Final Report of the Morris Inquiry: The Case for Change

ENHANCING THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE
impressed by the positive language used in this Code. It sets standards of behaviour
rather than rules which must not be transgressed.
3.45 We think there is great merit in extending the current Code of Conduct. A
new Code would set out clearly the standard of conduct expected of police officers
and it would follow that disciplinary action would be taken against those who failed
to attain this minimum standard. We see no reason why the same Code should not
also apply to police staff.
3.46 One provision that it could usefully contain, which is not in either the Civil
Service Code or the current Code of Conduct for police officers in England and
Wales, would deal with discrimination and the obligation to promote equality by
not discriminating unlawfully against any person.
3.47 A provision dealing with discrimination was included in the previous version
of the Code of Conduct but omitted from the 2004 version. We are grateful to the
PALG for drawing this to our attention.
3.48 We consider that the provision in Article 6 of the Code of Ethics for the Police
Service in Northern Ireland on Equality would provide a useful model:
“6.1 Police officers shall act with fairness, self-control, tolerance and impartiality when carrying
out their duties. They shall use appropriate language and behaviour in their dealings with
members of the public, groups from within the public and their colleagues. They shall give
equal respect to all individuals and their traditions, beliefs and lifestyles provided that such
are compatible with the rule of law.
“6.2 In carrying out their duties police officers shall not discriminate on any of the following
grounds, i.e. sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social
origin, association with a national minority, disability, age, sexual orientation, property, birth
or other status.”
We therefore recommend that the office of constable is enhanced by the
addition of a Code of Conduct, similar to the Civil Service Code and the Code
of Ethics for the Police Service in Northern Ireland, which would form part of
the terms and conditions of all police officers and police staff. This would
replace the current Code of Conduct for police officers.
We also recommend that a provision dealing with unlawful discrimination
should be included in the new Code of Conduct. Additional provisions may
also be appropriate.
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