Username:
 Password:
 

Are you not a member?
Register here
Forgot your password?
 
 

  Support for Dr John Jones - Walking the talk
15/04/2009 12:16:12

  Support for Dr John Jones - Walking the talk
15/04/2009 06:12:49
 
 



  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Ethical Codes
 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Mr Orange View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 12 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10 		  Quote Mr Orange Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Ethical Codes
    Posted: 22 March 2006 at 22:35
Why is there a need for some agencies to adopt an "ethical code"? We swear an oath on appointment as a police officer and there is legislation, policies and the discipline code to enforce our behaviour. What does an ethical code bring to the game? Is it to obtain a tick in the box to show that they are an "ethical agency"?
Mr. Orange
Back to Top
Kiplin View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 11 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 39 		  Quote Kiplin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 March 2006 at 02:54

Why have a code if it is just a tick in the box. What is the point.

If we set standards should we be expected to to reinforce the standards with some form of legislative action if these standards are not being adheared to ? Look at what is happening in America at the moment in their congress with regards to ethical standards ?

The question I think we need to address is what do we expect the outcome of any code to be ?

What do members think
Kiplin
Back to Top
colin View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 10 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6 		  Quote colin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 March 2006 at 11:12
It's no good if a Code is no more than a list of well meaning statements. They have to be more than this. However, well-written and with relevancy to the organisation, they can be useful tools.
For example, they can help in enhancing the sensitivity of individuals to the ethical position of the organisation and, to some degree, may help in providing support in doing the "right" thing.

 
Back to Top
Kiplin View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 11 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 39 		  Quote Kiplin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 March 2006 at 16:15
Colin do you think codes need enforcement powers or are they like the British Highway code, not law but can be used against you if you do not adhere to them ?
Kiplin
Back to Top
colin View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 10 February 2006
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6 		  Quote colin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 March 2006 at 18:08
Hello Kiplin,

I know it happens in many organsiations, but I really do not like to see
Codes of Ethics linked to disciplinary procedures. Talking to UK officers, I know that many of them think that this is exactly what will happen if a Code of Ethics for the service is developed. They believe that it will be another stick with which to beat them if things go wrong. Surely it's possible to create a Code which will be acceptable to all ranks and which will help officers achieve the ethical aims and objectives of their organisation.
Back to Top
texascop View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 30 March 2006
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14 		  Quote texascop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 April 2006 at 21:05

I have to ask, in the words of Chris Braeden, retired, Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, "What is the object of the exercise?" That is, what is the objective we are aiming to attain?

If the purpose of a code of ethics is only to increase the officer's awareness of ethical concepts and considerations, but with no teeth for enforcement, that is one thing; however, if the aim is to lay down a set of standards of conduct, from which there is an expectation of adherence, then it follows that there must be a vehicle for enforcement of those standards.

I think that first, we need to agree on the purpose of a code of ethics before we can discuss the implications which brings us back to the original question asked by BoroKes, "Why is there a need for some agencies to adopt an "ethical code"?"

One might ask, what are the consequences for an agency which has no published code of ethics?



Edited by texascop
Texas Cop
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.50 [Free Express Edition]
Copyright ©2001-2008 Web Wiz
 
 
[about EiP] [membership] [information room] [library] [forum] [online shopping]
[EiP services] [contact information] [swopshop]
 
 
2006 EthicsinPolicing Limited. All rights reserved
privacy policy
site designed, maintained & hosted by
The Consultancy