TOPIC 4
ETHICS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
INTRODUCTION:
Police ethics and integrity are essential aspects of the law enforcement system that facilitate
effective crime control practices. A combination of laws, training, and standards help police
officers maintain ethical behavior on duty. Holding a position of authority while also having the
means to use force legitimately requires police professionals to adhere to the strictest ethical
standards to avoid controversial or corrupt abuses of power.
Policing the community often brings ethical situations into consideration that may be, but is not
limited to, one of the following circumstances: criminal investigations, procedural justice, racial
profiling, early intervention systems, internal affairs, citizen complaints, mediation, recruitment,
and use of force.
TOPIC CONTENT:
1. Police ethics
2. Significance of ethics and values in police work
3. Canons of Police ethics
4. Professional Police principle
TOPIC OBJECTIVES:
This topic aims the students to:
1. Define and explain police ethics
2. Explain the significance of ethics in police work
3. Enumerate and discuss the canon of police ethics
4. Articulate the professional police principle
TOPIC OUTCOME
At the end of the topic, the students shall be able to:
1. Define and explain police ethics
2. Explain the significance of ethics in police work
3. Enumerate and discuss the canon of police ethics
4. Articulate the professional police principle
Police Ethics
Refers to the practical science of human morality and duty as applied to law
enforcement. This center on the study and application of ethics, virtue as well as the
rules of conduct to public service.
TOPIC 4: Module in Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards. Prepared by: Jomel B. Pinera, Ph.D. Crim. Page 29
A system of moral values that are generally accepted as professional standards
in policing. In policing, ethics includes values such as allegiance, honesty, loyalty and
courage. Basically, ethics is 'doing the right thing.
Ethics
The principles of conduct dealing with what is right and wrong, and with moral duty and
obligation. The rules in the Code of Ethics described the moral duties and obligations of
police officers.
Integrity
Closely related to honesty, integrity is the firm and incorruptible adherence to a code of
moral values. To truly follow the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics requires not only
firmness but great inner strength and character.
Morals-
The judgment we make relating to societal principles of right and wrong behavior.
Principles- A rule or code of conduct
Canons
Are statements which expresses in general terms of standards of professional conduct
expected of peace officers in their relationship with the public, the criminal justice
system, and the peace officers profession. They embody the general concepts from which
the ethical standards and the disciplinary rules are derived.
It is a must that public servants should behave and conduct his life in a manner that the respect,
confidence and faith of the people are not diminished.
The primary objective of police ethics is to enlighten our law enforcers of what behavior is
acceptable based on the premise of what is permitted and what is prohibited.
Since there is no right way to do a wrong thing. Some basic ethic-tests include asking oneself:
Am I doing the right thing? Is it lawful? Is it fair and balanced? And how will it make me feel
about myself?
Significance of Ethics and Values in Police Work
1. Immense Powers of the Police.
o Police officers exercises or wields immense powers and responsibilities.
o A police officer has a tremendous impact over the lives of ordinary citizens,
whether he is conscious of this fact or not.
o It can be said that in our system of criminal justice, the initial decision makers are
the police.
o In addition to being the enforcers of the law, they have the power to define what
constitutes lawbreaking. In short, police officers have a great deal of discretionary
TOPIC 4: Module in Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards. Prepared by: Jomel B. Pinera, Ph.D. Crim. Page 30
powers. For example, they often have the choice to arrest or not to arrest or to
mediate or to charge.
o They possess the power to decide whether or not to use deadly force, giving them
the power of life and death in some circumstances.
o No other public figure possesses greater authority over the personal destiny of
people. A police officer, in one split second, may act as prosecutor, judge and
executioner.
o In many day-to-day decisions, police hold a great deal of decision-making power
over people’s lives, because of their authority to enforce the law.
o Without an ethical perspective, a police officer becomes a tyrant. The tendency to
abuse his power over citizens increases exponentially the weaker his moral
foundations become. I
2. The Social Contract.
o The idea that police officers must display a higher standard of ethical behavior
than that of the "average citizen"
o "Each of us puts his person and all his power under the supreme direction of the
general will, and in our capacity, we receive each member as an indivisible part of
the whole.”
o The government has the right to deprive people of their freedom in specific
circumstances or to use force if necessary to protect the rights of the greater
society. In exchange for this relinquishment of freedoms, society expects that the
government will protect citizens, respect the rights of citizens, and appoint agents
(the police) who have the integrity to protect citizens and adhere to the conditions
of the social contract.
o A society can expect the highest standards of behavior and ethical conduct in
persons afforded that power to deprive others of their basic liberties. In other
words, the public expects the police to behave at the highest levels of integrity
and to obey the rules and laws of society clearly in order for a social contract to
remain a valid principle.
o The expectation of integrity and professionalism from police is stamped clearly in
our history.
