Police Ethics

Police Ethics
Philippine National Police

Part I – Lesson Goal
The goal of this lesson is for us to develop a clear
understanding of the international standards of
Police ethics, the relationship between ethical
behavior and effective police service, and how
those principles are applied in the Philippine
National Police.
Part I – Performance Objectives
At the end of this segment of instruction, we will
be able to:
• Discuss “values” and explain how they are formed
• Identify organizational values of the PNP and
describe how they influence the services provided by
PNP
• Explain the term “ethics” as it is applied to the police
service
• Explain the challenges to ethical conduct
• Describe the eight articles contained in the United
Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement
Officials and how they are related to PNP standards
of conduct
Part I – Performance Objectives
• Describe the basic standards of conduct required of
PNP personnel
Introduction
The police services of every country must have
ethical and honest personnel as its serving
members.
No police service can effectively serve
its country if the police personnel lack ethical
standards.
The same people who enforce the law must also
obey the law, or the police will lose the respect of
the public and when the public does not respect
its police service, it will not obey police orders
voluntarily and it will not cooperate with the
police.
Values
What are they?

Values
Values are those ideas and concepts within each
of us that we deem important.
• Values guided us.

• Values help determine our behaviors as we live our
lives, and assist our decision making.
• Values help us decide right from wrong, and
• Values help define who we are and what we
stand for.
Values
Values originate from:
• Our families,
• Traditions,
• Religion,
• Elders, and
• Friends.
They are formed early in life, and are reinforced

by our life experiences. Once established value
are very hard to change.
Group & Organizational Values
Group and Organizational values may be formal
or informal.
• Values help the group and the organization survive.
– If people do not believe in their organizational value
systems, the organization will not function properly.
– In fact, without good values the organization may completely disappear
• Organizations develop values much the same as each
individual has developed values.
– Values are formed in organizations by the people who work
within the group and are developed in much the same way
as an individual develops their own value system.
Good organizations are formed by acceptance
of good values.
• Those organizations that fail or are viewed negatively
by the people they serve are made up of poor values,
developed by poor employees.
The PNP will be an effective organization only if it
develops good values. A good value system for
a police agency includes:
• Honesty and integrity

• Respect for Human Rights
• Professionalism
• Strong sense of justice
• Desire to help and serve others
• Patriotism
• Selflessness
Discussion Activity
Ethics
What is it?
Ethics
Ethics is defined as:
The “standards of conduct and moral

requirements” necessary to function effectively
within an organization or profession.
But what does that mean?

Ethics
Ethics, in the law enforcement context, means
honest and honorable service to the community
rather than working for personal gain or individual
profit.
• The police service has the unique responsibility

within an organized society to maintain law and
order within the community.
– Because we are entrusted with this important and
fundamental authority, we, the people who have been given
this lawful power, must exercise such power with restraint
and according to ethical standards.
Challenges to Police Ethical Behavior
The primary challenges to ethical police behavior
are due to:
• Individual character challenges or,

• Organizational challenges.
Individual character challenges – These difficult-

ies arise from personal flaws or defects where
police personnel engage in acts of
• dishonesty,
• greed,
• brutality, or
• individual acts of corruption.
Example: a police officer stops a motorist or truck driver
for a traffic violation and the motorist offers a
small amount of cash not to issue a traffic
citation.
Organizational challenges – Organizational

