CRIMINOLOGY 4

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Ethics - study and philosophy of human conduct, emphasizing the determination of right and wrong or to the basic
principles of right action.
 the study and analysis of what constitutes good or bad conduct.

Etymology
 Latin ethicus or Greek ethikos and ethos which mean character.

Moral
 Comes from the Latin word "mores" which signifies conduct and refers to behavior of people, which is
valuable and which enhance dignity of the individual.

CARDINAL VIRTUES
Prudence
 It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by means or logical reasoning and sound discretion.

Temperance
 It is the ability to avoid something and act with moderation, regulating one’s carnal appetite for sensual
pleasures.

Fortitude
 Denotes firmness of mind, the courage to endure without yielding.

It is a combination of:
 Patience – Calmness and composure;
 Perseverance – the ability to continue despite of obstacles or opposition; and
 Endurance – the ability to survive.

Justice
 It refers to a virtue that inclines the will to give every person his/her accorded rights.

Charity
 Refers to kindness, compassion, altruism (self- sacrifice), humanity and goodwill.
 It is the obligation of giving under certain conditions whatever assistance and aid which our fellowmen needs.

PNP Stand on Basic Issues:

1. PNP Image—all members of the PNP should conduct themselves in a manner that would not place the PNP in
bad light. Instead, they should live in accordance with the PNP core values and posses the following virtues:
honor, integrity, valor, justice, honesty, humility, charity and loyalty to the service.

2. Career Management—its proper implementation will greatly enhance personal and professional advancement
towards police professionalism.

3. Police Management Leadership—the effectiveness of law enforcement is reflective of the managerial

capabilities arid competent leadership of the men and women in the PNP.

4. Equality the tile service—there shall be judicious and equitable distribution of opportunity to prove one’s worth
in the police service.

5. Delicadeza—is consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity in the PNP, all members must have the
moral courage to sacrifice self-interest in keeping with the time-honored principle of delicadeza.
1
6. Police Lifestyle—the PNP shall endeavor to promote a life for every member of’ the PNP that is acceptable to
the eyes of the public. Further, its members should set good example to the subordinate and follow good
example from the superiors.

7. Human Rights—all PNP members must respect and protect human dignity and man’s inalienable rights to life,
liberty and property.

Professional Conduct of the Police:

1. Commitment to Democracy—uniformed members of the PNP 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 the police organization.

2. Commitment to Public Interest—members will always uphold public interest over and above personal
interest. All government parties, resources and power of their respective offices must be employed and used
effectively, honestly and efficiently, particularly to avoid wastage of public funds and revenues.

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—all PNP members shall strive to be physically and mentally fit and in good
health at all times. Towards this end, they shall undergo regular physical exercise and anual medical
examination I any PNP hospital or medical facility.

5. Secrecy Discipline—all PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified documents and
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.

7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage—all 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
regard 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.

8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property—members shall be responsible for the security, proper care and
use of public property issued to them and/or deposited under their care and custody. Unauthorized use of
public property for personal convenience or gain and that of their families, friends or relatives are strictly
prohibited.

9. Devotion to Duty—policemen shall perform their duties with devotion, 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.

10. Conservation of Natural Resources—policemen shall help in the development and conservation of our
natural resources for ecological balance and posterity as these are inalienable heritage of our people.

11. Discipline—they shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping with the rules and regulations of the
Philippines.

12. Loyalty—above all, policemen must be loyal to the Constitution and to the police service as manifested by
their loyalty to their superiors, peers and subordinates as well.
2
 13. Obedience to Superior—policemen of lower ranks must be always courteous and obedience to their
superior officers.

14. Command Responsibility—supervisor or immediate superior 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, expanded or utilized in accordance with law and regulations and safe guarded against losses thru
illegal and improper disposition.

Ethical Standards of Policemen

1. Morality—policemen shall adhere to high standard of morality and decency and shall set good examples for
others to follow. Hence, among others, and in no instance during their terms of office shall they not be
involved as owners, operators, managers, or inventors in any illegal gambling den or houses of ill-repute or
other placed devoted to vices; nor shall they patronize such places unless on official duty, and tolerate
operations of such establishment in their respective areas of responsibilities.

2. Judicious Use of Authority - policemen shall exercise proper and legitimate use of authority in the
performance of duty.

3. Integrity—policemen shall not allow themselves to be victim of corruption and dishonest practices in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713 and other applicable laws.

4. Justice—policemen shall strive constantly to respect their rights as human beings, parents, children,
citizens, workers, leaders or in other capacities and to see to it that others do likewise.