3. Police Officers as Role Models. August Vollmer (recognized as the Father of Police
Professionalism) once said that “The average citizen expects the police officer to have:
o the wisdom of Solomon
o the courage of David
o the strength of Samson
o the patience of Job
o the leadership of Moses
o the faith of Daniel
o the diplomacy of Lincoln
o the tolerance of the Carpenter of Nazareth
o the kindness of the Good Samaritan; and
o an intimate knowledge of every branch of natural, biological, and social sciences.
If he possesses all these qualities, then, he MIGHT be a good policeman.”
TOPIC 4: Module in Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards. Prepared by: Jomel B. Pinera, Ph.D. Crim. Page 31
While many criticized Vollmer for expecting police officers to be (according to LAPD Chief and
Father of SWAT Darryl Gates) “saints”, he was merely trying to emphasize a point—which is
that police officers are held in very high regard by society in general (and with great
discretionary powers), hence must be very responsible and mindful of their actions. This
statement is supported by US President Calvin Coolidge in saying that:
“No one is compelled to choose the profession of a Police Officer,
but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to perform its duties and
live up to the high standards of its requirements”.
THE CANONS OF POLICE ETHICS
The following are the cannons of Police ethics:
1. Primordial police responsibility
2. Limitation of Police authority
3. Knowledge of the law and other responsibilities
4. Use of proper means to obtain proper ends.
5. Cooperation with public officials
6. Proper conduct and behavior
7. Conduct toward the community
8. Conduct in arresting law violators.
9. Firmness in refusing gifts or favors.
10. Impartial presentation of evidence
11. Attitude toward police profession
1. Primordial Police Responsibility- The primary objectives of Police is the prevention of
crime, policeman knew too well that he has committed his Life to defend and protect the
rights of the citizen and uphold the law at all cost.
2. Limitation of Police Authority- The primary as an upholder of the law must know its
limitation upon him in enforcing the law, thus:
o He must be aware of the limitations which the people, through law, have placed
him
o He must recognize the center of the democratic system of government, which
gives person or group of persons, absolute power.
o He must insure that he does not pervert its true character.
3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility
o The policeman shall assiduously apply himself to the principles of the laws,
which he is sworn to apply.
o He will make certain of his responsibilities in the particular field of enforcement,
seeking aid of his superior in matters technically or in principles are not clear to
him
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o He shall make special effort to fully understand his relationship with law
enforcement agencies, particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both geographically
and substantively.
4. Use of proper Means to Obtain Paper Ends
o The policeman shall be Mindful of his responsibility to have strict selection of
methods in discharging the duty of his office.
o Violation of law or public safety and property on the part of the officer are
intrinsically wrong. They are self-defeating if they instill in the public mind and a
like disposition.
o The employment of Illegal methods, no matter how worthy the end, is certain to
encourage disrespect for the law and its officers, If the law is to be honored, it
must first be honored by those who enforce it.
5. Cooperation with Public Officials
o The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the performance
or authorized duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudices.
o He shall be meticulous law, however, in assuring himself of property, under the
law, such actions and shall guard against the use of his office or person whether
knowingly or in any improper or illegal action.
6. Proper Conduct and Behavior
o The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the public as an
upholder of law.
o Police laxity of conduct or manner in private life, expressing either disrespect for
the law or seeking to gain special prevail, cannot but reflect upon in the
policeman and the police service.
o The community and the service requires that the policeman leads the life of
decent and honorable person, following the career of policeman gives no special
pre-requisite.
7. Conduct towards the Community
o The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to the community
o He shall deal with individuals of the community in the manner calculated to instill
respect for its law.
o He shall conduct his official life in a manner that will inspire confidence and trust.
o He will be neither overbearing nor subservient, as no individual citizen has no
obligation to stand in awe of him or fight to command him.
o He will do neither from personal preference or prejudice but rather a duly
appointed officer of the law discharging his sworn obligation.
8. Conduct in Arresting Law Violator
o Policeman shall use his powers of arrest in accordance with the law and with due
regard to the rights of the citizen concerned.
o He shall, at all times, have a clear appreciation of his responsibilities and
limitation regarding the detention of the accused.
