Police Officer Ethics Training Requirements

Police officers join the force because they want to help and improve society. It's a very unselfish act, especially considering the danger police officers find themselves in every day. Police ethics training requires that officers also follow the rules and do not abuse their power.

Discretion

The first ethic of a police officer is to use fair and accurate discretion. Often, police officers must handle a case or situation where two people are arguing and telling conflicting stories. This can range from a simple car accident to a domestic dispute. Appropriate discretion is needed.

Purpose to Serve

Police officers must always remain observant and keep a defensive mind. Their purpose to serve is defined as something that also ensures the officer does everything in his power to protect citizens from danger and criminals.

Honesty

Honesty is part of every job's ethics, but especially important for police officers. They must remain fair and honest with the criminals and courts they deal with. They cannot state their opinion, but rather what they know from facts.

Open Mind

If a police officer of a particular race faces a circumstance that involves a confrontation between two males of different races, she cannot rush to judgment. She must listen to all the facts on both sides, and never assume something based on stereotypes.

Corruption

Corruption is the biggest problem in police ethics today. The corruption can range from stealing or destroying evidence to profiting from being a police officer by illegal means. They must follow the rules just as they expect all citizens to do.

Resources

• Police Ethics Training
• Ethics, Integrity and Police Misconduct
• Police Officer Code and Ethics