Have your say in the Code of Ethics consultation
We want to make you aware of national consultation that is currently ongoing regarding revised policing guidelines called the Code of Ethics. The College of Policing are encouraging engagement from the public to have their say.
The public’s role in the Code of Ethics consultation
The College of Policing have announced a national consultation regarding revising the Code of Ethics to better reflect modern-day policing. They want you, the public, to have the opportunity to have your say on the revised policing guidelines.
What is the Code of Ethics?
The Code of Ethics is a national set of policing guidelines that encourages personal responsibility, supports professional judgement, and sets out how we work together with the public so we can keep people safe.
It provides a framework to guide the actions taken and decisions made by officers, staff and volunteers every day.
To get feedback on what should be included in the revised Code of Ethics, public consultation was held between July and September 2021. The College of Policing then worked with serving officers, staff, academics, and representatives from partner organisations to develop the changes and produce a Code of Ethics that can support everyone working in policing.
It’s important that internal and external stakeholders, including the public, read the new proposed Code of Ethics and share their views. You will find all the relevant documentation on the College of Policing website, including a survey which should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
The new proposed Code of Ethics is made up of three parts, each of which are designed to complement each other:
- Ethical policing principles – we will prioritise public service, lead with courage and respond with respect. They are supported by a professional responsibility to reflect, learn, and improve. The principles can be applied to all actions and decisions from arresting a suspect or analysing intelligence, through to delivering training or speaking at a community event.
- Guidance on professional behaviour –provides practical advice on areas of policing that are important to maintaining public trust and legitimacy, such as: being open, honest, and candid, treating all people and their property with fairness, dignity and respect and challenging or reporting behaviour that is unprofessional. It outlines the professional behaviours the public has a right to expect from us, and what we should expect from ourselves and each other.
- Code of Practice for ethical and professional policing – this sets a statutory requirement for chief officers. The Code of Practice includes actions that organisational leaders can take to support people in their force to use the ethical policing principles and demonstrate professional behaviour. It covers areas such as: ensuring Continuous Professional Development (CPD), encouraging a culture that challenges unprofessional behaviour as well as one that encourages openness and candour, and ensuring relevant policies are well publicised and followed within force. The Code of Practice also describes how forces should deal with misconduct and corruption.
Have your say…
Visit the College of Policing website to view the new Code of Ethics and contribute to the consultation by completing their feedback form. Your help is hugely appreciated and will help shape the future of policing.