Police Need for Ethics

It is of paramount importance that citizens have faith in the honesty and integrity of their law enforcement officers. Officers should therefore be open and truthful in their dealings; avoid being improperly beholden to any person or institution; and discharge their duties with integrity.

Why Should Police Establish a Code of Ethics

Personal Courage Honor Loyalty Intelligence Discipline Respect Duties

Ethics in Police Decision Making

Peace officers shall be aware of and use proper procedures in discharging their official duties and responsibilities along with recognizing their responsibilities to the people whom they are sworn to protect

Ethics in Police Decision Making Peace officers will conduct their public and

private life exemplifying the highest standards of integrity, trust, and morality demanded of members of the law enforcement profession. They shall not compromise their integrity, nor the departments or profession by accepting, giving or soliciting any type of gratuities, favors, or preferential treatment from the public. The badge and uniform represent professionalism and all actions must support that both on and off the job.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

Officers are not to fraternize with people in their custody or fellow employees under their direct supervision.

Peace officers shall recognize that our society holds the freedom of the people as law, not to be infringed upon without just, legal and necessary cause. Maintain the integrity of the profession.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

A peace officer will use responsibility with the discretion that is provided to him due to their position and must exercise that discretion within the scope of the law and their policy. An officer must consider all circumstances and surroundings when determining if action should be taken. Through consistent and proper use of discretion, it allows the relationship between the public and police to remain professional and understanding.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

A peace officer will never use unnecessary force or acts of violence. The use of force should be administered with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation, and persuasion has been administered (when these are viable options).

There are some situations where a use of force is unavoidable, and an officer will be protected provided that he is acting within the scope of his employment.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

The duties of peace officers include enforcement of the law for everyone. They must strive to be impartial and fair for all of society, including their co-workers and other law enforcement and government officials. Favoritism and discrimination are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Their duties must be performed with courtesy and diligence at all times for all situations.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

A peace officers occupation allows him to know confidential information about others in the community. What is seen, heard or learned should remain confidential unless called upon to go through a legal proceeding. Members of the community that are being served have a right to privacy and security, any information gained about them should never be improperly divulged.

Ethics in Police Decision Making

Do not violate Constitutional or Civil Rights

Use sound judgment always Unnecessary force is not allowed Serve and protect everyone equally Confidentiality

Other Police Rules

Never commit any crimes or wrong doings.

Report a bad officer for wrong doings or misconduct.

Keep in touch with your neighbors and neighborhoods.

Other Police Guidelines and Recommendations

Get involved with community meetings and precincts

State your issues in writing and present it to police officers and detectives.

Contact name/phone for each area and provide information about your neighborhoods and what going on in it.

Report any problems that’s going on in your housing or building complexes.

Summary

As a community you could make a difference. Reiterate your welcome to the police officers

and detectives. Remind the participants to submit paperwork

that is necessary in order to process and work on all problems, difficulties, and dilemmas.

Wrap up the orientation sessions with the police department and demand a change for your children futures that lies in the hands of all of us parents.