5. Humility—policemen shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the masters of the people
and toward this end; they should perform their duties without arrogance. They should also recognize their
own inadequacies, inabilities and limitations as individuals and perform their duties without attracting
attention or expecting the applause of others.

6. Orderliness—policemen shall follow procedures in accomplishing their tasks 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 action or means to achieve
the goals even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything which might weaken their
resolve in the course of time.

Customs and Traditions of Policemen

1. Customs are established usages or social practices carried on by tradition that have obtained the force of
law; whereas,

2. Traditions are bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and usages handed down from generation to generation
with the effect of unwritten law.

Courtesy is a manifestation or expression of consideration and respect for others.

Social decorum is a set of norms and standards practiced by policemen during social and other functions.

Police Customs on Courtesy

1. Salute—the usual greetings rendered by uniformed members upon meeting and recognizing persons entitled
to a salute.

3
 2. Salute to National Color and Standard - PNP members must stand at attention and salute the national
color and standard as it pass by them or when the national color is raised or lowered during ceremonies.

3. Address/Title—junior in rank addresses senior member who are entitled to salute with the word “sir.”

Courtesy Calls

1. Courtesy Call on Newly Assigned/Promoted/Appointed Member—a policeman who is newly appointed,

promoted or assigned in a unit or command must first report or call on the Chief of the same or other key
officials for accounting, orientation and for other purposes.

2. Christmas Call—PNP members pay a Christmas call on their local executives in their respective areas of
responsibility. This call remembers does not include call on the businessmen and gambling lord.

3. New Year’s Call—PNP members pay New Year’s call on their Chiefs or key officials in their areas of
responsibility.

4. Exit Call—PNP members pay an exit call on their superiors when relieved or reassigned to another unit or
destination.

Police Customs on Ceremonies

1. Flag Raising Ceremony—policemen must honor the flag by raising it and singing the National Anthem
before the start of official work.

2. Flag Retreat Ceremony—at the end of the official day’s work, PNP members pause for a moment to salute
the lowering of the flag.

3. Half-Mast—the flag is raised at half-mast in adherence to deceased uniformed member of the unit or
command.

4. Funeral Service and Honors—departed uniformed member, retiree, war veteran or former PNP member is
given vigil, neurological services and graveside honors as a gesture of farewell.

5. Ceremony Tendered to Retiree—in recognition of their long, faithful and honorable service to the PNP, a
testimonial activity is tendered in his honor.

6. Honor Ceremony —arrival and departure honor ceremony is tendered to visiting dignitary, VIP, PNP officer
with the grade of Chief Superintendent and above and AFP officers of equivalent grade unless waived.

7. Turn-Over Ceremony—the relinquishment and assumption of command or key position is publicly

announced in a turn-over ceremony by the outgoing and incoming officers.

8. Wedding Ceremony—during marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted with participants in

uniform and swords drawn.

9. Anniversary—the birth of institutional establishment of a command or unit is commemorated in an

anniversary ceremony.

Police Customs on Social Decorum

1. Proper Attire—policemen always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity with the occasion.

2. Table Manners—PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.

4
 3. Social Graces—Policemen conduct themselves properly in dealing with people during social functions.

Police Uniform Appearance

1. Wearing of prescribed uniform.
2. Wearing as part of the uniform, awards and decorations earned in accordance with the prescribed rules and
regulations.
3. Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and regulation
4. Manner of walking —every policeman is expected to walk with pride and dignity.
5. To be added is the maintenance of 34 inches waist line adopted during the time of the erstwhile PNP Chief,
for the purpose of seeing policemen neat and trims in their uniforms.

Other Police Customs

1. Courtesy of the Post—the host unit extends hospitality to visiting personnel who may respect the command
or unit.

2. Rank has-Its-Own Privilege (RHIP)—members recognize the practice that different rank carry with them
corresponding privileges.

3. Visiting the Sick—PNP member who is sick in the hospital, in his residence or in any place of confinement
is visited by his immediate superior or other available officers of the unit in order that his needs are attended
to.

4. Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased Members— when PNP members dies, a survivor officer is
designated to render maximum assistance to their bereaved families until all benefits due shall have been
received.

5. Visiting the Religious Leaders—PNP members visit religious leaders in their areas of assignment to
establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the different religious leaders and the PNP.

6. Athletics—all PNP members indulge in physical fitness activities to insure that their proper physical
appearance are maintained with the waistline measurement always smaller than the size of the chest and in
conformity with the standard set forth by the organization.