challenges to police ethics are more difficult to
deal with. In such instances, the entire police
organization, or an entire unit, has adopted
unethical and unprofessional police standards.
Example: Police agencies that engage in corrupt
practices include such activities as offering
“protection rackets” to allow criminal gangs to
continue business, while demanding a
percentage of the criminal gains;
United Nations Code of Conduct
In 1979 the United Nations General Assembly
adopted an official guide for all law enforcement
officials of all countries.
• This standard is known as The Code of Conduct for Law
Enforcement Officials.
• The United Nations Code of Conduct constitutes a
widely recognized international standard for police
conduct.
Article 1: Law enforcement officials shall at all
times fulfill the duty imposed upon them
by law, by serving and by protecting all
persons against illegal acts, consistent with the
high degree of responsibility required by
their profession.
Article 2: In the performance of their duty, law
enforcement officials shall respect and
protect human dignity and maintain and
uphold the human rights of all persons.
Article 3: Law enforcement may use force only
when strictly necessary and to the extent
required for the performance of their
duty.
Article 4: Matters of a confidential nature in the
possession of law enforcement officials
shall be kept confidential, unless the
performance of duty or the needs of
justice strictly require otherwise.
Article 5: No law enforcement official may inflict,
instigate or tolerate any act of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment, nor may any law
enforcement official invoke superior
orders…as justification of torture or other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment.
Article 6: Law enforcement officials shall ensure
the full protection of the health of persons
in their custody and, in particular, shall
take immediate action to secure medical
attention whenever required.
Article 7: Law enforcement officials shall not
commit any act of corruption. They shall
rigorously oppose and combat all such acts.
Article 8: Law enforcement officials shall respect
the law and the present Code. They shall
also, to the best of their capability, prevent
and rigorously oppose any violation of
them.
Professional Conduct
PNP Police Professional Conduct
1. Commitment to Democracy –
Uniformed PNP members shall commit themselves to

the democratic way of life and values and maintain the
principle of public accountability.
They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and be

loyal to our country, people and organization, above
their loyalty to any person.
2. Commitment to Public Interest –
PNP members shall always uphold public interest over
and above personal interest. All government
properties, resources and powers of their respective
offices must be employed and used effectively, honestly
and efficiently, particularly to avoid wastage of public
funds and revenues.
PNP members must avoid and prevent the

“malversation” of human resources, government time,
property and funds.
3. Non-Partisanship –
PNP members shall provide services to everyone

without discrimination regardless of party affiliation
in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
4. Physical Fitness and Health –
PNP members shall strive to be physically and

mentally fit and in good health at all times. Toward
this end, they shall undergo regular physical exercises
and annual medical examination in any PNP Hospital
or Medical facility, and actively participate in the
Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program of
the PNP.
5. Secrecy Discipline –
PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of

classified information against unauthorized disclosure,
including confidential aspects of official business, specia
orders, communications and other documents roster or
any portion thereof, contents of criminal records,
identities of persons who may have given information to
the police in confidence and other classified information
or intelligence material.
6. Social Awareness –
PNP members and their immediate family members

shall be encouraged to actively get involved in
religious, social and civic activities to enhance the
image of the organization without affecting their
official duties.
7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage –
PNP members shall seek self-improvement through
career development and shall not directly or indirectly
solicit influence or recommendation from politicians,
high ranking government officials, prominent citizens,
persons affiliated with civic or religious organizations
with regards to their assignments, promotions,
transfer or those of other members of the force, nor
shall they initiate any petition to be prepared and
presented by citizens in their behalf.
Non-Solicitation of Patronage – Continued
Moreover, they shall advise their immediate relatives
not to interfere in the activities of the police service
particularly in the assignment and reassignment of
personnel.
8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property –
PNP members shall promote and maintain a sense of

responsibility in the protection, proper care and
judicious disposition and use of public property issued
for their official use or entrusted to their care and
custody just like “a good father of their family.”
When the Commander/Director is relieved from his
post, all properties/equip-
ment belonging to the government must be turned-
over to the incoming.
Proper Care and Use of Public Property – Continued
A committee for the purpose shall be proper. Hence, it
is a taboo for outgoing Commander/
Director to detach, remove and bring home or to his
new assignment properties which do not personally
belong to him.
9. Respect for Human Rights –
In the performance of duty, PNP members shall

respect and protect human dignity and uphold the
human rights of all persons.
Respect for Human Rights – Continued
No member shall inflict, instigate or tolerate extra-

judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, any act of torture or
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment and shall not invoke superior orders or
exceptional circumstances such as a state of war, a
threat ot national security, internal political instability
or any public emergency as a justification for
committing such human rights violations.
10. Devotion to Duty –
PNP members shall perform their duties with

