ETHICS IN POLICE

SERVICES
Business Ethics

GROUP 7

PGP15089 - MAHAVADI RAVITEJA SURYANARAYANA

PGP15090 - MAYANK BHATIA
PGP15101 - RAGAMAYEE PETLU
PGP15102 - RAHUL BURMAN
PGP15103 - RAKSHIT JOSHI
PGP15104 - RAVI JEENGAR

Contents
A. INTRODUCTION 1
B. CODE OF CONDUCT. 1
C. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR.. 2
D. CONCLUSION. 7

A. INTRODUCTION
The policing profession has a duty to protect the public and prevent crime. The public expect
every person within the profession to fulfil this duty by being fair and impartial and giving a
selfless service.
While the great majority of people in policing act with honesty and integrity, any unprofessional
behavior detracts from the service provided to the public and harms the professions reputation.
The Code of Ethics sets out the principles and standards of behavior that promotes, reinforce and
support the highest standards from everyone who works in policing in India.
The Code also has a preventive role. It requires everyone in policing to prevent unprofessional
conduct by questioning behavior which falls below expected standards. Additionally, it supports
reporting or taking action against that behavior.
B. CODE OF CONDUCT
The guidelines for the code of conduct for the police were issued by the Ministry of Home
Affairs and communicated to Chief Secretaries of all States/ Union Territories and Heads of
Central Police Organizations on July 4, 1985.
1. The police must bear faithful allegiance to the Constitution of India and respect and
uphold the rights of the citizens as guaranteed by it.
2. The police should not question the propriety or necessity of any law duly enacted. They
should enforce the law firmly and impartially, without fear or favor, malice or
vindictiveness.
3. The police should recognize and respect the limitations of their powers and functions.
They should not usurp or even seem to usurp the functions of the judiciary and sit in
judgment on cases to avenge individuals and punish the guilty.
4. In securing the observance of law or in maintaining order, the police should as far as
practicable, use the methods of persuasion, advice and warning. When the application of
force becomes inevitable, only the irreducible minimum of force required in the
circumstances should be used.
5. The prime duty of the police is to prevent crime and disorder and the police must
recognize that the test of their efficiency is the absence of both and not the visible
evidence of police action in dealing with them.
6. The police must recognize that they are members of the public, with the only difference
that in the interest of the society and on its behalf they are employed to give full time
attention to duties, which are normally incumbent on every citizen to perform.
7. The police should realize that the efficient performance of their duties would be
dependent on the extent of ready cooperation that they receive from the public. This, in
turn, will depend on their ability to secure public approval of their conduct and actions
and to earn and retain public respect and confidence.

8. The police should always keep the welfare of the people in mind and be sympathetic and
considerate towards them. They should always be ready to offer individual service and
friendship and render necessary assistance to all without regard to their wealth and / or
social standing.
9. The police should always place duty before self, should maintain calm in the face of
danger, scorn or ridicule and should be ready to sacrifice their lives in protecting those of
others.
10. The police should always be courteous and well mannered; they should be dependable
and impartial; they should possess dignity and courage; and should cultivate character
and the trust of the people.
11. Integrity of the highest order is the fundamental basis of the prestige of the police.
Recognizing this, the police must keep their private lives scrupulously clean, develop
self-restraint and be truthful and honest in thought and deed, in both personal and official
life, so that the public may regard them as exemplary citizens.
12. The police should recognize that their full utility to the State is best ensured only by
maintaining a high standard of discipline, faithful performance of duties in accordance
with law and implicit obedience to the lawful directions of commanding ranks and
absolute loyalty to the force and by keeping themselves in the state of constant training
and preparedness.
13. As members of a secular, democratic state, the police should strive continually to rise
above personal prejudices and promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood
amongst all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic or sectional diversities
and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women and disadvantaged sections
of society.

C. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR

1. Honesty and Integrity
According to this standard police must:
Act with honesty and integrity at all times
Use position, police ID or warrant card for policing purposes only, and not to
gain a personal advantage that could give the impression you are abusing your
position.
Examples of meeting this standard are when Police:
are sincere and truthful
show courage in doing what one believe to be right
ensure his decisions are not influenced by improper considerations of personal
gain
do not knowingly make false, misleading or inaccurate oral or written
statements in any professional context

neither solicit nor accept the offer of any gift, gratuity or hospitality that could
compromise his impartiality
does not use his position to inappropriately coerce any person or to settle
personal grievances.
In abiding by this standard police gain and maintain the trust of the public, leaders,
colleagues and team.
The more senior in rank, grade or role police individual is, the greater the potential for
harm as a consequence of any misuse of his position or any failure to meet the standards
required by the Code of Ethics.
The police service operates on the basis of openness and transparency. This is essential to
maintaining and enhancing a positive relationship between the policing profession and
the community.
To achieve legitimate policing aims, it is sometimes necessary to use covert tactics. This
is recognized in law.
Covert tactics must be appropriately authorized and any deployments must be shown to
be proportionate, lawful, accountable, necessary and ethical.
Officers who authorize or perform covert policing roles must keep in mind at all times the
principles and standards set out in the Code of Ethics/Conducts.

2. Authority, respect and courtesy

According to this standard police must:
carry out his role and responsibilities in an efficient, diligent and professional
manner
avoid any behavior that might impair his effectiveness or damage either his own
reputation or that of policing
ensure his behavior and language could not reasonably be perceived to be
abusive, oppressive, harassing, bullying, victimizing or offensive by the public or
his policing colleagues
Examples of meeting this standard are when police forces:
remain composed and respectful, even in the face of provocation
retain proportionate self-restraint in volatile situations
recognize the particular needs of victims and witnesses for policing support
step forward and take control when required by the circumstances
keep an open mind and do not prejudge situations or individuals
Use their authority only in ways that are proportionate, lawful, accountable,
necessary and ethical.
The reasons for their actions may not always be understood by others, including the
public. Police must, therefore, be prepared to explain them as fully as possible.
According to this standard police must:
ensure that any relationship at work does not create an actual or apparent conflict
of interest

not engage in sexual conduct or other inappropriate behavior when on duty

not establish or pursue an improper sexual or emotional relationship with a person
with whom the come into contact in the course of their work who may be
vulnerable to an abuse of trust or power.

3. Equality and diversity

According to this standard police must:
uphold the law regarding human rights and equality
treat all people fairly and with respect
treat people impartially.
Examples of meeting this standard are when police:
show compassion and empathy, as appropriate, to people you come into contact
with
treat people according to their needs
recognize that some individuals who come into contact with the police are
vulnerable and may require additional support and assistance
take a proactive approach to opposing discrimination so as to adequately support
victims, encourage reporting and prevent future incidents
act and make decisions on merit, without prejudice and using the best available
information
consider the needs of the protected characteristic groupings age, disability,
gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity,
race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation
actively seek or use opportunities to promote equality and diversity
4. Use of force
This standard is primarily intended for police officers who, on occasion, may need to use
force in carrying out their duties.
Police staff, volunteers and contractors in particular operational roles (for example,
custody-related) may also be required to use force in the course of their duties.
According to this standard police must use only the minimum amount of force necessary
to achieve the required result.
They will have to account for any use of force, in other words justify it based upon their
honestly held belief at the time that they used the force.
5. Order and Instructions
Ethics in police claims that police officer must abide by any lawful order and police
regulations. According to standard of code of conduct police must carry out only reasonable
instructions. The failure to follow an instruction may or may not lead to misconduct. An