7. Happy hours—usually on Friday or in any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP members gather
together at their PNP club for a light-hearted jesting or airing of minor gripes.

Police Traditions:

1. Spiritual beliefs—the PNP members are tradition ally religious and God-loving persons. They attend
religious services together with the members of their family.

2. Valor —history attests that the Filipino law-enforcers have exemplified the tradition of valor in defending the
country from aggression and oppression. They sacrificed their lives and limbs for the sake of their
countrymen whom they have pledged to serve.

3. Patriotism—PNP members are traditionally patriotic in nature. They manifest their love of country with a
pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the Constitution.

4. Discipline—-it is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and through spontaneous actions
towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by moral, ethical ad legal norms.

5
 5. Gentlemanliness—policeman is bright in character, polite in manner, dignified in appearance and sincere in
his concern to his fellowmen.

6. Word of Honor—a policeman’s word is his bond. He stands by it and commits to uphold it.

7. Duty—the PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who perform
their tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self- sacrifice.

8. Loyalty—policemen are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as borne by history and
practice.

9. Camaraderie—the binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization, ex
tending to the people they serve manifested by members deep commitment and concern to one another.

Performance of the duties of a police officer:

1. Impartiality
 A police officer shall perform all duties fairly, without favor or affection or ill will, and without regard to
status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration.
 All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration, and dignity.

2. Professionalism
 Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities, or friendship to influence official conduct.
 Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out their responsibilities, officers
will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public.

3. Discretion
a. Reasonableness
 A police officer will responsibly use the discretion vested in the position and exercise it within the
law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the officer’s decision.
 The officer will consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether any legal action
shall be taken.
b. Maintenance of public confidence
 Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional policing competence, will do much
to preserve good relationships 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 (which may be correct
in appropriate circumstances) can be a more effective means of achieving a desired end.

4. Use of force
 A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in the
discharge of duty as is reasonable under the circumstances.
 Force should be use only with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation, and
persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective.

5. Confidentiality
 Whatever a police officer sees, hears or learns of, which is of a confidential nature, will be kept
secret unless the performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise.
 Members of the public have a right to security and privacy, and information obtained about them
must not be improperly divulged.

6. Integrity
 A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will an officer condone (ignore)
such acts by other police officers.

6
  Police officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise integrity and thus undercut
public confidence in a law enforcement agency.
 Officers will refuse to accept any gifts, presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities, or promises that
could be interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from performing official responsibilities
honestly and within the law.

7. Private life
 Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or themselves.
 A police officer’s character and conduct while off-duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a
position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serve.

POLICE ETHICAL ISSUES

POLICE CORRUPTION

1. Corruption of Authority - This kind of corruption is tolerable, but because policeman must act beyond
reproach and with impartiality, it is expected that policeman must be free from possible temptation from evil.
This corruption includes receiving free meals, services, discount, gratuities, etc.

2. Kickbacks - If clients are numerous or composing of a long queue like procuring police clearance, the man
in the last gave money to the police to be given first ahead of the other is an example of this kind of
corruption. A traffic policeman who allows a motorist who passes in reverse a one-way thoroughfare by
giving something in return of the favor is kickback. Or a policeman who phoned the funeral parlor about a
dead man in a crime, and in return received a percentage is kickback.

3. Opportunistic Theft - Taking of advantage of situation, like taking of properties left in the crime scene and
without reporting to the authority. Stealing money from person arrested or even victims of crime are also
included in this kind of pattern of corruption. The best example of this kind is the advantage taken by a
fireman who responded to a fire accident who took properties found in the bedroom of the building gutted by
fire.

4. Shakedowns - This is an act of extortion usually committed by police men who caught in the act criminals
like pusher, drug user, gambling bet collector, etc. Most who committed this kind of corruption are traffic
policemen who caught traffic violators.

5. Protection of Illegal Activities - This is collusion between the police and criminals, like gambling operators,
owners of nightclubs which are showing nude models to insure they can operate freely without risk because
of their good relationship with the police. This also includes dealing with those in legal business operation.
For example owner of Bus Company, who in order to operate outside of his franchise will give protection
money to the police to assure the police would not touch or mind his operation.

6. Fixes - This involves mediating in criminal cases or problems involving traffics. A policeman will confer first to
the complainant about the possible filing of a criminal. Then, he went to the Respondent and tell what they
have talk about the case, and that the complainant is willing to settle the case for a certain amount of money.
At the end, the case will not be filed or a case is dismissed because of settlement money which large portion
of the amount goes to the pocket of the policeman.

