ACA CRIMINOLOGY REVIEW AND TRAINING CENTER

MSU Graduate School, Tamontaka

Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguidanao/Cotabato City

REVIEW NOTES IN POLICE ETHICS

By:
Prof. Richard T. Camara,RC,BSCrim.,MSCrim.
Mobile Phone: 09264741277
E-Mail: richrdcamara@yahoo.com.sg

ETHICS
- the science of the morality of human acts
- the study of human motivation, and ultimately, of human rational behavior
- derived from the Greek word, ethos, which means characteristic way of acting

POLICE ETHICS
- a practical science that treats the principles of human morality and duty as applied to law enforcement

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
- a set of moral code to which every profession must subscribe; guides the professional where the law is silent or
inadequate

VIRTUE
- a habit that inclines the person to act in a way that harmonizes with his nature

MORAL VIRTUE
- concerned with those actions that pertain to one’s duties towards his neighbors and himself
- virtues that build the character of a person

FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES THAT SERVE AS THE BASIS OF FORMULATING THE STANDARD BEHAVIOR OF POLICE
OFFICERS

1) PRUDENCE – the ability to govern and discipline oneself by means of reason and sound judgment; the virtue that
attracts the intellect to choose the most effective means for accomplishing what is morally good and avoiding what
it evil

2) TEMPERANCE – one’s ability to moderate or avoid something; the virtue that regulates the carnal appetite for
sensual pleasures

3) FORTITUDE – firmness of mind; the courage to endure without yielding; the virtue that incites courage

a) PATIENCE – calmness and composure in enduring situations

b) PERSEVERANCE – the ability to go on despite the obstacles or opposition
c) ENDURANCE – the ability to last

4) JUSTICE – the virtue that inclines the will to give to each one of his rights

THREE DIVISIONS OF JUSTICE

1) COMMUTATIVE
- virtue that regulates those actions that involve the rights that exist between one individual and another

2) DISTRIBUTIVE
- regulates those actions that involve the rights that an individual may claim from society
 3) LEGAL
- virtue that regulates those actions which society may justly require of the individual for the common good

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

PNP CORE VALUES

1) Love of God
2) Respect for authority
3) Selfless love and service to people
4) Sanctity of marriage and respect for women
5) Responsible dominion and stewardship over material things
6) Truthfulness

PNP STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

1) PNP IMAGE
- the PNP shall live in accordance with the PNP core values and possess the following virtues:
a) HONOR
b) INTEGRITY
c) VALOR
d) JUSTICE
e) HONESTY
f) HUMILITY
g) CHARITY
h) LOYALTY TO THE SERVICE

2) CAREER MANAGEMENT
- the PNP shall formulate and implement policies and human resources development system for all PNP personnel,
from recruitment to retirement

3) POLICE MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP

- the primary basis for consideration in the selection of personnel for employment and deployment shall be the
individual’s capabilities and competent leadership

4) EQUALITY IN THE SERVICE

- there shall be judicious and equitable distribution of opportunity to prove one’s worth in the PNP service; the PNP
shall strictly adhere to the rule of merit and fitness system

5) DELICADEZA
- all members of the PNP must have moral courage to sacrifice self-interest

6) POLICE LIFESTYLE
- the PNP shall endeavor to promote a lifestyle that is acceptable and respectable in the eyes of the public because
the public expects a police officer to live a simple, yet dignified life

7) POLITICAL PATRONAGE
- all PNP members must inhibit themselves from soliciting political patronage in matters pertaining to assignments,
promotions, trainings and awards

8) HUMAN RIGHTS
- all PNP members shall respect and protect human dignity and man’s rights to life, liberty and property

POLICE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

1) COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY
- police officers must commit themselves to a democratic way of life and values and maintain the principle of public
accountability
- they shall at all times uphold the Constitution and be loyal to the legitimate government

2) COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC INTEREST

- police officers must always uphold public interest over and above personal interest
- they shall use public resources and properties economically and judiciously to avoid wastage of public funds

3) NON-PARTISANSHIP
- police officers shall provide services to everyone without discrimination regardless of political affiliation in
accordance with existing laws and regulations

4) PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH

- police officers shall strive to be physically and mentally fit and in good health at all times

5) SECRECY DISCIPLINE
- police officers shall guard the confidentiality of official information against unauthorized access and disclosure

6) SOCIAL AWARENESS
- police officers, as well as their immediate family members, shall be encouraged to actively get involved in
religious, social and civic activities to enhance the image of the PNP organization

