What is the 'passive' aspect of the code of silence?

The 'passive' aspect of the code of silence is best represented by the idea of silently approving misconduct. This reflects a situation where officers may be aware of unethical or illegal behavior within their ranks but choose not to speak up or confront it. This silent approval can foster an environment where misconduct becomes normalized, as individuals feel they can act without accountability due to the lack of reporting or intervention from their peers.

This aspect is deemed passive because it does not involve overt actions, such as actively participating in or covering up an act, but rather the failure to act or report wrongdoing. This inaction can perpetuate a culture of silence and complicity, where officers may believe that remaining silent is a form of loyalty to their colleagues, even if it undermines integrity and accountability within the law enforcement community.

Understanding this helps highlight the importance of encouraging transparency and accountability in policing practices to combat such a culture effectively.