A NEW code of ethics has been unveiled for Dorset Police.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson has met with staff and volunteers across the force to stress the importance of the new Code of Ethics and the police service’s commitment to ‘doing the right thing.’ The final draft of the new code was delivered to all forces in April and makes clear the standards of behaviour the public can expect from everyone working in policing.

It sets out nine policing principles and 10 standards of professional behaviour, encouraging officers and staff to challenge those who fall short of the code.

Watch a short film about the new Code of Ethics below:

Yesterday the College of Policing presented the code to Parliament as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It will now become a code of practice and will apply to more than 220,000 officers, police staff, contractors and volunteers working in policing.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “The Code of Ethics is something all officers and staff are expected to sign up to and adhere to in their everyday work.

“The code is about self-awareness, ensuring that everyone in policing is empowered to always do the right thing and feel confident to challenge colleagues irrespective of their rank, role or position.

“It is important that the force values still exist and they are at the heart of the implementation of the code.”

She added: “To move towards a chartered professional status there are three fundamental things that the service must do. The first is the continued professional development of staff to ensure the service we provide is of the highest standard.

“The second is that independent decisions can be made at all levels in the organisation and the third is the Code of Ethics.

“As a result and to show my commitment to the code, I have personally met all staff within the organisation and many volunteers to stress the importance of the code and the value that it brings by being clear of the standards and principles expected of us all in public life.”

Chief executive of the College of Policing, Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “The vast majority of people who work in policing are hardworking, honest people who want to serve their communities.

“The code clearly defines the expectations of standards of behaviour for everyone in policing and brings policing into line with other trusted professions that have such codes, like those in medicine and law.”

The nine policing principles in the code are:

• Accountability

• Fairness

• Honesty

• Integrity

• Leadership

• Objectivity

• Openness

• Respect

• Selflessness

The ten standards of processional behaviour are:

• Honesty and integrity

• Authority, respect and courtesy

• Equality and diversity

• Use for force

• Orders and instructions

• Duties and responsibilities

• Confidentiality

• Fitness for work

• Conduct

• Challenging and reporting improper conduct