7) NON-SOLICITATION OF PATRONAGE
- police officers shall seek self-improvement through career development without directly or indirectly soliciting
favors or recommendation from politicians, high-ranking government officials and the like

8) PROPER CARE AND USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY

- police officers shall be responsible for the security, proper care and use of public authority issued to them for the
performance of their duties

9) RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

- police officers shall respect and protect human rights in the performance of their duty

10) DEVOTION TO DUTY

- police officers shall perform their duties with dedication, thoroughness, efficiency, enthusiasm, determination and
manifest concern for public welfare

11) CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

- police officers shall help in the development and conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and
posterity

12) DISCIPLINE
- police officers shall conduct themselves properly at all times in keeping with the rules and regulations of the
organization

13) LOYALTY
- police officers must be loyal to the Constitution and to the police service as manifested by their loyalty to their
superiors, peers and subordinates as well

14) OBEDIENCE TO SUPERIORS

- police officers shall obey lawful orders and be courteous to superior officers and other appropriate authorities
within the chain of command

15) COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY

- immediate commanders shall be responsible for the effective supervision, control and direction of their personnel
ETHICAL STANDARDS
- shall refer to established and generally accepted moral values

ETHICAL ACTS
1) MORALITY
- police officers must adhere to high standard of morality and decency and shall set good example for others

2) JUDICIOUS USE OF AUTHORITY

- police officers shall exercise proper and legitimate use of authority and discretion in the performance of their duty

3) INTEGRITY
- police officers shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest practices

4) JUSTICE
- police officers shall strive constantly to respect the rights of others

5) HUMILITY
- police officers shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the masters of the people
- they should perform their duties without arrogance
- they should recognize their own inadequacies, inabilities and limitations as individuals
- they should perform their duties without attracting attention or expecting the applause of others

6) ORDERLINESS
- police officers shall follow logical procedures in accomplishing tasks assigned to them to minimize wasted time
and resources

PNP CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

CUSTOMS – established usage or social practices carried on by tradition that have obtained the force of law

TRADITION – bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and usages handed down from generation to generation with the effect of an
unwritten law

COURTESY – a manifestation or expression of consideration and respect for others

CEREMONY – a formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as proper to special occasion

SOCIAL DECORUM – a set of norms and standards practiced by members during social and other functions

SALUTE – the usual greeting rendered by uniformed personnel upon meeting and recognizing persons entitled to it

SALUTE TO NATIONAL COLOR AND STANDARD

- police officers must stand at attention and salute the national color and standard as it passes by them or when the
national color is raised or lowered during ceremonies

ADDRESS/TITLE
- junior in rank must address senior members who are entitled to a salute with the word “Sir”

COURTESY CALLS
1) COURTESY CALL OF NEWLY-ASSIGNED/APPOINTED MEMBER
- PNP members who are newly assigned or appointed in a unit or command must call on the chief of the unit or
command and to other key personnel for accounting, orientation and other purposes

2) CHRISTMAS CALL
- PNP members pay a Christmas call on their local executives in their respective area of responsibility
 3) NEW YEAR’S CALL
- PNP members pay a New Year’s call on their commanders and/or key officials in their respective area of
responsibility
4) PROMOTION CALL
- newly-promoted PNP members call on their unit head

5) EXIT CALL
- PNP members pay an exit call on their superiors in the unit or command when relieved or reassigned out of said
unit or command

COURTESY OF THE POST

- the host unit extends hospitality to visiting personnel who pay respect to the command or unit

“RANK-HAS-ITS-OWN PRIVILEGE”
- PNP members must acknowledge that different ranks carry with them corresponding privileges

PNP CUSTOMS ON CEREMONIES

FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY
- PNP members honor the flag by raising it and singing the National Anthem before the start of the official day’s
work

FLAG-RETREAT CEREMONY
- PNP members salute the lowering of the flag at the end of the official day’s work

HALF-MAST
- the flag is raised at half-mast in deference to deceased uniformed members of the command

FUNERAL SERVICE AND HONORS

- departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans or former PNP members are given vigil, necrological
services and graveside honors

HONOR SYSTEM
- arrival and departure honor ceremonies are rendered to visiting dignitaries, VIPs, PNP officers with the rank of
Chief Superintendent and above and AFP officers of equivalent grade

TURN-OVER CEREMONY
- the relinquishment and assumption of command or key position is publicly announced by the outgoing and
incoming officers

PNP CUSTOMS ON SOCIAL DECORUM

UNIFORM/APPEARANCE

- police officers must observe the following:

a) wearing of prescribed uniform
b) wearing, as part of the uniform, awards and decorations earned in accordance with the prescribed rules and
regulations
c) adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and regulations