dedication thoroughness, efficiency enthusiasm,
determination, and manifest concern for public
welfare, and shall refrain from engaging in any
activity which shall be in conflict with their duties as
public servants.
11. Conservation of Natural Resources –
PNP members shall help in the development and

conservation of our natural resources for ecological
balance and posterity as these are the inalienable
heritage of our people.
12. Discipline –
PNP members shall conduct themselves properly at all

times in keeping with the rules and regulations of the
organization.
13. Loyalty –
PNP members shall be loyal to the Constitution and

the police service as manifested by their loyalty to their
superiors, peers and subordinates as well.
14. Obedience to Superiors –
PNP members shall obey lawful orders of and be

courteous to superior officers and other appropriate
authorities within the chain of command. They shall
readily accept whenever they are assigned anywhere in
the country. Therefore, it is taboo for any personnel to
petition in court or in any public forum his
assignment.
15. Command Responsibility –
In accordance with the Doctrine on Command

Responsibility, immediate Commanders/ Directors
shall be responsible for the effective supervision,
control and direction of their personnel and shall see
to it that all government resources shall be managed,
expended or utilized in accordance with laws and
regulations and safeguard against losses through
illegal or improper disposition.
End
Police Officer’s Creed
PNP Police Officer’s Creed
1. I believe in God, The Supreme Being, The Great
Provider, and The Creator of all men and everything
dear to me.
In return, I can do no less than love Him above all
obeying His word, seek His guidance in the
performance of my sworn duties and honor Him at all
times.
2. I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I respect
and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land and
the applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the
legitimacy and authority of the leadership, and obey
legal orders of my superior officers.
3. I believe in selfless love and service to people.
Towards this end, I commit myself to the service of my
fellowmen over and above my personal interest.
4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and family life. I
shall set the example of decency and morality, shall
have high regard for family life and value of marital
fidelity.
5. I believe in the responsible 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.
6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be
trustworthy and I shall uphold the truth at all times.
Part II – Lesson Goals
The purpose of this lesson is to provide us with
an overview of the importance of ethical and
moral responsibilities bestowed upon police
officers. We will learn the standardized
definitions of ethics related terms and the
means by which to avoid temptations for
corruption faced by police officers on a daily
basis.
Police Ethics
Part II
Performance Objectives
At the conclusion of this lesson, we will be
able to:
• Discuss the nine principles enumerated in the Law
Enforcement Code of Ethics.
• Explain common forms of police corruption, how to
avoid it, and how to deal with co-workers engaged in
corrupt practices.
• Explain the types of damage caused by corruption.
• Discuss the conditions that breed corruption.
• Identify and discuss the temptations for corruption
faced by law enforcement officers.
Part II – Performance Objectives
• Discuss the areas of responsibility assumed by all law
enforcement personnel.
• Discuss the ethical responsibilities a supervisor has in
combating corruption.
• Explain ways that supervisors can combat corruption
and foster integrity in a police agency.
Ethical and Moral Behavior
What does it mean?

Ethics is the standards of conduct and moral
requirements necessary to function effectively within
an organization or profession
Morality is the area of knowledge that is concerned

with principles of right and wrong behavior, and
establishing and conforming to such principles.
Is Ethics important in Law Enforcement?

Law enforcement is a unique profession. Police are
granted broader authority and responsibility than
any other government institution.
• Police are given the responsibility for making life
and-death decisions.
• They also have legal authority to exercise power and
control over the public.
– such power must be tempered by high ethical standards.
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
What is it?
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
A police officer acts as an official representative of
the government. He is trusted to work within the
law. His powers and duties are conferred by
statute. His fundamental duties 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.
All of these concepts are addressed in the Law
Enforcement Code of Ethics.
Principles in LE Code of Ethics
1. Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer
• Impartiality
• Professionalism
2. Discretion
• Reasonableness
• Maintenance of Public Confidence
3. Use of Force
4. Confidentiality
5. Integrity
6. Cooperation with Other Officers and Agencies

Principles in LE Code of Ethics
7. Personal and Professional Capabilities
8. Private Life
Corruption and Misconduct
What does that mean?

