NCJ Number
130591
Date Published
1991
Length
22 pages
Annotation
A review of training materials used in New York and other states as well as in private organizations to educate their employees about their ethical obligations concluded that only a few city and State agencies in New York have made a strong commitment to ethics training.
Abstract
The survey found that the training in most agencies consists only of giving new employees a hodgepodge of written materials that often lacks explanations; guidelines; or a positive, inspirational message. Although many sources exist for excellent training materials, few State and city agencies use them. The results are wasted tax dollars and acts of fraud and corruption. Nevertheless, a few agencies provide employee manuals, guidebooks, and training materials that reflect sensitivity to the need to make all employees aware of their agency's mission. The findings indicate the need to provide employees at all levels of government with clear guidelines explaining how to comply with existing laws regarding conflicts of interest and ethics in government. In addition, each agency should develop a code of conduct that clearly identifies the agency's crucial ethical issues. Finally, agencies must help employees withstand pressures to ignore misconduct by publicizing the protections of the whistleblower law and actively rewarding whistleblowers. Footnotes and appended list of training resources