example when a police officer believes that order is unlawful or has a substantial reason of
not to comply with the instruction. Discretion of police is necessary and should be used
wisely. If you ought to work on your discretion you need to use your skills, training about
policing. We need to consider about what we need to attain and potential effects on your
discretion. You can take any relevant guidance, policing codes into consideration. You also
need to ensure that you are working consistently with the principles in the code.
6. Duties and Responsibilities
According to the standard police must carry out duties, obligations to the best of their
ability. It take full responsibility and are prepared to justify their actions and decisions.
Police use all information, training and support to keep police up to date on your role and
responsibilities.
According to Business interest people working in police can have business interest till the
interest are authorized and has no conflict with individuals work and responsibilities.
According to associations membership of societies and associations with individuals and
groups.
It must not create conflict with police work and responsibilities.
According to political activity police officers are not allowed to take active part in
politics.
Police officials should place themselves in a position where they might be questioned.
7. Confidentiality
Information is a key aspect to notify in ethics in policing. An oath in policing claims to treat
information with respect and not disclose it as per the duties.
To maintain the standard of confidentiality
Police should be familiar and abide by data protection act 1998.
Police can access information for legitimate and authorized purpose only.
Police should not disclose information either on or off duty to unauthorized
receivers.
Police must understand that the personal data should be authorized before use
The risks involved must be carefully assessed
Police must be vulnerable to harassment, corruption by revealing personal
information about the police for policing purpose.
They should prejudice investigations by revealing tactics..
In terms of social media confidentiality is an important factor
The standard relates to use of web based and all social networking websites
While there are benefits there are also potential risks.

Police should make use of social media responsibly. Ethically police should ensure that the
online published material should not be perceived by public as abusive, discriminatory or
incompatible with policing principles. Police is not allowed to publish online any material
that undermine the reputation of police or might lead to the risk of affecting public
confidence in police.
8. Fitness for Work
There is a proper fit which police has to ensure when on duty at work.
Police should not use illegal drugs and consume alcohol when on duty.
Police should be fit in carrying out your role to fulfill the responsibilities.
They are not allowed to misuse legal drugs or other legal substances.
It is a clause that if there is a feeling that a person is unfit to undertake the role he must
immediately declare tis to their line manager, Hr department or other relevant person.
The absenteeism from work due to injury or sickness may require to consult health
professionals and must not involve in activities that may hinder your return to work.

9. Conduct
A proper conduct is followed in the policing department. Some of the important factors are
The police should always maintain the highest standard of behavior.
You should be cautious in decision to avoid losing public trust and confidence in police.
According to the standard of any action against the police for any criminal offence, arrest,
court notice, police should
Police official must report to supervisor of a professional standard as soon as the
conviction or notice against you by the court.
You need to report if any legal proceedings against you for debts, any serious criminal
convictions even if it is against your family member or a close friend.
A police officer due to above issues may bring disgrace to the department.
10. Reporting Improper Conduct
According to the standard adopted any police official should never ignore unethical behavior
irrespective of person rank, grade and role.
A police official can challenge, notify colleagues conduct if it is not at par with the
expectation and the standard.
It may be possible that you need to follow hierarchy or a proper channel to notify the
conduct of your colleagues.
There is a norm of protecting whistleblowers in the law.
There should be proper information disclosure with Public Interest Disclosure act 1998.

According to the code related to supervisors it is to be ensured that the professional duties to
be carried correctly. There should be assessment which should lead to positive action or it is
otherwise recommended to report unprofessional behavior must be escalated appropriately.
D. CONCLUSION:
In India, the policing must be efficient, lawful and humane. It is the responsibility of the
Government to ensure that police agencies are properly resourced. Also, there must be
continuous external supervision and monitoring by the Government and legal institutions. The
police must abide by the human right regulations to ensure human dignity and involvement of
society in policing. This will not only strengthen the bond between the police and society but
also create a police-friendly environment. The Government needs to amend the law appropriately
so that policemen who commit atrocities on persons in their custody are not allowed to escape by
reason of paucity or absence of evidence. The police should not be the rulers but guardians of the
people and there must be no political intervention. Also, India must take immediate steps to curb
inordinate delays in adjudication and accurate policing and investigation is a must for right
judgment.