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Ethical behaviour comes from the values, beliefs, attitudes and knowledge that guide the judgements of each individual. Everyone in policing has to make difficult decisions and complex choices every day of the week.
The College of Policing, as the professional body for all in policing, has a responsibility to support the way these choices are made. They have produced a Code of Ethics to guide decisions, whatever the context, that is underpinned by nine policing principles:
You are answerable for your decisions, actions and omissions.
You treat people fairly.
You are truthful and trustworthy.
You always do the right thing.
You lead by good example.
You make choices on evidence and your best professional judgement.
You are open and transparent in your actions and decisions.
You treat everyone with respect.
You act in the public interest.