TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODULE 2 - FOUNDATION OF POLICE ETHICS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -page 01-11

Objectives
Definition of Terms
Ethics in the Philippine National Police
Five Pillars towards an Ethical PNP Member
Cannons of Police Ethics
Professional Police Profile
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
Tenets of Discipline
The Filipino Policeman
The Policeman and his Badge
The Policeman and his Uniform
The Policeman and his Oath
References
Exercise No. 2
Quiz No. 2
MODULE 2 - FOUNDATION OF POLICE ETHICS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Elucidate the Cannons of Police Ethics and the Professional Police Principle
2. Recite the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
3. Appraise the moral/ethical weaknesses of the PNP causing incompetence and propose a
solution for the problem.

Professional conduct and ethical standards and a high degree of honesty are more essential
for officers and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) than for any member of
society. This is so, because they are entrusted with the enforcement of the rules, regulations
and ordinances created by City/ Municipality and the laws of the land created by the Congress
that guide the conduct of society. A policeman’s violation or infraction thereof, or his failure to
enforce it, dishonor the law and the authority he represents.

See also Sec.2 of Chapter 1 of the PNP Ethical Doctrine on the Declaration of Policy
http://www.pnp.gov.ph/images/manualsandguides/DHRDD/Ethical-

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Police Ethics - it is the practical science that treats the principle of human morality and duty
as applied to law enforcement.
2. Moonlighting - an act of a member of the PNP pursuing or following any calling or
occupation, or act of engaging in any business, which includes but not limited to all activities,
jobs, work, and similar functions, performed, engaged in or
3. Undertaking by him, in or off duty hours with or without compensation, which is inconsistent
or incompatible with the PNP duties or functions. Such as a bouncer, security guard, driver,
bodyguard, confidential agent, watchman and any other occupations of similar nature, in any
enterprise or establishment public or private, which will prejudice the interest of law
enforcement and public safety.
4. Ethical standard - it refers to the set of conducts and behavior governing a group, a class or
organization.
5. Police customs and social decorum - a set of norms and standards practiced by members
during social and other functions.

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6. Nonfeasance/Neglect of Duty - it is the omission of some act, which ought to be performed.
It is the omission or refusal without sufficient excuse, to perform an act or duty, which as
a peace officer’s legal obligation to perform.
7. Misfeasance/Irregularities in the Performance of Duty - it is the improper performance of
some act which might lawfully be done.
8. Malfeasance - it is the performance of some act which ought not to be done. It is the doing
either through ignorance, inattention or malice, of that which the officer had no legal right to
do at all, as when he acts without any authority whatsoever, or exceeds, ignores, or abuses his
powers.
9. Incompetency - it is the manifest lack of adequate ability and fitness for the satisfactory
performance of police duties. This has reference to any physical and intellectual quality, the
lack of which substantially incapacitates one to perform the duties of peace officers.
10. Oppression - imparts an act of cruelty, severity, unlawful execution, or excessive use of
authority.
11. Dishonesty - it is the concealment or distortion of truth in a manner of a fact relevant to
one’s office or connected with the performance of his duties.
12. Disloyalty to the Government - consist of abandonment or renunciation of one’s loyalty to
the government of the Philippines, or advocating the overthrow of the government.
13. Public official - includes elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or
temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police
personnel, whether or not they receive compensation or not regardless of the amount.
14. Public Officer or Employee - it means any person holding any public office or employment
by virtue of an appointment, election or contract, and any person holding any office or
employment, by appointment or contract in any state-owned or controlled corporation.
15. Gift - it refers to the thing or right disposed gratuitously, or any act of liberality in favor of
another who accepts it, and shall include a simulated sale or ostensibly onerous disposition
thereat. It shall not include an unsolicited gift of nominal or insignificant value not given in
anticipation of, or in exchange for a favor.

ETHICS IN THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP)

The PNP Professional Conduct and Ethical Standard are based from existing laws covering
public servants as embodied in the constitution, Revised Penal Code, RA 6713 (The Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and other related statutes.
The ethical conduct and standard of the PNP is further enhanced to fit in their nature of their
creation as embodied in the constitution which is civilian in nature but military in manner.

