self-Reliance

Being Faithful: Matters of Fidelity

Delivering Your Best: Matters of Excellence

Review

Summary

Section 4: Ethical Use of Technology

Use of Technology in Community Supervision

Limiting Use and Monitoring Social Media: Is it Illegal or Unethical?

Tips for the Ethical Use of Technology in a Professional Capacity

Tips for the Ethical Use of Technology in Your Personal Capacity

Review

Summary

Section 5: Guidance Down the Ethical Path

Ask Yourself

Mission Statement

Code of Ethical Conduct

Values/Value Statements

How Staff Benefit

Review

Summary

Section 6: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

References

Congratulations!

Instructor: Truls Neal

Truls Neal has served as the Director and the Deputy Director of Multnomah County Department of Community Justice (DCJ) for the past two years. Truls has worked as a Corrections Professional for more than 30 years. He has worked in various capacities in the criminal justice field including as a corrections counselor, juvenile counselor, parole and probation officer including fourteen years in community corrections management. 

He began his career in 1983 with Orange County Juvenile Probation in California. In 1992, Truls moved to Oregon and worked for 16 years for Clackamas County Community Corrections, serving as a Corrections Counselor, Community Service Coordinator, Parole and Probation Officer, Supervisor and finally as the Manager of the Parole and Probation Field Services. 

Ten years ago, Truls was hired by Multnomah County. As a Senior Manager, he was instrumental in developing and implementing the Reentry Enhancement Coordination Program (REC), a successful prison reentry program currently still in existence today. Prior to being assigned Deputy Director Truls served as the Adult Division Director for DCJ.  Additionally, he currently serves on the board for the American Probation and Parole Association. Locally, Truls has served as an executive member of the Multnomah County Managers of Color.  

Truls holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from California State University, San Bernardino. In addition to his professional career, he is active in NE Portland and is involved with his community in his local neighborhood association and other community-based organizations. Truls life mission is to build community at work, home, and in his neighborhood.

Writer: Kimberly Cobb, MS

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Public Safety Personnel; in the following settings: Public Safety Agencies.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.