What does the 'code of silence' often discourage?

The 'code of silence' is a term used in law enforcement to describe an informal understanding among officers to not report on each other's misconduct or criminal acts. This phenomenon can create an atmosphere of loyalty that discourages whistleblowing, leading to a culture where officers may feel pressured to remain silent about unethical behavior. This silence can hinder accountability within the department and ultimately compromise public trust in law enforcement.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the implications of the 'code of silence.' For instance, it does not inherently prevent officers from participating in training or engaging with the community. Additionally, it does not directly relate to the obedience or refusal to follow orders from superiors. The primary concern associated with the 'code of silence' is the lack of reporting misconduct, which underscores the importance of integrity and accountability within law enforcement agencies.