Fairness, equity and impartiality in the application of the law.
Equality of access to the rights enshrined in the Constitution and the Charter of Rights & Freedoms.
The moral imperative to act in a manner that is consistent with what is good, right and just.
Respect for human dignity and the rights of persons.
The balance of individual and personal freedoms with the concept of social order and the general public good. Recognition of the legitimate authority of office-holders and the importance of maintaining the public trust.
The "rightness" of a decision can be judged on whether it is consistent with these ethical values:
|
|
The key relationships for police executives are with the public, their police staff and organization, their professional partners, and themselves personally.
Executive responsibilities of CACP members toward the people they serve and public officials include:
Executive responsibilities of CACP members toward employees of his/her own police service, and the police service as a corporate entity, include:
Executive responsibilities of CACP members toward others in the policing profession and others engaged in services related to the policing profession include:
Building value-based relationships
Clarifying and respecting roles
Sharing knowledge
Upholding the public trust
Being accountable
Cooperating and collaborating
Consulting effectively
Executive responsibilities of CACP members toward themselves include:
Maintaining focus on the strategic direction
Modeling leadership attributes
Managing life-work balance
Delivering on commitments
Persevering
Developing themselves
Maintaining self-discipline
Avoiding conflicts of interest and the appearance of personal gain
The following are issues for consideration and guidance in the decision-making process.
If members feel isolated in the resolution of ethical issues, the CACP encourages them to consult colleagues or others with experience in the areas under consideration. Simply discussing an issue can facilitate good decision-making.
Police leadership is serious work and there are important issues at stake. It requires a technical competence and a willingness to take difficult action in trying times. As well, it requires a recognition that we must act with a concerted commitment to serve and protect using democratic principles in the service of law while honouring human dignity in the pursuit of justice. It is adhering to this ethical framework that distinguishes us as professionals.