In relation to RA 6713 read also:

https://dilg.gov.ph/issuances/ra/RA-6713-Code-of Ethics-and-Ethical-Standards-/1
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FIVE PILLARS TOWARDS AN ETHICAL PNP MEMBER
1. Background of the applicants - this includes the qualification like educational attainment and
morality.
2. Type of Training - strengthening the behavior of the selected applicant is believed to be the
objective of the PNP training.
3. Response to training - trainees’ obedience to legal orders is indispensable in undergoing the
training.
4. Determination - trainees’ determination to pursue the required training.
5. Ability to rise when fall - it is but natural to fall but what matters is the ability to rise
especially when put in hot water. Facing the consequences of our action is a sign of maturity.

CANNONS OF POLICE ETHICS

1. Primordial Police Responsibilities
- The primary objective of police is the prevention of crime.
2. Limitation of Police Authority
- As an upholder of the law, policemen must know the limitation in enforcing the law, thus;
A. He must be aware of the limitations which the people, through law, have placed him.
B. He must recognize the center of the democratic system of government, which gives a
person or group of persons, absolute power.
C. He must insure that he does not pervert its true character.

3. Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility

- The policeman shall assiduously (with great attention) apply himself to the principles of
the laws, which he is sworn to apply.
A. He will make certain of his responsibilities in the particular field of enforcement, seeking
aid of his superior in matters technically or in principles not clear to him.
B. He shall make special effort to fully understand his relationship with law enforcement
agencies, particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both geographically and substantially.

4. Use of proper Means to Obtain Proper Ends

A. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to have strict selection of
methods in discharging the duty of his office.
B. Violation of law or public safety and property on the part of the officer are
intrinsically (in itself) wrong. They are self-defeating if they instill in the public mind.
C. The employment of illegal methods, no matter how worthy the end, is certain to
encourage disrespect for the law and its officers. If the law is to be honored, it must
first be honored by those who enforce it.
D. It is the proper performance of duty not the nobleness of the objective or mission
which should guide every police officer.
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5. Cooperation with Public Officials
A. The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the performance or
authorized duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudices.
B. He shall be meticulous in law, however, in assuring himself as property under the law,
such actions shall guard against the use of his office or person whether knowingly or any
improper or illegal action.

6. Proper Conduct and Behavior

A. The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the public as an upholder
of the law.
B. The community and the service require that the policeman leads the life as a decent and
honorable person, following the career of a policeman gives no special prerequisite.
C. Being a law enforcement officer is a noble profession, it follows that every law enforcer
must think, act and speak with decency and appropriately.

7. Conduct towards the Community

A. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility with the community.
B. He shall deal with individuals of the community in the manner calculated to instill
respect for its law.
C. He shall conduct his official life in a manner that will inspire confidence and trust.
D. He will do neither personal preference nor prejudice but rather a duly appointed officer
of the law discharging his sworn obligation.

8. Conduct in Arresting Law Violator

A. Policeman shall use his power to arrest in accordance with the law and with due regard
to the rights of the citizen concerned.
B. He shall, at all times, have a clear appreciation of his responsibilities and limitation
regarding the detention of the accused.
C. He shall conduct himself in such a manner as will minimize the possibility of having to
sue force.
D. He shall cultivate a dedication to the people and the equitable upholding of the law
whether in the handling of the accused or law-abiding citizen.

9. Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favor

A. Policeman representing the government bears heavy responsibility of maintaining, in his
conduct, the honor and integrity of all government institution.
B. He shall guard against placing himself in a position in which the public can reasonably
assume that special consideration is being given.
C. He shall be firm in refusing gifts, favors or gratitude, large or small, which can be in a
public mind, be interpreted as capable of influencing his judgement in the discharge of his
duties.
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10. Attitude towards Police Profession
A. Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a public trust and
B. Recognize his responsibilities as a public servant.
C. He shall strive to make the best possible application of science to the selection of the
crime and in the field of human relation.
D. He shall strive for affecting leadership and public influence in matters affecting public
safety.
E. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his office, and hold police work
to be an honorable profession rendering valuable service to his community.
F. Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high level of knowledge
and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The
acquisition of knowledge is a never ending process of personal and professional development
that should be pursued constantly.

