Our ethics
The Code of Ethics is a national code of practice, which defines core policing values and the standards of behaviour for everyone who works in policing.
We aim to provide the very best quality of service to the public whilst delivering our strategy, which includes targeting offenders, preventing, reducing and detecting crime, serving our victims and providing community-based services.
The Code of Ethics helps guide us in the difficult decisions we make on a daily basis, to ensure we achieve our objectives by doing what is right and what is fair, not simply what it is lawful or easy.
The Code of Ethics comprises nine policing principles and ten standards of professional behaviour.
The policing principles originate from the Principles of Public Life published by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, in 1995, and are a direct reflection of public expectation. They are:
- Accountability
- Fairness
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Objectivity
- Openness
- Respect
- Selflessness
Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012
The standards of professional behaviour originate from the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 and from the Police Staff Council Joint Circular 54.
They are:
- 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 behaviour
Devon and Cornwall Police use the Code of Ethics to affirm our commitment to delivering our services with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.