NCJ Number
197247
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 64,66,68,70
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the four universal ethics documents of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Abstract
Following a survey and 3 years of research, the IACP Police Image and Ethics Committee concluded that ethics is their greatest training and leadership need. The image of police has been declining overall since the mid-to-late 1960's. A contributing factor to this decline is misconduct on the part of a few police officers. The latest initiatives of the IACP is the publication of the Ethics Toolkit in 2002, the development of the ethics section on the IACP Web site in 2002, the adoption of the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor in 2000, and the development of the Oath of Honor Videotape in 2001. The Oath of Honor was developed to provide the law enforcement profession with a powerful and universal process by which officers can reaffirm their ethical values and beliefs. It summarizes policing values in a simple statement. The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is displayed in police and sheriff departments, recited at graduation ceremonies, and taken as a solemn oath of office. It stands as a preface to the mission and commitment law enforcement agencies make to the public they serve. The Law Enforcement Code of Conduct establishes the standards of professional policing and addresses the primary responsibilities, performance of duties, discretion, use of force, confidentiality, integrity, cooperation with other agencies, personal-professional capabilities, and private life of a police officer. The Cannon of Police Ethics contains 11 articles of conduct that outline the essential behavior of professional police officers. These tools should be considered as part of a comprehensive program to improve ethical conduct within the law enforcement agency. Ethical mentoring and role modeling should be consistent, frequent, and visible. 1 footnote