Law Enforcement Code of Conduct

Study Notes

The Code aims to define the parameters of conduct within which discretion should be exercised, rather than restricting it.
The Code applies to law enforcement officers of all ranks, both on and off duty, as long as the misconduct is serious enough to indicate that the individual is not fit to remain a law enforcement officer or undermine public confidence.
The Code will be applied in a reasonable and objective manner, considering the degree of negligence or deliberate fault and the nature and circumstances of an officer's conduct.

Citizens must have faith in the honesty and integrity of law enforcement officers.
Officers should be open, truthful, and impartial in their dealings, avoiding favoritism and improper influence.
They should discharge their duties with integrity, avoiding actions that could undermine public confidence.

Law enforcement officers have a responsibility to act with fairness and impartiality in their dealings with citizens and colleagues.
They should treat all with courtesy and respect, avoiding favoritism, victimization, or discrimination.
They should avoid prejudice and hasty generalizations against criminals or individuals with prior convictions.

Officers must never knowingly use more force than is reasonable or abuse their authority.
They should strive to respect the constitutional rights of all individuals to liberty, equality, and justice.

Officers should be conscientious and diligent in their performance of duties, attending work promptly and avoiding activities that could retard their return to duty.
They should strive to earn the respect of the community, recognizing that police work is not about position of power or authority but about serving the community.

Officers should maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule, and develop self-restraint.
They should learn to control their emotions and act in accordance with their oath, rising above situations and being constantly level-headed in their reactions and actions.

Officers should treat information with confidentiality at all times, practicing discretion in the use of this information in the interest of jurisprudence.
They should not share confidential information with family members or friends.

Officers should not permit personal feelings, prejudice, animosities, or friendship to influence their decisions.
They should strive to administer justice impartially, without favoritism or inequality.

Officers should never act officiously, appearing to the public to be over-impressed with their own importance or overbearing.
They should guard against having pride misinterpreted by the public as being merely officious.

Police ethical standards refer to established and generally accepted moral values.
All police actions must be characterized by courtesy, discipline, and a primordial concern for respect for human rights and the law.