Police Codes of Ethics
Virtually all police departments have some kind of formal "Code of Ethics," or guidelines that tell the members of the police force what is and is not acceptable behavior. The people these officers are sworn to serve and protect expect ethical behavior from those officers, and in fact there are times when public or individual safety depends on the officers' determination to act in ethical and honest ways. Meanwhile, we hear horrific stories about police force abuse, including cases where police officers have been caught selling drugs to the incident in New York some years ago where a suspect in custody was terribly abused while in custody.
Of course, the great majority of police officers go to work every day and are routinely prepared to put their lives on the line for others, conduct their professional with dignity and good judgment, and never once commit an offense that would place their name on a list of officers who had violated the public's faith, or any laws. Nevertheless, the police in any community have tremendous power, and it's important that the officers to whom the public entrust their safety act in honorable and ethical ways.
Because of the Internet, it is possible for concerned citizens and anyone else to view the Codes of Ethics for many police departments across the country. This paper will compare and contrast the Code of Conduct for Washington, D.C. And two other cities -- Denver and Detroit. It will compare Washington, D.C. And the other two cities because of a remarkable coincidence: Denver's and Detroit's Codes of Conduct are nearly identical, word for word.
Washington D. C.'s Code of Conduct was written by Interim Chief of Police Sonya T. Proctor after a period of turmoil in that police department. It reads,
The power of the police to fulfill their functions is dependent upon securing and maintaining community respect and approval, which includes obtaining the community's willingness to cooperate in the task of ensuring safety. The extent to which the community will cooperate with the Metropolitan Police Department is dependent upon its respect for, and confidence in, the police. The extent to which the community's respect and trust can be secured is diminished when a member of the department acts in an unprofessional, improper, dishonest, or unlawful manner.
In any effort to strengthen the citizen-police officer relationship, the personal conduct and attitude of the police officer is of paramount importance. Each member of the force must understand that the basis of the police service is a desire and a willingness to serve the community. In order to earn the respect and trust of the community, all sworn and civilian employees of the Metropolitan Police Department must subscribe to the following:
Members shall regard their office as a public trust and, in the discharge of their duties, be constantly mindful of their primary obligation to serve the community honestly, efficiently, and effectively.
Members shall administer the law in a just, impartial, and reasonable manner and shall not accord to some more reasonable treatment than to others. They shall recognize the limitations of their authority and at no time use the power of their office for their own personal advantage.
Members must observe, uphold, and enforce all laws without bias or prejudice, and without regard to the individual or individuals involved.
Members shall recognize their responsibility as public servants and shall be particularly attentive to citizens seeking assistance, information, who desire to register complaints, or give evidence.
Members shall cooperate fully with all other public officials to the end that the safety and general welfare of the community will be insured.
Members must conduct their private and professional lives in such a manner as to avoid bringing discredit upon themselves, the department, or the community. The community must regard them as examples of honesty, stability, fidelity, and morality.
Members must not conduct themselves in a manner which might be construed by the community as immoral, indecent, or unprofessional.
Members shall not engage in any relationships which might be construed as evidence of favoritism, unfairness, partiality, or unfair advantage. Members shall serve all members of the community in a fair, impartial, and professional manner (Proctor, 1997).
This Code of Ethics is particularly remarkable because it was written by one person. However, that person was responding to a need at the time.
Denver, Colorado's police department covers both the city and the county. Its Code of Ethics is shorter, and the source states that it was revised in April of 1999:
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