CHAPTER III:

VALUES, ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR POLICE

OFFICERS
Values meaning
• It is defined as an assessment of worth.
• It has a direct bearing on the social actions of individuals, such as moral and ethical
actions.
• It is a shared experience.
• They have certain degree of consumed commonality. They are communal with the
strong concern for others.
SOME STRONG FILIPINO VALUES
• Utang na loob- reciprocal relationship between people acting as mutual allies and
who depend on each other’s assistance in time of crisis.
• Hiya- the extension of pakikisama , which means strong pressure in one.
• Marunong makisama- getting along others
• Marunong kumilala ng utang na loob- knowing how to repay favor’s received
POLICE, DEFINED
• A government agency responsible for maintaining peace and order and enforcing the
law.
• Responsible also in preventing, detecting and dealing with the crime.
ETHICS, DEFINED
• Derived from the Greek word “ethicos” or that pertains to “ethos” which means
“character or manner”
• Branch of philosophy that tries to determine the good and right thing to do
POLICE ETHICS
• It is the practical science that treats the principles of human morality and duty as
applied to law enforcement.
DISCRETION, DEFINED
 • Cautious and correct judgment unhampered by legal rule. The act of liberty of
deciding according to justice and propriety, and one’s idea of what is right and proper
under the circumstances, without willfulness or favor.
Virtue, defined
• Is a quality held to be of great moral value. It is also a moral excellence, righteous or
goodness. A habit that inclines person to act in a way that harmonizes with his
nature.
NOTE: MORAL VIRTUE
- It concern those actions pertaining to one’s duties towards his neighbor and himself.
CONSCIENCE
• It is a voice of reason bending oneself to something right or avoids something wrong.
DOCTRINE OF COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY
The Doctrine imposed commensurate accountability to the one who is vested with authority
to exercise management leadership functions.
NOTES:
• COMMAND- It is an authority a person lawfully exercises over subordinates by
virtues of his rank and or assignment or position.
• RESPONSIBILTY- The obligation to perform duties and functions and to the
consequences of activities under one’s command.
POLICY OF MAXIMUM TOLERANCE
• A conceptual policy laid down for observance of all law enforcement personnel to
exercise utmost restraint and self- control in the performance of their official
functions.
THE BASES OF FORMULATING STANDARD BEHAVIOR OF POLICE OFFICERS: THE
FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES
1. PRUDENCE
2. TEMPERANCE
3. FORTITUDE; AND
4. JUSTICE
PRUDENCE- is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by means of reason and sound
judgment. It is a virtue that attracts the intellect to choose the most effective means of
accomplishing what is morally good and for avoiding what is evil.
NOTES:
• The manifestation of prudent man are : wise; judicious; sage; sane; sapient; and
sensible
• Imprudence is the opposite of prudence
TEMPERANCE- characterized by the avoidance of extremes or excessiveness. It is one’s
ability to moderate or avoid something in excess. It is a virtue that regulates the carnal
appetite for sensual pleasure.
FORTITUDE- A quality or character that combines courage and staying power. This may
be characterized by firmness of mind. It is the courage to endure without yielding. It is a
virtue that initiates courage.
NOTE:
• FORTITUDE IS EXERCISE BY MEANS OF:
A. PATIENCE- calmness and composure in enduring something
B. PERSEVERANCE- the ability to go on despite of the obstacles and opposition
C. ENDURANCE- the ability to last