11. Impartial Presentation of Evidence

A. Policeman shall be concerned equally in the prosecution of the accused or for the
defense of the innocent.
B. He shall ascertain what kind of evidence and shall present such evidence impartially and
without malice.
C. He shall ignore social, political and all other distinction among the person involved,
strengthening the tradition of reliability and integrity of an officer’s word.

PROFESSIONAL POLICE PROFILE

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder
2. Cooperation of community
3. Unreasonable force reduce community cooperation
4. Use of reasonable force when persuasion is not sufficient
5. Impartial enforcement of laws
6. The Community is the Police
7. Police should not usurp judicial powers
8. Reduction of Crime and Disorder
9. Rule of enforcement impartially observed
10. Police discretion

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 LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind, to safeguard life

and property, to protect the innocent against deception, weak against oppression or
intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional
rights of all men, liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the
face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint and be constantly mindful of the welfare
of others. Honest in thought and in deed both my personal and official life. I will be exemplary
in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my organization. Whatever I see or hear of a
confidential nature or is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless
revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit ill feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendship to
influence my decision with no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of
criminals. I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill
will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities in return.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and I accept it as a public trust
to be held so long as I am true to the efforts of police service. I will never engage in acts of
corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with
all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone is responsible for my own standard or professional performance and will
take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and
competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself
before God and my chosen profession, law enforcement.

NOTE:
A. Read your notes for the entire explanation of this Code of Ethics
B. MEMORIZE the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and be ready anytime to recite this in a
virtual platform.
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TENETS OF DISCIPLINE
All policemen at all levels shall adhere to the eight (8) tenets (doctrine) of discipline, which
include the following:
1. One of the first signs of discipline is the stage of orderliness and cleanliness of the
policeman’s place or work. If a police station is unkempt, people cannot expect the kind of
positive respond to their needs.
2. All police actions must be characterized by courtesy and discipline.
3. All objectives of the PNP must always be for the public interest and not private interest.
The people must feel that they are welcome to approach any member PNP for assistance.
4. All citizens must be treated with dignity and respect.
5. All police actions must be in accordance with the law. Respect for human rights and
other laws of the land must be primordial concern in the exercise of police duties.
6. Basic police service must be rendered, equitably for all citizens and must not give in
exchange for any favor, reward or condition.
7. Involvement of police personnel in syndicated crime particularly illegal gambling must
not be tolerated.
8. There is no substitute for leadership by example. Police Commanders as model of public
service, must show proper behavior not only to their subordinates but also to the people.

Who is a Filipino Policeman?

- A Filipino policeman is a protector and friend of the people.
- His badge is the symbol of the citizen’s faith and trust, his uniform a mirror of decorum
and integrity.
- His whole human person an oblation of enduring love for homeland, fellowmen and God.
- A Filipino policeman emulates the valor of Lapu-lapu, serenity of Rizal, the leadership of
Aguinaldo, the courage of Bonifacio, the idealism of Del Pilar, the wisdom of Mabini and the
fortitude (strength) of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.
- A Filipino policeman has oath for his republic to uphold; to defend the constitution, honor
the flag, obey the laws and duly constituted authorities. He has covenant with his people to
comply: to safeguard and protect them even beyond the call of duty. And he has a legacy for his
family to fulfill; to bequeath (to give) unto them the one and only treasure of his life- an
unblemished name.
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The Policeman and his Badge
Pointedly enough, it is precisely upon grounds of reliability and unreliability, fidelity or
infidelity in the performance of his duties that the badge of a policeman assumes paramount
significance.
This is because the badge could either be the symbol of the citizen’s faith and trust in the
policeman or the harbinger (give warning) of their contempt and decision for him, all depending
upon efficiency or inefficiency in the execution of the policeman’s task or mission.
But whatever it may be, the salient point remains that the policeman’s badge stands out as
the embodiment of his entire personality, both as a citizen and a public servant, yes, a badge
that beckons the policeman to commit himself to the democratic way of life and, even more, to
maintain the principle of public accountability.
Furthermore, the badge flashes incessantly to the mind and heart of the policeman his
inescapable concern, commitment and obligation to uphold at all times loyalty to any other
person or organization.
Visit also http://www.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/pnp-seal-badge

