Durham Constabulary is committed to providing an excellent policing service it can be proud of. We will continually strive to act with integrity, fairness and respect to ensure that the confidence and support of those we serve is protected as our most valued asset.
Our staff will perform their duty consistent with the Code of Ethics which has been developed by the College of Policing. The Code provides information on how to achieve ethical decision making and indicates how breaches of the Code will be dealt with. It combines policing principles and standards of behaviour in a single document; is inclusive, applying to everyone in Durham Constabulary be it police officers, staff, special constables, volunteers or contractors.
To view the Code of Ethics, click here.
Policing Principles
Every person working for the police service must work honestly and ethically. The public expect the police to do the right thing in the right way. Basing decisions and actions on a set of policing principles will help to achieve this.
- Accountability
- Fairness
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Objectivity
- Openness
- Respect
- Selflessness
Standards of Professional Behaviour
These standards reflect the expectations that the professional body and the public have of the behaviour of those working in policing.
- Honesty and integrity
- Authority, respect and courtesy
- Equality and diversity
- Use of force
- Orders and instructions
- Duties and responsibilities
- Confidentiality
- Fitness for work
- Conduct
- Challenging and reporting improper conduct