The Model Penal Code and the Sexual Conduct of Police Officers While on Duty

Donald Lee Buresh
2020 International Journal of Law and Society  
The purpose of this paper is to examine the penalties proposed in the Model Penal Code when a police officer engages in sexual conduct while on duty. At issue is whether the Model Penal Code should explicitly make it an enhanced penalty or offense when a law enforcement officer engages in sexual conduct while on duty with any individual, including a child, or is involved in sexual violence of any kind, whether on or off duty. The paper discusses the procedural due process issue, substantive due
more » ... process issues, and equal protection issues of including an enhanced penalty when a police officer engages in sexual conduct with an individual involved in sexual violence. The work also considers the moral authority of the Model Penal Code as well as public welfare matters when a police officer participates in such behavior. The article concludes by recommending that the Model Penal Code should specifically make it an enhanced penalty or offense when a law enforcement officer engages in sexual conduct while on duty with any individual, including a child, or is involved in sexual violence of any kind, whether on or off duty. The conclusion seems appropriate given that police officers hold the public trust when performing their duties.
doi:10.11648/j.ijls.20200304.17 fatcat:6i5noqapm5g6xgg4hz3cqff3fu