CANNONS OF POLICE ETHICS
1. Primordial Police Responsibility
- The primary objective of police is the prevention of crime.
2. Limitation of Police Authority
- As an upholder of the law, policemen must know the limitation in enforcing the
law, thus:
a. He must be aware of the limitations which the people, through law, have
placed him.
b. He must recognize the center of the democratic system of government, which
gives person or group of persons, absolute power.
c. He must insure that he does not pervert its true character.
3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility
- The policeman shall assiduously apply himself to the principles of the laws,
which he is sworn to apply.
a. He will make certain of his responsibilities in the particular field of enforcement,
seeking aid of his superior in matters technically or in principles not clear to
him
b. He shall make special effort to fully understand his relationship with law
enforcement agencies, particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both
geographically and substantively.
4. Use of proper Means to Obtain Proper Ends
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to have strict selection of
methods in discharging the duty of his office.
b. Violation of law or public safety and property on the part of the officer are
intrinsically wrong. They are self-defeating if they instill in the public mind.
c. The employment of Illegal methods, no matter how worthy the end, is certain
to encourage disrespect for the law and its officers, If the law is to be
honored, it must first be honored by those who enforce it.
d. it is the proper performance of duty not the nobleness of the objective or
mission which should guide every police officer.
5. Cooperation with Public Officials
a. The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the
performance or authorized duties, regardless of party affiliation or
personal prejudices.
b. He shall be meticulous in law, however, in assuring himself as property, under
the law, such actions shall guard against the use of his office or person
whether knowingly or in any improper or illegal action.
6. Proper Conduct and Behavior
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the public as an
upholder of law.
b. The community and the service require that the policeman leads the life of
decent and honorable person, following the career of policeman gives
no special pre-requisite.
c. being a law enforcement officer is a noble profession, it follows that every law
enforcer must think, act and speak with decency and appropriately.
7. Conduct towards the Community
a. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to the community
b. He shall deal with individuals of the community in the manner calculated to
instill respect for its law.
c. He shall conduct his official life in a manner that will inspire confidence and
trust.
d. He will do neither personal preference nor prejudice but rather a duly
appointed officer of the law discharging his sworn obligation.
8. Conduct in Arresting Law Violator
a. Policeman shall use his powers to arrest in accordance with the law and with
due regard to the rights of the citizen concerned.
b. He shall, at all times, have a clear appreciation of his responsibilities and
limitation regarding the detention of the accused.
c. He shall conduct himself in such a manner as will minimize the possibility of having to use force
d. He shall cultivate a dedication to the people and the equitable upholding of the law whether in the
handling of the accused or
9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors
a. Policeman representing the government bears heavy responsibility of
maintaining, in his conduct, the honor and integrity of all government
institution.
b. He shall guard against placing himself in a Position in which the public can
reasonably assume that special consideration is being given.
c. He shall be firm in refusing gifts, favors or gratitude, large or small, which can
be public mind, be interpreted as capable of influencing his judgment in
the discharge of his duties.
10. Attitude towards Police Profession
a. Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a public trust an
recognize his responsibilities as a public servant.
b. He shall strive to make the best possible application of science to the selection
of the crime and in the field of human relation.
c. He shall strive for effecting leadership and public influence in matters affecting
public safety.
d. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his office, and hold
police work to be an honorable profession rendering valuable service to
his community.
e. Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high level of
knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and
effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never-
ending process of personal and professional development that should be
pursued constantly.
11. Impartial Presentation of Evidence
a. Policeman shall be concerned equally in the prosecution of the accused or
for the defense of the innocent
b. He shall ascertain what kind of evidence and shall present such evidence
impartially and without malice.
c. He shall ignore social, political, and all other distinction among the person
involved, strengthening the tradition of reliability and integrity of an
officer’s word.
PROFESSIONAL POLICE PRINCIPLE
1. Prevention of crime and disorder
2. Cooperation of community
3. Unreasonable force reduce community cooperation
4. Use of Reasonable Force When Persuasion Is Not Sufficient
5. Impartial Enforcement of Laws
6. The Community Are the Police
7. Police Should Not Usurp Judicial Powers
8. Reduction of Crime and Disorder
9. Rule of Enforcement Impartially Observed
10. Police Discretion
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard life and property;
to protect the innocent against deception, weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful
against violence or disorder: and to respect the constitutional rights of all men, liberty equality and
justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of
danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint, and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.
Honest in thought and in deed both my personal and official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the laws
of the land and regulations of my organization. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential in nature or is
confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the
performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendship to influence
my decision; with no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals. I will enforce the
law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary
force or violence and never accepting gratuities in return.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and I accept it as a Public trust to be held so
long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor
will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and
their representatives in the pursuit of Justice.
I know that I alone is responsible for my own standard or professional performance and will take every
reasonable opportunity to enhance and Improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God and my chosen profession….
Law Enforcement.
