Ethics and Officer Conduct
Basic Principles
High Standards
Ethical behavior is the foundation of law enforcement. Without credibility within the criminal justice system and the general public, it would be impossible for law enforcement to be effective.
Do the right thing. The right thing is defined as making decisions that will later be viewed by others as using sound judgment, rational thinking, and fair treatment according to the law, generally accepted principles, and professional standards of conduct.
Because we are human everyone makes mistakes and falls short of ideal standards. The difference in other professions and law enforcement is we have the authority and responsibility to take away liberty and even life in a split second; therefore, we are held to a higher standard of conduct. You are accepting that role by taking your oath of office. It is your job to understand, evaluate, and adhere to those standards.
Ethical Test
To help gage your behavior and decisions, put them to the Ethical Test.
- Research, evaluate and set your standards before confronted with a situation – discounts on meals, free drinks, people asking for favors, enforcement concerning prominent people, gambling, alcohol usage, etc.
- Mental role play – think about compromising situations and how you would react, and/or how you should react. You stop the mayor for a traffic violation…A local fire department official is involved in domestic violence...
- Ask yourself, "If other people were watching, would I take the same action?"
- Would I be proud to tell my family about what I did?
- Would my peers make the same decisions?
- Am I acting out of an emotional response or reasoning?
- Am I taking the same action I would normally take? For example, would I check a vacation house for any citizen the same as a person who offered me half price for a meal - or a City Official?
- Am I making a conscious decision or am I being manipulated into something
- Am I making a decision based on fair and sound judgment, or am I reacting to peer pressure, outside influences, prejudice, or other bias
- Does this further the goal of safety and protection for the citizens of Battlefield
People do not usually start off intending to compromise their standards. Most people in law enforcement start with high ideals. It is usually a slow erosion of your belief systems by rationalization. We all rationalize bad behavior – eating or drinking too much, littering, speeding a few miles an hour over the limit, cheating a little on taxes, etc. The difference is the degree and the high ideals of our profession. You must be ever vigilant in striving to maintain our ethical standards.
conduct
Gratuities
- An officer or employee of the police department should not accept any consideration or item of value in exchange for any official action or lack of action
- An officer could, for example, accept a cup of coffee from a victim at a burglary or the hospital break room, cookies brought to the station at Christmas, a drawing from a child, etc.
- A key component is motive - is the person being polite or showing appreciation for the general service of the police department vs. expecting something in return
- Officers should use extreme caution with accepting anything free or at a discount on a regular basis. The danger is a person later bringing up those events and expecting special considerations.
- Never ask for or demand a discount
- Always be prepared to pay full price for anything you receive
- Options for handling discounted items -
- Offer full price - don't create a scene, but be insistent
- Leave the full price for an item on the counter or table
- Don't patronize that business
Duties in General
- Obey the law unless exempted to perform your duties, i.e. emergency vehicle response, using reasonable force, etc.
- Obey subpoenas
- Treat people and perform your duties for everyone the way you would for a close relative (thorough and enthusiastic with dignity and respect)
- Tell the truth unless it is in the line of duty such as an undercover situation
- Do not divulge privileged information, closed records, or specific details about cases with unauthorized people, i.e. names, addresses, etc. That includes the following:
- Employees, family, friends, and the media
- Conversations where you may be overheard
- Opposing attorneys unless cleared by city attorney, prosecutor, or in response to a subpoena
- Employees shall not use their official position with the Department for political purposes, or to endorse or oppose political candidates, issues, products, etc.
- Report violations of policy and law to the proper authority
- Under normal circumstances do not take official police action in situations involving close neighbors, relatives, friends, or there is a conflict of interest (example: you own a house and have a dispute with the tenant)
On-Duty
- Be on time - work, subpoenas, training, appointments, deadlines, etc.
- Be attentive to your police duties
- Do not take sides in a civil situation
- As an officer, respond to official proceedings in a civil action only when subpoenaed
Off Duty
- Normally do not take official action when off-duty except in the protection of people
- If you do intervene and time allows, clearly identify yourself
- Realize many off duty officers have been shot by other officers mistaking them for a suspect
- Only use your police identification for official business
Tobacco
- The use of tobacco is not allowed in the police department or any police vehicle [8/4/06]