Police Ethics

Ethics is about how we live our life, including our professional life, by deciding and doing what is right and wrong, good and bad in our interactions with other people. Police officers are given powers and responsibilities that mean their everyday decisions and actions have significant consequences for others, therefore high ethical standards and ethical conduct are fundamental to policing.

What ethical considerations to apply and how ethical decisions are made

Understand influences on ethical behaviour, identify negative influences on ethical behaviour and develop strategies for countering negative influences and promoting moral awareness

Identifying sources of police duties, understand what constitutes key police ethical, legal and policy duties and how to apply ethical considerations when exercising discretion

Understand the consequences of police actions, and consider consequences when evaluating potential police actions, appreciate trustworthiness and the dimensions that influence community trust in police

Understand cognitive obstacles and biases that influence ethical behaviour, and apply strategies for countering obstacles and biases

Understand the implications of unethical behaviour in a policing context

How to do what's right

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