What term describes police officers who are reluctant to report the unethical actions of their colleagues?

The term that describes police officers who are reluctant to report the unethical actions of their colleagues is "Code of Silence." This term conveys the phenomenon where law enforcement personnel may choose to remain silent about misconduct or unethical behavior within their ranks, often out of fear of retribution, loyalty to fellow officers, or a belief that reporting such actions could have negative consequences for their careers or the overall integrity of the police force. The Code of Silence can undermine accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies and is a significant challenge in fostering ethical practices and maintaining public trust.

In contrast, the other terms do not capture this specific dynamic. For example, "Code of Conduct" refers to a formal set of guidelines governing behavior and ethics within a professional context, whereas "The Thin Blue Line" symbolizes the idea of law enforcement's role as a barrier between order and chaos. "Ethical Compromise" relates to the situation in which individuals or organizations may engage in unethical behavior for personal gain or due to conflicting interests, but it doesn't specifically pertain to the silence regarding peers' actions.