7. Direct Criminal Activities - This is a worst behavior of a police. A policeman is directly involved in criminal
activities like robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, etc. You can just imagine if our policemen are having this
kind of behavior.

8. Internal Payoffs - This is a pattern of corruption common to policemen. They sell work assignment,
promotion, etc. Example, a Patrolman accosted his superior and request for an assignment he wants and he
gave money in exchange thereof. Or an official who is authorized to sign a promotion was approached by
7
 one who was desirous to be promoted and suggested a money figure. This kind of corruption mostly
happened inside the organization.

Category of Corrupt Policemen (Accdng. to Hunter & Rush)

1. Grass Eaters—are police officers who engage in relatively minor type of corruption opportunities as they
present themselves; and

2. Meat Eaters—are police officers who actively seek out corruption opportunities and engaged in both minor
and major patterns of corruption.

Other category of Corrupt Policemen

1. Vegetarian cops – they are like grass eaters who are policemen who just keep on waiting for the
opportunities. These are the cops who say, “I don’t demand, neither have I rejected.”

2. Carnivorous cops or “Rotten Eggs” – they are like the meat eaters. These are worst because they came
out of the headquarters to look for the opportunities. They have no pity as they extort money from lowly
sidewalk vendors.

3. White Knights—these policemen are straightforward fellow. They are honest to a fault. They often take an
extreme position on ethical issues. They are idealistic and often render strict decisions in accordance with
law. A white knight is considered a loner and deviant to the eyes of the colleagues who are corrupt. They are
disgusted of the corrupt behaviors of fellow policemen but on the other hand, they are killjoy to the others.

4. Straight Shooters—these are honest policemen who are ready to hide the corrupt practices of their
comrades as part of camaraderie. They observe the principle of “omerta” or hiding the secret of fellow
policemen. They suffer in silence and most of them seek assignment to a corrupt-free unit or office.

5. Grass Eaters or Vegetarian Cops

6. Meat Eaters or Carnivorous Cops

7. Rogues—are policemen who are considered having all the deviant behaviors of a corrupt policeman. They
engaged in activities normally defined as dirty money by the police peer group. They are considered bad to
the bone.

Police Misconduct
1. Malfeasance is the doing of an act by a public officer who has without authority to do the same.
2. Misfeasance is the doing of an act by a public officer in a wrong way or with wrong result
3. Nonfeasance is the failure to perform an act which a public officer has a duty to do.

Other Forms of Police Misconduct:

1. Brutality—police brutality refers to unnecessary and unreasonable use of force in effecting arrest or abuse
in the manner of conducting search and seizure.

2. Sexual Misconduct—is a kind of police misconduct which is commonly committed by policeman who
sexually molested female or male clients who have transaction with the police office. It is a sexual
harassment behavior of police men.

3. Police Lying—police lying and other deceptive practices are in fact part of working environment. Lies and
deception vary as to whether or not they should be considered ethical violations or are necessary for the
police to accomplish their tasks. To amplify what are lies, they are categorized as follows:

8
  Accepted Lying—this is to be considered part of police working environment, like for example in a
discreet operation. Lying as a deceptive ploy is allowed and is advisable.

 Tolerated Lying—are those which are recognized as lies but tolerated as necessary to explain
inadequacy or inefficiency of the police organization. For example, in a certain crime where there
was neither witness nor evidence as it was really made perfect. The police officers may lie to the
victim rather than to reveal that the crime is impossible to solve.

 Deviant Lying—this involves lies that violate substantive or procedural laws and police office rules
and regulations.

4. Use of Drugs—policemen who are assigned in Narcotic Command are those who are susceptible to induced
to taste drug for recreational purpose or just to experience using it. Without their knowing, they are already
hooked in it.

9
 THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
(REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713)

Section 1. These rules shall cover all officials and employees in the government, elective and appointive, permanent
or temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police personnel, whether or not they
receive compensation, regardless of amount.

Incentives and rewards shall be granted officials and employees who have demonstrated exemplary service and
conduct on the basis of their observance of the norms of conduct laid down in Section 4 of the Code, namely:

(a) Commitment to public interest – Officials and employees shall always uphold the public interest over personal
interest. All government resources and powers of their respective departments, offices and agencies must be
employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically, particularly to avoid wastage in public funds
and revenues.

