Code of ethics

The code

Principles and Standards of Professional Behaviour for the Policing Profession of England and Wales.

The public have a right to expect the highest standards of behaviour from everyone in public life, particularly from those engaged in policing, who are, after all, public servants. The National Code of Ethics describes, through the nine Policing Principles it contains, what the public should expect from all of us as we deliver our day to day business. But it is not just a code by which the public can hold us to account, it is also something that we can all draw upon to empower us to act when we see others failing to meet the standards it articulates, and give you the confidence to challenge those who do not meet the required behaviour it demands.

This information sets out the Policing Principles and describes what they mean in the workplace. It is hoped this information will help to provide a practical explanation of the Principles and how we can all embed them into our everyday working practices. It applies to us all be you permanent or temporary staff or acting in a paid or voluntary role.

ACC Genna Telfer

Introduction

The Code of Ethics highlights the responsibility of all of us in policing to behave in a manner that is most likely to win the trust and support of fellow citizens. In the modern context the code remains true to Peel's founding principles of British policing focussed on the importance of public support and the need for the police to ‘secure and maintain public respect'.

The code describes the behaviours and traits we value in ourselves and others and reflects the expectations of the public we serve. The trust and confidence of the wider public is crucial to the need to police with the broad consent of our community, if they are to see police actions as legitimate. This legitimacy is earned through our service to the public on whose cooperation we depend to effectively keep our communities safe.

It is important that any victim of crime feels they have been treated with fairness and respect and feels confident to ask, why did you do that? We must be open to constructive challenge as to why something was done and what formed the basis of our decisions. If people feel they have been fairly treated, they are much more likely to both trust and support police action.

Accountability for our actions begins at the first encounter, how we treat others, both internally or externally, is important as it will leave an impression directly affecting our ability to maintain that trust and support. During any encounter we have a number of options, moments of choice, that will shape the view a person has of us as an individual and in turn the Constabulary and impact how that person interacts with the service in future. We should continually ask ourselves what impression did I leave today, am I proud of it and is what I did in line with the values of the organisation? This summary is designed to help you to understand the code and policing principles, enabling you to continue to deliver the highest professional standards of service to the public of Hertfordshire.

Policing principles

• Accountability
• Fairness
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Objectivity
• Openness
• Respect
• Selflessness

Standards of professional behaviour

• Honesty and integrity
• Authority, respect and courtesy
• Equality and diversity
• Use of force
• Orders and instructions
• Duties and responsibilities
• Confidentiality
• Fitness for work
• Conduct
• Challenging and reporting improper conduct

Accountability

You are answerable for your decisions, actions and omissions.

You are accountable for standards of behaviour and ensuring that all our behaviour is lawful, appropriate and totally professional.

Low standards, both professional and personal damage the team and can cause operational failure.

Fairness

You treat people fairly.

You are unbiased, act in accordance with the rules and with an even handed approach to situations faced.

Honesty

You are truthful and trustworthy. In its simplest form it means being honest, with yourself, your team and the organisation. You are honest and therefore worthy of the trust of others.

Integrity

You always do the right thing. The consistent ability to balance competing principles, deliver a service which builds trust and support from those who are affected by any decision and those who are not.

Leadership

You lead by good example. Role modelling a set of values you have set for yourself and those of the organisation. Doing the right thing in the right way even if that sets you apart.

Objectivity

You make choices on evidence and your best professional judgement. Possessing an understanding of the cultural and social needs of the individual and community coupled with a calm and tolerant approach to any situation.

Openness

You are open and transparent in your actions and decisions. Restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Respect

You treat everyone with respect. Consistently demonstrate the ability to consider and appreciate the needs of others while acting politely and professionally.

Selflessness

You act in the public interest. Policing requires teamwork, none of us work in isolation, but as a team. The team can only be effective if we each play our part in full. Putting the team and mission before our own interests and trust that others will do the same.