MANNER OF WALKING
- every PNP officer is expected to walk with pride and dignity

POLICE TRADITIONS
1) SPIRITUAL BELIEFS
2) VALOR
 - police officers sacrifice their lives and limbs for the people they have pledged to serve
3) PATRIOTISM
- police officers manifest their love of country with a pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the
Constitution
4) DISCIPLINE
- police officers manifest discipline by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and through spontaneous actions
towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by moral, ethical and legal norms
5) GENTLEMANLINESS
- police officers are upright in character, polite in manners, dignified in appearance and sincere in their concern to
their fellowmen
6) WORD OF HONOR
- police officers stand by and commit to uphold their word
7) DUTY
- police officers are dedicated public servants who perform their tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self-
sacrifice
8) LOYALTY
- police officers are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and fellowmen
9) CAMARADERIE
- the binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization

RESOLUTION NO 92-4
- the resolution issued by the National Police Commission approving the Philippine National Police Code of
Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
- approved on 12 March 1992
 POLICE ETHICS
(Post-test)

1. Refers to the essence of good manners, which show sportsmanship, culture and gentility.
a. Courtesy c. Loyalty
b. Discipline d. Morals
2. Public officers and employees who serve with the highest degree of integrity, loyalty, responsibility and efficiency
manifests:
a. Love of country c. Allegiance to the constitutions
b. Allegiance to the government d. Public office is a public trust
3. Component of moral science which deals with the duties and responsibility which a law enforcement officer owes to the
community and public.
a. Loyalty c. Police ethics
b. Courtesy d. Police Community Relation
4. One’s obligation and duty to his nation of origin.
a. Code of ethics c. Loyalty and love of country
b. Allegiance to the constitution d. Allegiance to the government
5. Acts and omission not involving moral turpitude, but affecting t5he internal discipline of the PNP, such as simple
negligence and misconduct, frequent absence, gambling prohibited by law, tardiness and insubordination.
a. Serious offense c. Felony
b. Grave offense d. Minor offense
6. The most significant power exercised as a police officer as a first-line supervisor.
a. Control over organization c. Cost control
b. Manpower control d. Planning control
7. Mental and moral training that makes a man willing to be subject to regulation and control for the benefit and interest of
the group where he belongs.
a. Courtesy c. Morale
b. Discipline d. Ethics
8. Primary attribute for effective leadership.
a. Be a born leader
b. Have acquired the techniques of handling men
c. Have enough experience and training
d. Have normal intelligence and a sincere desire to serve
9. Self-esteem, self confidence, drive a person’s attitude and emotional feeling regarding their way of life and the people
whom they interact with.
a. Leadership c. Discipline
b. Morale d. Ethics
10. Discontent and grievance would logically result to:
a. Impersonal attitude c. Inconsistent administration
b. Severe punishment d. Unusual strictness
11. It refers to the sum total of dealings of the police with the people it serves.
a. Police relations c. Police public relations
b. Police community relations d. Human relations
12. Designed to bridge any communication gap between the police and the people.
a. Public information program c. Mass communications programs
b. Civic action program d. Public relations
13. Designed to influence public opinion in favor of the police force.
a. Public information program c. Mass communications program
b. Civic action program d. Public relations
14. Involves local officials and the citizenry in the preservation of peace and order.
a. Barangay police c. PLEB
b. COPS on the block d. Integrated Police Advisory Council
15. Consist of moral and legal precepts which governs the relationship of man in all aspects of life.
a. Public relations c. Police Community relations
b. Human relations d. Civic action program

