What practice should officers avoid to maintain ethical behavior?

Accepting gratuities is a practice that officers should avoid to maintain ethical behavior for several reasons. Gratuities, such as gifts or favors received in exchange for preferential treatment, can create a conflict of interest and compromise an officer's integrity. When officers accept gratuities, it can lead to perceptions of corruption, bias, and favoritism, undermining public trust in law enforcement. Maintaining a clear boundary between professional duties and personal gain is essential for ethical conduct, as officers are expected to uphold the law impartially and without influence from outside favors. This commitment to ethical behavior fosters accountability and reinforces the integrity of the justice system.