Police Code Of Conduct

Primary Responsibilities of a Police Officer
A police officer acts as an official representative of
government who is required and trusted to work within the
law. The officer’s powers and duties are conferred by
statute. The fundamental duties of a police officer include
serving the community, safeguarding lives and property,
protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the
rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer
A police officer shall perform all duties impartially,
without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to
status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration. All
citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration
and dignity.
Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities
or friendships to influence official conduct. Laws will be
enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out
their responsibilities, officers will strive to obtain maximum
cooperation from the public. They will conduct themselves
in appearance and department in such a manner as to inspire
confidence and respect for the position of the public trust
they hold.

Discretion
A police officer will use responsibly the discretion
vested in his position and exercise it within the law. The
principle of reasonableness will guide the officer’s
determinations, and the officer will consider all surrounding
circumstances in determining whether any legal action shall
be taken.
Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on
professional policing competence, will do much to preserve
good relationships and retain the confidence of the public.
There can be difficulty in choosing between conflicting
courses of action. It is important to remember that a timely
word of advice rather than arrest - which may be correct in
appropriate circumstances-, can be a more effective means
of achieving a desired end.

Use of Force
A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or
violence and will use only such force in the discharge of
duty as is reasonable in all circumstances.
The use of force should be used only with the greatest
restraint and only after discussion, negotiation and
persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or
ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally
unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from
unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never
engage in cruel, degrading or inhumane treatment of any
person.

Confidentiality
Whatever a police officer sees, hears or learns of that is of a
confidential nature will be kept secret unless the performance of duty
or legal provision requires otherwise.
Members of the public have a right to security and privacy and
information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged.

Integrity
A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery,
nor will an officer condone such acts by other police officers.
The public demands that the integrity of police officers be above
reproach. Police officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that
might compromise integrity and thus undercut the public confidence
in a law enforcement agency. Officers will refuse to accept any gifts,
presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities or promises that could be
interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from performing
official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Police officers
must not receive private or special advantage from their official
status. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be
earned and cultivated.

Cooperation with Other Police Officers and Agencies
Police officers will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies
and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
An officer or agency may be one among many organizations that
may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. It is
imperative that a police officer assists colleagues fully and
completely with respect and consideration at all times.

Personal-Professional Capabilities
Police officers will be responsible for their own standard of
professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity
to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence.
Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the
high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the
efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of
knowledge is a never-ending process of personal and professional
development that should be pursued constantly.

Private Life
Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring
discredit to their agencies or themselves. A police officer’s character
and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus
maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or
she lives and serves. The officer’s personal behavior must be beyond
reproach.