(b) Professionalism – Officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of
excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with utmost devotion and dedication
to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue
patronage.

(c) Justness and sincerity – Officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They must act with
justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the underprivileged. They
shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good
customs, public policy, public order, public safety and public interest. They shall not dispense or extend undue favors
on account of their office to their relatives, whether by consanguinity or affinity, except with respect to appointments
of such relatives to positions considered strictly confidential or as members of their personal staff whose terms are
coterminous with theirs.

(d) Political neutrality – Officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair discrimination
regardless of party affiliation or preference.

(e) Responsiveness to the public – Officials and employees shall extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service
to the public. Unless otherwise provided by law or when required by the public interest, officials and employees shall
provide information on their policies and procedures in clear and understandable language, ensure openness of
information, public consultations and hearings whenever appropriate, encourage suggestions, simplify and
systematize policy, roles and procedures, avoid red tape and develop an understanding and appreciation of the
socio-economic conditions prevailing in the country, especially in the depressed rural and urban areas.

(f) Nationalism and patriotism – Officials and employees shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and to the
Filipino people, promote the use of locally produced goods, resources and technology and encourage appreciation
and pride of country and people. They shall endeavor to maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign
intrusion.

(g) Commitment to democracy – Officials and employees shall commit themselves to the democratic way of life
and values, maintain the principle of public accountability and manifest by deeds the supremacy of civilian authority
over the military. They shall at all times uphold the Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or
party.

(h) Simple living – Officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions
and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.

Grounds for Administrative Disciplinary Action

10
Section 1. In addition to the grounds for administrative disciplinary action prescribed under existing laws, the acts and
omissions of any official or employee, whether or not he holds office or employment in a casual, temporary, hold-
over, permanent or regular capacity, declared unlawful or prohibited by the Code, shall constitute the grounds for
administrative disciplinary action, and without prejudice to criminal and civil liabilities provided herein, such as:

(a) Directly or indirectly having financial and material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of his office.
Financial and material interest is defined as a pecuniary or proprietary interest by which a person will gain or lose
something;

(b) Owning, controlling, managing or accepting employment as officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent,
trustee, or nominee in any private enterprise regulated, supervised or licensed by his office, unless expressly allowed
by law;

(c) Engaging in the private practice of his profession unless authorized by the Constitution, law or regulation,
provided that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with his official functions;

(d) Recommending any person to any position in a private enterprise which has a regular or pending official
transaction with his office, unless such recommendation or referral is mandated by (1) law, or (2) international
agreements, commitment and obligation, or as part of the functions of his office; These acts shall continue to be
prohibited for a period of one (1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public office, except in the case
of paragraph (c) above, but the professional concerned cannot practice his profession in connection with any matter
before the office he used to be with, within one year after such resignation, retirement, or separation, provided that
any violation hereof shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary action upon re-entry to the government service.

e) Disclosing or misusing confidential or classified information officially known to him by reason of his office and not
made available to the public, to further his private interests or give undue advantage to anyone, or to prejudice the
public interest;

(f) Soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary
value which in the course of his official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any
transaction which may be affected by the functions of, his office. The propriety or impropriety of the foregoing shall be
determined by its value, kinship or relationship between giver and receiver and the motivation. A thing of monetary
value is one which is evidently or manifestly excessive by its very nature.

Gift refers to a thing or a right disposed of gratuitously, or any act of liberality, in favor of another who accepts it, and
shall include a simulated sale or an ostensibly onerous disposition thereof.

Loan covers simple loan and commodatum as well as guarantees, financing arrangement or accommodation
intended to ensure its approval.

Commodatum refers to a contract whereby one of the parties delivers to another something not consumable so that
the latter may use the same for a certain time and return it.

This prohibition shall not include:

(1) Unsolicited gift of nominal or insignificant value not given in anticipation of, or in exchange for, a favor from a
public official or employee or given after the transaction is completed, or service is rendered. As to what is a gift of
nominal value will depend on the circumstances of each case taking into account the salary of the official or
employee, the frequency or infrequency of the giving, the expectation of benefits, and other similar factors.

11
(2) A gift from a member of his family or relative as defined in the Code on the occasion of a family celebration, and
without any expectation of pecuniary gain or benefit.

(3) Nominal donations from persons with no regular, pending, or expected transactions with the department, office or
agency with which the official or employee is connected, and without any expectation of pecuniary gain or benefits.

(4) Donations coming from private organizations whether local or foreign, which are considered and accepted as
humanitarian and altruistic in purpose and mission.