JUSTICE
 The action, practice, or obligation of awarding each his just due. The virtue that
inclines the will to give to each one of his rights. There are three (3) division of
justice, to wit:
A. Commutative- virtue that regulates those actions that involve the rights that an exists
between one another
B. Distributive- it regulates those actions that involve the rights that an individual may
claim from society; and
C. Legal- virtue that regulates those actions which society may justly require to the
individual for the common good.
FUNDAMENTAL POLICE PRINCIPLES
 1. PREVENTION OF CRIME AND DISORDER
2. COMMUNITY APPROVAL
3. WILLINGNESS OF THE PEOPLE TO ASSIST
4. USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE AND CUMPOLSION
5. OFFERING OF INDIVIDUAL SERVICE TO PRESERVE PUBLIC FAVOR
6. RESORT MINIMUM DEGREE OF PHYSICAL FORCE WHEN NECESSARY
7. POLICE IS THE PEOPLE AND THE PEOPLE IS THE POLICE
8. REFRAIN FROM USURPING THE POWER OF JUDICIARY
9. TEST OF POLICE EFFICIENCY
10. TEST OF LAW ENFORCEMENT INTEGRITY
11. CONSTANT DEVELOPMENT OF PLICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
12. STABILITY ON THE REPUBLIC AND THE STRENGHT OF DEMOCRACY
13. MAGNIFICENT PRINCIPLE: LOVE GOD; HONOR THE GOVERB=NMENT; AND
RESPECT THE PEOPLE
14. PEOPLE-PEACE MAKER, POLICE- PEACEKEEPER, LGU-PEACE OBSERVER
CANONS OF POLICE ETHICS
1. PRIMORDIAL POLICE RESPONSIBILITY- to serve and protect the citizenry
2. LIMITATION OF POLICE AUTHORITY- police authority is subject to limitations and
regulations of the Constitution and other pertinent laws
3. KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW AND OTHER RESPONSIBILTIES- being a law
enforcer, police officers are expected to be knowledgeable about the law that they
need to enforce
4. USE OF PROPER MEANS TO OBTAIN PROPER ENDS- only those legally allowed
action should be taken by the Police officers in the delivery of justice.
5. COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS- they are likewise expected to be
cooperated to other public officials and other agency in the performance if their
duties especially if that cooperation is necessary in their operation
6. PROPER CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR- police officers are expected to conduct
themselves in manner that will never place the organization in bad light.
7. CONDUCT THE TOWARDS COMMUNITY- members of the community should be
considered as partner in crime prevention and peace and order
8. CONDUCT IN ARRESTING LAW VIOLATORS- no necessary force nor violence is
needed. Observance of the rights of the person to be arrested must be always
considered.
9. FIRMNESS IN REFUSING GIFTS
 10. IMPARTIAL PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE- only pieces of evidence which are
obtained lawfully should be utilized. Bias or ill motive should be avoided
11. ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLICE PROFESSION- they must consider their profession
as noble calling. Hence, they must love, care and protect the image of the profession
through good deeds.

WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF COPCES

1. Foster individual efficiency, behavioral discipline and organizational effectiveness, as
well as respect for constitutional and human rights of citizens, democratic principles
and ideals and the supremacy of civilian authority over the military;
2. Set the moral tone and norms of professional conduct in the Police service;
3. Provide moral and ethical guidance to all PNP Members; and
4. Enlighten members of the police service of what behavior is really acceptable- to
define what is permitted and what is prohibited.
GUIDING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES TOWARDS PROFESSIONALIZED AND
DEDICATED LAW ENFORCERS
1. Public official is a public trust
2. All public servants must at all times be accountable to the people
3. Serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty and efficiency
4. Respect to human rights and dignity as a hallmark of a democratic society
5. Bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate government
6. Support and uphold the Constitution
7. Respect the duly constituted authority and be loyal to the police service.
BASIC POLICE VALUES
1. Love of God
2. Respect to Authority
3. Selfless love and service of people
4. Respect for women and sanctity of marriage
5. Responsible dominion and stewardship over material things
6. Truthfulness
POLICE OFFICERS CREED
1. God believer
 I believe in God, the Supreme Being, A great Provider, and the creator of all men
and everything dear to me. In return, I can do less than love him above all by
obeying His word, seek his guidance in the performance of my sworn duties and
honor Him at all times.

2. RESPECT OF AUTHORITY
I believe that respect for authority is a duty.
a.) I respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land and the applicable
rules and regulations.
b.) I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the leadership; and obey legal
orders of my superior officers.

3. LOVE AND SERVICE TO PEOPLE

I believe in selfless live and service to people. towards this end, I commit myself to
the service of my fellowmen over and above my personal interest.