16. In terms of its use in effective supervision, discipline is considered as:

a. Authority c. Training
b. Control d. Regulation
17. The most significant element in reprimanding a subordinate should be to:
a. Conduct an immediate investigation c. Improve the morale of you men
b. Implement rules and regulations d. Maintain discipline
18. Discipline should be strict but must always be tempered with sympathy and understanding. To abide by this principle, a
superior officer must:
a. Investigate thoroughly all the facts before making a decision
b. Always implement the policies, rules and regulations
c. Treat all personnel equally
d. Always listen to the explanation of the erring subordinate
19. Willful and continuous commission of minor offenses shall constitute:
a. Felony c. Ground for dismissal
b. Recidivism d. Serious offense of habitual dereliction
20. Reason why a police officer must always wear his uniform securely buttoned.
a. Loose clothing is shabby
 b. A complete uniform gets women’s attention
c. It is a minor offense
d. A neat appearance will command respect
21. It concerns those actions that pertains to one’s duties towards his neighbors himself.
a. Moral virtue c. Responsibility
b. Dignity d. Discipline
22. Policy in exercising utmost restraint by law enforcement in the performance of their duties.
a. Command responsibility c. Maximum tolerance
b. Parens Patria d. Rules of engagement
23. Power to own, use and exact something.
a. Authority c. Right
b. Privilege d. All of the foregoing
24. Authority of a person exercise over his subordinates.
a. Command c. Command responsibility
b. Responsibility d. Chain of command
25. A normative science of the conduct of human being living in a society.
a. Norms c. Ethics
b. Behavior d. Virtue
26. A virtue which regulates carnal appetite for sensual pleasure.
a. Prudence c. Fortitude
b. Temperature d. Justice
27. Ability to last.
a. Patience c. Perseverance
b. Endurance d. Fortitude
28. Courage to endure without yielding.
a. Perseverance c. Fortitude
b. Endurance d. Perseverance
29. Composure and calmness in enduring something.
a. Perseverance c. Patience
b. Endurance d. Prudence
30. The ability to go on despite the tremendous adversity.
a. Perseverance c. Patience
b. Endurance d. Prudence
31. Which of the following traits/capabilities is most essential to a police office:
a. Physical stamina and hearing c. High intelligence
b. Absence of physical fear d. High standard of morality
32. Is the process which constantly endeavors to obtain good will cooperation and support of public for effective law
enforcement and to accomplish police objectives.
a. Public relations c. Community relations
b. Police public relations d. Police community relations
33. It can be said that the best public relation between the police and the public exist when the public attitude is one of:
a. Formal acceptance c. Confidence and respect
b. Taut acceptance d. Due approval
34. The most important medium to determine public attitudes between the police and the public is the:
a. Radio and Television c. Individual Policeman
b. Print Mass Media d. Public Relations Officer
35. The most important criterion of a Patrolman’s performance of his duties the:
a. Public’s attitude towards him c. His service and seniority rating
b. The fact of lack of absence d. Number of orders/writs serve daily
36. The policeman views public relations primarily as
a. An attitude towards the public while at work
b. Improving contacts with the public
c. Winning the confidence of the public
d. Something affecting him as he does his duty effectively
37. The most important consideration a policeman should pay attention too while in contact with the public is the:
a. Character of the person he serves c. Impression he creates
 b. Time when contacts are being made d. Attitudes of the public towards his actuations
38. Public opinion for a police department is best obtained by:
a. The daily contacts of uniform police officers with the public
b. Keeping a check on the number of complaints and commandments received by the police
c. Holding the opinion expressed in any adequate sample if newspaper articles
d. Degree to which the community cooperates voluntary with the police department in the performance
of their duties.
39. The totality of efforts of policeman to improve public attitudes should be largely directed towards:
a. Insuring that the policeman is also an exemplary citizen
b. The tolerant enforcement of minor regulatory statutes/ordinances
c. The improvement of contacts with public
40. Of the following steps in planning of Community Relation program, the top that should be undertaken first is:
a. Study the public with which the police department deals
b. Contact editors of local newspaper
c. Develop procedures for dealing with the public
d. Establish civilian complaints procedure
41. Fundamental duty of law enforcement officer.
a. Protect society c. Protect life
b. Serve mankind d. Protect liberty
42. Public office is a public____.
a. Trust c. Responsibility
b. Confidence d. Property
43. Best public relation s for police officers to a community.
a. Press conference c. Public information campaign
b. Bribing the media d. Credible and good performance
44. In launching police-community programs, success can be attained by linkage with:
a. Community c. Civic organizations
b. Barangay officials d. NGOs
45. To develop goodwill, a policeman on duty should do the foregoing, except:
a. Annoy, or inconvenience any law abiding citizen
b. Perform his job with dedication
c. Project an honest image
d. Be courteous
46. Act of bringing about better understanding, confidence and acceptance for an individual or an organization.
a. Propaganda c. Public relation
b. Human relation d. Public information program
47. A program which makes the policeman a friend and partner of the people.
a. Public relation c. Police community relations
b. Human relation d. Civic action program
48. Includes all rights enjoyed by individual as provided for under the constitution and international law.
a. Rights c. Privileges
b. Human rights d. Justice
49. Personal behavior.
a. Discipline c. Virtue
b. Conduct d. Dignity
50. A doctrine which imposes commensurate accountability to one who is vested with authority.
a. Chain of command c. Span of control
b. Unity of command d. Command responsibility

GOOD LUCK!!!