Corruption and Misconduct
Corruption
Corruption is an officer’s misuse of police authority
‘for personal gain.
Misconduct
• Misconduct is nonconformity with police obligations. It
encompasses corruption and a host of other misdeeds.
• Integrity
• Integrity is an uncompromising adherence to a set of values.
Bringing Corruption Out of the Closet
How Corruption is Viewed
Police view
• Most police officials treat corruption as a subject to be
avoided.
• The less said, the better.
• Though most police officials recognize corruption to be a
chronic problem, not all concede that it is a serious one.
• This is so even in departments with an acknowledged history
of police wrongdoing.
Public view
• Police wrongdoing often arouses a feeling of betrayal
for the public.
• Citizens expect officers to be trustworthy and
dependable - they do not expect officers to collaborate
with criminals any more than they expect doctors to
spread disease.
Police agency action
• Police agencies must develop clear and concise policies
and guidelines for performance.
• Law abiding officers may be willing to provide
information about the criminal behavior of other
officers; however, in some cases, a code of protective
silence prevails.
• Police agencies must use preventive controls, such as a
solid inspection system to discover problems before
they happen.
Blind Loyalty of Police Officers
The bond of brotherhood
• From the moment a rookie or new police recruit is
sworn in, the bond of brotherhood begins.
• Initially, rookies see all veteran officers as role models
and they look to them for approval, advice and
guidance.
• Comradeship and esprit de corps is stronger in law
enforcement than in most other occupations.
The development of trust
• The “street” has a way of demanding camaraderie.
– The phrase “taking care of your own” assumes a special
meaning.
• Watching out for one another is something officers do
on the street.
• They have to be able to trust their partners.
– Anyone who has been on the street understands that loyalty
to one another is crucial.
– It would be difficult to survive without it.
The tolerance for corruption
• Even police officers who are otherwise honest
sometimes tolerate corruption.
• They have to work with and depend on them for
backup.
• The theme of not snitching, or informing, on fellow
officers is well-known.
• Once caught, the corrupt officer has much the same
attitude, refusing to implicate other officers, not only
from fear but also from loyalty.
The tolerance for corruption
• To some officers, the most serious accusation that can
be cast upon another officer is that he or she breached
the code of silence and provided information to
internal affairs investigators.
Forms of Police Corruption
Police Corruption?
The term police corruption is often used in
reference to all kinds of wrongful police conduct
including,
• Brutality or excessive use of force,
• Racial discrimination or,
• Perjury
It embraces a wide range of misconduct:
• It can be the acceptance of large payoffs from
criminals in return for granting them immunity from
arrest.
• It can be the acceptance of common, small “gifts” such
as
– bottles of liquor or
– small sums of money
in return for performing some minor favor, such as
• permitting illegal parking.
Negotiable graft?
This refers to mutual bargaining behavior engaged

in between officers and criminals.
• The police officer who apprehends a drug dealer may
negotiate a payoff or extort money from him or her.
Extortion?
This refers to the practice of solicitation of money or

favors by officers in return for ignoring violations of
the law.
• “Victimless crimes” such as gambling and prostitution
are often favorite targets of the extortionist.
• Those involved will often pay money or offer business
services to officers in return for information about
pending raids or open arrest warrants.
Kickbacks and Similar Rewards?
This is money or something of value given to the
officer by a “business” in exchange for
consideration.
• Working “relationships” are often established between
police officers and those who provide services in times
of crisis:
– undertakers,
– bondsmen,
– criminal lawyers,
– tow truck drivers, and
– doctors).
Opportunistic Theft
This is a theft that arises naturally out of the performance