(5) Donations from government-to-government entities.

12
 Code of Ethics Board of Criminology

Article I PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF REGISTERED CRIMINOLOGIST

a. The primary responsibility of every person admitted to the practice of Criminology as a Registered Criminologist is
to bear faithful allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and be loyal to his profession. They shall accept as a
sacred obligation and responsibility as citizens to support the Constitution of the Philippines and as a Registered
Criminologist to defend the principles of liberty as defined in the Constitution and Laws.

b. As a Registered Criminologist, they shall strive to improve their effectiveness by diligent study and sincere
attention to improvement and welcome the opportunity to disseminate practical and useful information relating to
matters accruing to the benefit of public safety and welfare.

Article 2 LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY

a. The first duty of a criminologist as upholder of the law is to know its bounds upon him, be aware of limitations and
prescriptions and recognize the system of government that gives to no man group or institution absolute power. He
must ensure that he is prime defender of that system and as such must never pervert its character.

b. They shall in the performance of their duty be just, impartial and reasonable, never according anyone more
preferential treatment than another. They shall recognize the limitation of their authority and at no time use the power
of their profession for personal advantage.

Article 3 PRIVATE CONDUCT

a. The Registered Criminologist must be mindful of his special identification by the public as an upholder of the law.
He must never be lax in conduct or manner in private life, express disrespect for the law, nor seek to gain special
privilege that would be reflective upon the profession. He must so conduct his private life that the public will regard
him as an example of stability fidelity and morality.

b. He must strive to elevate the standing of the profession in the public mind, strengthen public confidence in law
enforcement, develop and maintain complete support and cooperation of the public and insure the effectiveness by
encouraging complete cooperation of members for their mutual benefit.

Article 4 CONDUCT TOWARDS THE PUBLIC

a. The Criminologists remind at all times that dignity, fairness and a genuine willingness to help are essential to their
public image and their ability to do a good job.
b. The Criminologists mindful of their responsibility to the whole community, deal with individuals of the community in
a manner calculated to instill re spect for its laws and their profession.

c. They shall be habitually courteous and accept their responsibility by being punctual and expeditious in their
engagements and duties. They shall regard their profession as a public trust and in the discharge of their duties, bear
constantly in mind their obligation to serve the public efficiently and effectively.

Article 5 ATTITUDE TOWARDS PROFESSION

a. The criminologists shall strive to make the best application of science to the solution of crime, by diligent study and
sincere attention to self improvement, and in the fields of human relationships, strive for effective leadership and
public influence in matters affecting public safety.

b. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his profession as an honorable one rendering valuable
service to his community and country. They shall strive to attain certain of the most withering cross examination
particularly from fellow criminologists and associates.

13
c. He shall avoid outside influence from overzealous and overanxious clients and his findings shall be based solely
and entirely on logical and scientific deduction derived from a fair and impartial examination personally performed by
him.

d. He must never lose sight of the important fact that he should no only work for the identification, apprehension and
conviction of criminals, but must strive with greater if not equal vigor to clear the innocent.

Article 6 ATTITUDE TOWARDS FELLOW CRIMINOLOGISTS

a. The Criminologists shall strive constantly to improve professional standing of Criminology through association with
others in the profession and keeping abreast with the fast moving world of science and technology through constant
research and development.

b. He shall cooperate fully with fellow criminologists regardless of personal prejudice. He should however, be assured
that such action is proper and in accordance with law and guard against the sue of this office or person, knowingly or
unknowingly in any improper or illegal action. He always bear in mind at all times that it isnot sufficient to be proficient
in ones work, he must also have a high sense of justice, a belief in the dignity and worth of all men and a proper
motivation and attitude. He must possess a sense of dedication to his profession and a sense of duty and obligation
to his fellowmen.

c. He shall cooperate with fellow criminologists and public officials to the end that the safety and general welfare of
the public will be assured, never permitting jealousies or personal differences to influence their professional duties
and obligations.

Article 7 CODE OF ETHICS

The universally accepted Code of Ethics for Law Enforcement shall be temporarily adopted pending formulation of a
more specific code that embraces all aspects of Criminology.

LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS

As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect
the innocent against deception; the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or
disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice. I will keep my private life
unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-
restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and
official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulation of my department. Whatever I see or
hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation
is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With the compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution
or criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor malice or ill will, never eploying
unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of
public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the other of the police service. I will
constantly strive to achieve these objectives, and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen
profession. . .law enforcement.

14