Doing the right thing in the right way
Every person working for the police service must work honestly and ethically. The public expect the police to do the right thing in the right way.
Basing decisions and actions on a set of policing principles will help to achieve this.
The principles set out in the College of Policing's Code of Ethics originate from the ‘Principles of Public Life’ published by the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 1995, as these continue to reflect public expectations. The Code includes the
principles of ‘fairness’ and ‘respect’ as research has shown these to be crucial to maintaining and enhancing public confidence in policing.
The policing principles reflect the personal beliefs and aspirations that in turn serve to guide behaviour and shape the policing culture.
The combination of principles and standards of behaviour encourages consistency between what people believe in and aspire to, and what
they do.
Policing Principles
Accountability
You are answerable for your decisions, actions and omissions
Fairness
You treat people fairly
Honesty
You are truthful and trustworthy
Integrity
You always do the right thing
Leadership
You lead by good example
Objectivity
You may choices on evidence and your best professional judgement
Openness
You are open and transparent in your actions and decisions
Respect
You treat everyone with respect
Selflessness
You act in the public interest
Professional Standards
These standards reflect the expectations that the professional body and the public have of the behaviour of those working in policing. They originate from the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.
Honesty and Integrity
You will not compromise or abuse your position
Authority, Respect and Courtesy
You will act with self-control and tolerance, using authority lawfully and proportionately, and treating all people with respect
Equality and Diversity
You will act with fairness and impartiality and not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly
Use of Force
You will only use force that is necessary, proportionate, and lawful in the circumstances
Orders and Instructions
You will only give or carry out lawful orders and comply with legislation
Duties and Responsibilities
You will be diligent in your duty
Confidentiality
You will treat information with respect and make only lawful disclosure
Fitness for Work
You will be fit and ready for your duties
Conduct
You will not behave in a way which brings the service into disrepute, on or off duty
Challenging Inappropriate Behaviour
You will challenge the conduct of colleagues which falls below these standards