of an officer’s routine duties.
• An officer is called upon to assist a drunk or injured
citizen and holds onto the individual’s personal items
during the incident. The officer may remove cash or
other valuables, thinking that the person will not
remember what happened.
• Another example would be an officer who is
investigating the scene of a burglary and finds money
in a drawer. The officer lists the money as stolen and
pockets it.
Taking bribes from other officers
This occurs among officers. Some examples are:
• Street officers who pay inside officers to,
– falsify attendance records,
– influence vacations and days off and,
– report them as being on duty when they are not.
Internal payoffs provide a way in which police on

the street share illegal gains with those working
inside, who have fewer opportunities for corruption.
Damage Done By Corruption
Facilitation of crime
When police protect criminals, they are allowing
crime to proceed unchecked, which damages the
lives of citizens.
• They are also facilitating the violence and criminality
that characteristically attend the gambling rackets and
drug trade.
• Officers spend their working hours seeking the next
payoff and reduce the overall effectiveness of the
department.
Erosion of public confidence
Police corruption undermines public confidence in
the police.
• It promotes an uneasiness in the community. Police
officers are most effective when the public believes
they are on the job and can be depended upon.
• When corruption is exposed or is believed to exist, the
public feels both betrayed and vulnerable and
support for the police erodes.
Interference with departmental efficiency and
effectiveness
Some police officials do not think corruption
interferes with sound management of the department,
especially when the corruption is confined
to vice enforcement.
• They argue that patterns of corruption will not
prevent the chief from implementing whatever
organizational changes or experiments he or she feels
are necessary.
– Research suggests that this is wishful or self-serving
thinking.
• Corrupt police organizations are also
organizationally rigid.
– This rigidity limits innovation and prevents the promotion
of officials who are not bound to the status quo.
• Corrupt police officers attempt to subvert
organizations or changes of assignment that threaten
to curtail their profit-making enterprises.
No control of misconduct of subordinates by
Supervisors
Problems are compounded when supervisory
personnel are corrupt.
• A supervisor who solicits or accepts bribes cannot or
will not control misconduct by subordinates.
• When sergeants, lieutenants, or captains get the bulk
of the graft, patrol officers learn that as long as they
do not question matters, they need not worry about
discipline and can take their proper duties lightly.
Imposition of new rules and regulations
• In addition, when a scandal is uncovered, the
department may respond by imposing new rules and
regulations, as if the absence of prohibitions were
what caused officers to become corrupt in the first
place.
Conditions That Breed Corruption
Lax Community Standards
Corruption is a product of the community
• Police corruption arises in a context of shared values
and expectations.
• No police department can remain an island of
integrity in a sea of corruption.
• Governmental and societal corruption can spill over
into policing.
Development of cynicism by officers
• Operating in this larger environment, it is not
surprising that police can become cynical about their
work.
• When they meet citizens who are willing to pay them
to overlook the law,
– the citizen who wants to avoid a traffic ticket,
– the entrepreneur who wants to get the jump on competitors,
– the criminal who wants to be free to carry on an illegal
operation.
Some officers come to see themselves as
operating in a world of corruption.
Hesitation of the police chief
Some police chiefs hesitate to deal with corruption.
• Otherwise honest police chiefs have gone to
extraordinary lengths in efforts to shield the crooks
and incompetents within the ranks from exposure.
– One reason for this attitude is the fear that once corruption
is exposed, the public will exaggerate its scope.
• The police chief who accepts the view that corruption
is here to stay is unlikely to give much thought to how
to combat it internally.
Lack of support from prosecutors and courts
Another barrier - or perceived barrier - to integrity
is the operation of the criminal justice system as a
whole.
• This division of labor is a source of misunderstanding
and mutual antagonism. Likewise, judges sometimes
dismiss cases for reasons that the police consider
“technicalities” and a preoccupation with petty
details.
• When police officers suspect that prosecutors and
judges are corrupt, the suspicion may grow into a
self-serving justification for an officer’s own
misconduct.
Temptations Faced By Law Enforcement
Officers
Unlike a corporate executive, a police officer does
not always have high status, salary, or prestige.
• Training or past experience have not equipped
him/her to face the emotional, financial, or physical
stress of a police career.
• Because officers are an easy target for the venting of
frustration by the public, he/she has few avenues to
follow when dealing with frustrations and stress.
Officers
• There are many reasons why police officers become
demoralized –
– poor working hours,
– low pay, or
– uncaring citizens.
• The “because others do it” excuse.
• Justify a dishonest or unethical deed by trying
privately to convince themselves that it was
warranted.
• The excuse:
– “If I were paid what I should be paid, I wouldn’t have had
to do it,” or
– “All other types of people do it; why is it so different for me
just because I am a cop?”
Officers – Excessive use of Force
Newspaper headlines or television reports about
police brutality – that is, use of excessive force –
are not uncommon.
• Most experienced officers can recall incidents when
they have felt excessive force was used by a fellow
officer.
• It is difficult to determine what constitutes excessive
force.
• What may be considered excessive by some
individuals may be justified in the minds of others. T
• This is why each department needs to adopt clear,
objective use of force standards that establish exactly
what level of force may be employed to repel an
attack or protect the life of another.
Officers – Excessive use of Force
Newspaper headlines or television reports about
police brutality – that is, use of excessive force –
are not uncommon.
• Most experienced officers can recall incidents when
they have felt excessive force was used by a fellow
officer.
• It is difficult to determine what constitutes excessive
force.
– What may be considered excessive by some individuals may
be justified in the minds of others.
• This is why each department needs to adopt clear,
objective use of force standards that establish exactly
what level of force may be employed to repel an
attack or protect the life of another.
Gratuities
Gratuity – something given voluntarily in return for
or in anticipation of a favor or service.
Types of gratuities
• The most frequently accepted gratuities are
– the free cup of coffee,
– the half-priced meal and
– the discounted “police price” on merchandise.
• In some departments, they are so customary that
police officers come to look on them openly as perks,
(benefits of the job) - something to which they have a
right to accept. Many police administrators allow
these practices to continue since there is no victim
who will complain.
Gratuities
Ways to avoid gratuities
Police officers need to be taught ways they can
tactfully and with dignity avoid accepting
gratuities and the accompanying embarrassment.
Examples of how officers can deal with offers of
gratuities:
• Vary your habits

