Standards and ethics
Code of ethics
Police officers and staff regularly face very challenging situations that require split second decisions to be made. In these circumstances a solution to a problem isn’t always clear cut or easy to make. The College of Policing’s Code of Ethics lays out standards of behaviour every police employee should aspire to.
It’s there to help staff do the right thing and have confidence to challenge colleagues, if necessary, irrespective of rank, role or position.
It has two parts, both of which are non-statutory.
The Code of Ethics is supported by the Code of Practice for Ethical Policing.
Standards of professional behaviour
- honesty and integrity
- authority, respect and courtesy
- equality and diversity
- use of force
- orders and instructions
- duties and responsibilities
- confidentiality
- fitness for work
- conduct
- challenging and reporting improper conduct
Abuse of authority
The vast majority of officers and police staff would never overstep their professional boundaries, and would not abuse their position.
Sadly, there have been a small number of occasions in Kent Police where professional boundaries have become blurred and officers have abused their position of trust. This has on occasions resulted in sexual relationships being established.
The Independent Office for Police Contact (IOPC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Rescue Service (HMICFRS) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council are clear that such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and is classed as serious corruption. The potential damage to victim and public confidence in the police can be huge. Such behaviour will only ever end one way – potential criminal conviction, gross misconduct investigation and pension forfeiture etc.
Kent Police will not tolerate officers and staff abusing their roles for material, emotional or sexual gain.
If you think someone in authority is not acting professionally toward you or someone you know, call us on 101 or anonymously on 01622 636363.
What to look out for:
- gifts
- contact from personal phone numbers or personal social media accounts
- inappropriate texts
- excessive visits
- requests not to speak with other officers