Code of ethics

Everyone working for Hertfordshire Constabulary - in whatever capacity - signs up to and follows the National Code of Ethics.

“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 Code of Ethics describes what the public should expect 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 allows everyone working for Hertfordshire Constabulary, whether permanent or temporary staff or acting in a paid or voluntary role, to draw upon to empower us to act when we see others failing to meet the standards, and challenge those who do not meet the required behaviour it demands."

ACC Genna Telfer

The Code of Ethics supports everyone in policing to deliver a service that is fair, ethical and can be trusted to make decisions in the interest of keeping people safe.

Following the Code of Ethics will help police professionals ensure they are doing the right things, in the right way for the right reasons.

The Code of Ethics will work alongside a separate statutory Code of Practice for Ethical Policing, which was launched in December 2023 and sets out the actions that chief officers should take to support people in their force to use the ethical policing principles and to demonstrate professional behaviour.

Policing principles set out in the Code of Ethics

We will use the ethical policing principles to help us make and reflect on our professional decisions.

As policing professionals, we commit to the following.

• Courage – making, communicating and being accountable for decisions, and standing against anything that could bring our profession into disrepute.
• Respect and empathy – encouraging, listening to and understanding the views of others, and seeking to recognise and respond to the physical, mental and emotional challenges that we and other people may face.
• Public service – working in the public interest, fostering public trust and confidence, and taking pride in providing an excellent service to the public.

Read more and see the full Code of Ethics document on the College of Policing website.