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o He shall conduct himself in such a manner as will minimize the possibility of
having to use force.
o He shall cultivate a dedication to the people and the equitable upholding of the
law whether in the handling of the accused or law-abiding citizen.
9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors
o Policeman representing the government bears heavy responsibility of maintaining,
in his conduct, the honor and integrity of all government institution.
o He shall guard against placing himself in a Position in which the public can
reasonably assume that special consideration is being given.
o He shall be firm in refusing gifts, favors or gratitude, large or small, which can be
public mind, be interpreted as capable of influencing his judgment in the
discharge of his duties.
10. Attitude towards Police Profession
o Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a public trust and
recognize his responsibilities as a public servant.
o He shall strive to make the best possible application of science to the detection of
crime and in the field of human relation.
o He shall strive for effecting leadership and public influence in matters affecting
public safety.
o He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his office, and hold
police work to be an honorable profession rendering valuable service to his
community.
o Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high level of
knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective
performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never- ending process of
personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly.
PNP ETHICS DAY
-Celebrated yearly on 7 January
-Started on 7 January 1995 and celebrated every year thereafter
PROFESSIONAL POLICE PRINCIPLE
The following are the professional police principles:
1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Cooperation of the community
3. Unreasonable force reduces community cooperation
4. Use of reasonable force when persuasion is not sufficient
5. Impartial enforcement of laws.
6. The community is the police.
7. Police should not usurp judicial powers.
8. Rules of engagement impartially observed.
9. Reduction of crime and disorder.
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10. Police discretion
1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder - The basic mission for which the police exist is to
prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to the repression of crime and disorder by
police force and severity of legal punishment.
2. Cooperation of the Community - The police must secure the willing cooperation in the
voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain the respect and support
of the community.
The ability of the police to perform their duty is dependent upon community support of
police existence, actions, behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain
community and respect.
3. Unreasonable Force Reduces Community Cooperation - A police officer will never
employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in the discharge of
duty as in reasonable in all circumstances.
Force should be used only with the greatest restraint and only after discussion,
negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the
use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from applying
the unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading
of inhuman treatment of any person.
4. Use of Reasonable Force when Persuasion Is not Sufficient - The police should use
reasonable force to the extent necessary to secure observance of the law or to restore
order only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be
insufficient to attain police objectives.
No violence or unnecessary force shall be subject to any greater restrain than is necessary
for his detention.
5. Impartial Enforcement of Laws - The police seek and preserve community favor, not
by catering to community opinion, but constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial
enforcement of laws, without regard to the justice and injustice of the substance of
particular laws.
In short, there should be impartial enforcement of laws on all individual members of the,
society without regard to their race of social standing.
6. The Community is the Police - The police at all times should maintain relationship with
the community that gives really to the historic tradition that the police are the community
and the community is the police.
TOPIC 4: Module in Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards. Prepared by: Jomel B. Pinera, Ph.D. Crim. Page 35
The police are the only members of the community who are paid to give full time
attention to maintain peace and order, which are incumbent on every citizen in the
interest of community welfare.
7. Police Should Not Usurp Judicial Powers - The police should always direct their
actions strictly toward their functions and never appear to usurp the powers of judiciary
by averaging individuals of the state of authoritative judging guilt or punishing the guilty.
8. Reduction of Crime and Disorder - The test of police efficiency is the reduction of
crime and disorder until totally eradicated, not by evidence of police present and action in
dealing with the community.
9. Rules of Enforcement Impartially Observed - Policemen engaged in anti-crime
operation always consider the safety and security of who might be caught in the crossfire
or arm encounters.
The use of force including firearms is justifiable only by virtue of the Doctrine of self-
defense and Defense of a Stranger. Nobody, including the policeman and other law
enforcement authorities is above the law.
The use of force, especially firearms, should be applied only as a last resort, when all
other peaceful and non-violent means has been exhausted.
The use of force, especially firearms, should be confined only in the lawless elements and
the responding PNP unit. This is inherent in the police service in which the profession,
the armaments and safety life of every PNP member are dedicated to the protection and
safety of the people.
10. Police Discretion - A police officer will use responsibly the discretion vested in the
position and exercise if within the law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the
officer’s determinations and the officer will consider all surrounding circumstances
whether any legal action shall be taken.
Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional policing competence, will do
much to preserve good relationship and retain the confidence of the public. There can be
difficulty in choosing between conflicting courses of action. It is important to remember
that a timely word of advice rather than arrest (in appropriate circumstances) is a more
effective means of achieving a desired end.
**END OF TOPIC 4**
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