Ethics
Ethics tests the values expected of a police officer: integrity, impartiality, accountability, empathy and respect for the law. Questions are situational, so judge an action by duty and public trust.
Core values
- Integrity: no bribe, no favouritism, no misuse of uniform.
- Impartiality: action based on conduct, not religion, caste, party or wealth.
- Accountability: lawful orders only; record and report.
- Empathy: firm but courteous with victims, women, children and the elderly.
- Confidentiality: investigation details must not be leaked.
Framework for dilemmas
- What is the legal duty?
- Is the action fair to all parties?
- Would it survive public scrutiny?
- Choose the least harmful lawful option.
Worked example
A shopkeeper offers a constable Rs 5,000 to ignore a violation. The constable should refuse, proceed under the law and report the offer. Accepting is an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988; ignoring it creates a precedent and damages public trust. Loyalty to a superior does not justify an illegal order.
Traps
- Choosing a 'compromise' or settlement as the practical answer.
- Doing a personal favour and calling it humanity.
- Obeying an unlawful order.
- Selective enforcement against the poor.
- Confusing discipline with silence about wrongdoing.