– Take breaks, eat meals, and fill out reports at different
times and places.
Gratuities
• Develop set responses for avoiding the offer of free
coffee
– Know the price of coffee and, on your way out, leave that
amount at the cash register, with or without a bill.
– No matter what the cashier might say, simply lay down the
money, add a smile and a “thank you,” and leave.
• Develop set responses for declining free or half-priced
food.
– For example, you might say, “No, I feel much better paying
the same as everyone else, but thanks for being thoughtful.”
– place the money on the counter and leave, with a simple

“thank you.”
Perjury
Justifiable deception?
Is it ever ethical for an officer to lie?

Perjury
Justifiable deception?
There are some instances where deception is

justified. Common examples include:
• decoy officers,
• all types of undercover investigations, and
• interviewing and interrogating suspects.
Perjury
Unjustifiable deception?
Perjury
Some officers use deception by claiming the “end justifies
the means.” Common examples include:
• exaggerating the circumstances surrounding an incident to
establish probable cause for an arrest; or
• an officer who intentionally alters the details of a traffic
citation because he or she feels pressure to write an
exceedingly large number of tickets during the month.
Once an officer distorts the truth for any self-serving reason,

lying for other reasons becomes easier. Intentionally
forgetting details or exaggerating facts may soon be part
of sworn testimony during court trials.
Perjury
Ticket Fixing?
Perjury
“Ticket fixing” means that an officer does
something to have a traffic ticket canceled or
permits a traffic offender to escape lawful process.
There are several reasons why an officer may do
this:
– A friend may have asked him or her to do it,
– a motorist may have given someone a gratuity, or
– the ticket may have been issued to an influential or wealthy
citizen and someone in the department asks the officer to
“take care” of it.
Regardless of the reason, ticket fixing is wrong.