4. RESPECT OF THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN

I believe in the sanctity of marriage and respect for women. I shall set the example
of decency and morality and shall have high regard for family ife and value of marital
fidelity.

NOTES:
 Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman
entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.
It is the foundation of the family and inviolable institution whose nature,
consequences and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation,
except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage
within the limits provided by the Family Code.
 The family being the foundation of the nation, is a basic social constitution which
public policy cherishes and protects. Consequently, family relations are h=governed
by law and no customs, practice or agreement destructive of the family shall be
recognized or given effect.
5. RESPONSIBLE DOMINION
I believe in the responsible of dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall
inhibit myself from extravagance and ostentatious display of material things; I shall
help protect the environment and conserve nature to maintain ecological balance;
 and I shall respect private and public properties and prevent others from destroying
it.
6. TRUSTWORTINESS
I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy and I shall speak the
truth at all times.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

STANDARD OF PROFESSIONALISM- all PNP members shall perform their duties with
excellence, competence, integrity, intelligence and expertise in the application of specialized
skill and technical knowledge.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR POLICEMEN
1. COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY- PNP personnel must commit themselves to the
democratic way of life and values; maintain the principles of public accountability,
uphold the constitution at all times and be loyal to the country, people and the
organization.
2. COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST- PNP personnel must always uphold public
interest over and above personnel interest. They shall use public resources and
properties economically and judiciously to avoid wastage of public funds.
3. NON-PARTISANSHIP- PNP members shall provide services to everyone without
discrimination.
4. PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH- PNP members shall strive to be physically and
mentally fit and in good health at all times.
5. SECREWCY DISCIPLINE- PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified
information against unauthorized disclosure.
6. SOCIAL AWARENESS- all PNP members and their immediate family members shall
be encouraged to actively get involved in the religious, social and civic activities to
enhance the image of the organization but without affecting their official duties.
7. NON- SOLICITAION OF PATRONAGE- PNP members shall seek self- improvement
through career development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or
recommendation from politician, government officials, prominent citizens, person
affiliated with civic or religious organization with regards to promotion, assignments,
transfer etc.
8. PROPER CARE AND USE OF PUBLIC AUTHORITY- PNP members shall be
responsible for the security., proper care and use of public property issued to them
or deposited under their custody.
 9. RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS- PNP members shall respect and protect human
dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons.
10. DEVOTION OF DUTY- PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication,
thoroughness, efficiency, enthusiasm, determination, and manifest concern for public
welfare,
11. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES- PNP members shall help in the
development and conservation of the natural resources for ecological balance and
posterity.
12. DISCIPLINE- PNP members shall conducts themselves properly at all times in
keeping with the rules and regulations of the organization.
13. LOYALTY OF ABOVE ALL- PNP members must be loyal to the constitution and the
police service as manifested by their loyalty to their superiors, peers and
subordinates.
14. OBEDIENCE TO THE SUPERIORS- PNP members shall obey lawful orders and be
courteous to superior officers and other appropriate authorities within the chain of
command.
15. COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY- immediate commanders shall be responsible for the
effective provision, control and direction of their personnel.
ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR POLICEMEN
1. MORALITY-during their term of office they should not be involved as owners,
operators or investors or any house of ill refute or activities that promote vices. They
should be likewise faithful to their lawfully wedded spouses.
2. JUDICIOUS USE OF AUTHORITY- they shall exercise proper and legitimate use of
authority in the performance of duty
3. INTEGRITY- they shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and
dishonest practices
4. JUSTICE- PNP shall strive constantly to respect rights of others
5. HUMILITY- they must perform their duties without arrogance. They should recognize
their own inadequacies, inabilities and limitations as individuals and perform their
duties without attracting attention or expecting their applause of others
6. ORDERLINESS- they shall follow logical procedures in accomplishing task assigned
to them to minimize waste in the use of time money and effort.
7. PERSEVERANCE- once a decision is made, all PNP members shall take legitimate
means to achieve the goal even in the face of internal and external difficulties and
despite anything, which might weaken their resolve in the course of time.