Responsibilities of Law Enforcement Officers
Law enforcement cannot be a true profession
unless its members have a strong sense of
obligation to their responsibilities.
• Responsibilities extend far beyond the specific orders
given by a supervisor.
– Officers must accept the fact that their responsibilities are
much broader in scope.
– Only deep abiding commitment can carry people through
the rough times that inevitably come with a police career.
Ethical responsibilities of a supervisor in
combating corruption
A supervisor has three (3) ethical responsibilities in
combating corruption:
1. Responsibility to the Community – Law enforcement
is vital to every community. Officers have the same
duties to their community as all citizens:
– to pay taxes,
– to vote,
– to participate in community activities,
– serve on juries and
– live as civic minded members of the community.
2. Responsibility to Law Enforcement – Any true
professional realizes that he/she owes a commitment
to his or her profession, one that is:
– sincere,
– dedicated and
– loyal.
Regardless of rank, assignment, or seniority, every

police officer is a member of an everlasting
brotherhood. Police officers have a duty to promote
professionalism.
3. Responsibility to Citizens – Law enforcement will
always be the profession that people call on most
often when faced with a crisis.
– Good people, bad people, rich and poor, all turn to the
police when they really need help.
– After several years on the street, it is easy for the officer to
feel suspicious or cynical about the people he or she meets,
losing sight of the fact that most people are decent
individuals.
– Officers usually deal with the worst of society. When they
meet with good people, it may be at their worst moments
(right after an emotional car accident or during a domestic
fight).
The Supervisor’s Role in Ethics and
Combating Corruption
Role Models
With leadership comes additional ethical
responsibilities.
• Supervisors must be leaders and role models who
develop their employees’ senses of ethics.
• The agency must support the supervisor in these
endeavors and provide procedures which help the
honest to stay honest and the dishonest to be found
out.
Encouragement of loyalty
Supervisors are responsible for encouraging

teamwork, loyalty and comradeship. They must
also take timely and appropriate measures to
counteract unethical conduct or bad attitudes.
• The best way for supervisors to develop dedication
and loyalty is to be worthy of respect.
Combating Corruption and Fostering Integrity –
Responsibility for combating police corruption
ultimately falls on the police chief and his or her
supervisors. Means by which corruption can be
combated are as follows:
 Speaking Out
 Internal Audience
 External Audience
 External Audience
 Improving the use of discretion
 Promoting integrity through training
• END

Police Ethics

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Police Ethics

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Police Ethics

Philippine National Police

What are they?

• Values guided us.

They are formed early in life, and are reinforced

• Honesty and integrity

The “standards of conduct and moral

But what does that mean?

• The police service has the unique responsibility

• Individual character challenges or,

Individual character challenges – These difficult-

Organizational challenges – Organizational

Uniformed PNP members shall commit themselves to

They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and be

PNP members must avoid and prevent the

PNP members shall provide services to everyone

PNP members shall strive to be physically and

PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of

PNP members and their immediate family members

PNP members shall promote and maintain a sense of

In the performance of duty, PNP members shall

No member shall inflict, instigate or tolerate extra-

PNP members shall perform their duties with

PNP members shall help in the development and

PNP members shall conduct themselves properly at all

PNP members shall be loyal to the Constitution and

PNP members shall obey lawful orders of and be

In accordance with the Doctrine on Command

What does it mean?

Morality is the area of knowledge that is concerned

Is Ethics important in Law Enforcement?

6. Cooperation with Other Officers and Agencies

What does that mean?

This refers to mutual bargaining behavior engaged

This refers to the practice of solicitation of money or

This is a theft that arises naturally out of the performance

Internal payoffs provide a way in which police on

• Vary your habits

– place the money on the counter and leave, with a simple

Is it ever ethical for an officer to lie?

There are some instances where deception is

Once an officer distorts the truth for any self-serving reason,

Regardless of the reason, ticket fixing is wrong.

Regardless of rank, assignment, or seniority, every

Supervisors are responsible for encouraging

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