The Policeman and his Uniform

The gestures and attitudes of internalizing and externalizing could aptly project to the fore
the fierce relevance and significance of the uniform of the policeman.
This is because what a policeman has internalized or ingested in terms of discipline,
conduct, insight and decorum is externalized or unfolded by his uniform on points of among
others, physical appearance, social graces, professional bearing, and personal compartment.
More importantly, the uniform bespeaks not only of the authority and the prerogatives of
the peacekeeper and law enforcer donning or wearing such uniform but, equally worthwhile,
the intellectual, moral and spiritual cast and mold of the person inside the uniform. Just as what
abounds in the heart is spoken by the mouth, so what values and virtues are acquired and
ingested, or not ingested and acquired, as the case may be, are bound to have a repercussion
or reflection on his uniform.
If a policeman is neglectful or remiss in his interior breeding, upbringing, and posturing,
there surges the imminent and potential likelihood that such shortcomings would find shape
and form in his untidy, sloppy and repulsive uniform.
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Indeed, a well-meaning and disciplined member of the force realizes without being told
that the citizenry looks upon and discerns the policeman as distinctively a man among
gentlemen and a gentleman among men, a circumstance and factor that prompts such citizenry
to hail as a gratifying sight when the men and women in the police service wear their uniform
properly wherever they may be.
Visit also http://www.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/resources/pnp-uniform

The Policeman and his Oath

In raising their hand in solemn attestation and affirmation of their oath, our new breed of
peace keepers and law enforcers, imbued and invigorated as they are with their collateral
concern and commitment to socio-economic development and nation-building, have plunged
themselves, in consortium with the other relevant agencies and instrumentalities of the
Republic, into a vast battlefield on which to wage constructive wars.
It is with greater relevance to have to point out just the same the sacrificial implication of
the oath engendering a beatific irony, if we are to consider the fact that while on one hand the
member of the police service is impliedly exhorted under his oath to love his country and
endear his family, on the other hand, when, in response to
The same oath, the supreme cause of his official duty exacts upon him to offer his very life,
he cannot help but leave behind him forever his endeared family and his beloved country.
This is because this sacrificial human victim is very much a part and parcel of one
profession, the police profession, whose oblation to God, country and people finds, its august
limit only in death.
To the present-day members of the nation’s police service, the oath of loyalty to God,
country and people could also serve as a reminder of their comrades who died in line of duty or
otherwise met their untimely demise in the hands of the enemies of societies, yes, offering
their lives so that their countrymen could live in peace, solace, and with security that they have
learned to enjoy and cherish.

References:
http://www.pnp.gov.ph/images/manualsandguides/DHRDD/Ethical-Doctrine.pdf
https:dilg.gov.ph/issuances/ra/RA-6713-Code-of-Ethics-ans-Ethical-Standards-/1
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ASSIGNMENT/ EXERCISE No. 2/ Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards

Name: ________________________________ Yr and Sec_______________

Date____________

1. Name at least three (3) types of PNP authorized uniforms and cite situation/s when it is
properly used. Use the space provided below for your answers (10 points)
Type When to use
1.

2.

3.

2. What does the PNP Badge symbolize? (5 points)

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QUIZ No. 2/ Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards

Name :_________________________Yr and Sec________________Date____________

1. Ethics is defined as the “standards of conduct and moral requirements” necessary to

function effectively within an organization or profession. (5 points)
A. In the law enforcement context, explain what ethics is.

2. There are many challenges to Police Ethical Behavior that affect the PNP organization. An
example of this is the involvement of some PNP members in crimes as perpetrator rather than
protector. Based on statistics, most crimes by police officers were found to have been
committed by patrolman (PO1) - Police Staff Sergeant (PO3) ranks.
A. From the facts mentioned in this module, identify one glaring reason why some
members of the PNP organization are involved in the commission of crimes. Justify your
answer in a paragraph. (5 points)

B. What solution can you proposed to at least minimize or eradicate the reason (your
answer in letter A) that effects the ethics of the PNP? (5 points)

3. Ethics is defined as the “standards of conduct and moral requirements” necessary to

function effectively within an organization or profession. (5 points)
C. In the law enforcement context, explain what ethics is.

4. There are many challenges to Police Ethical Behavior that affect the PNP organization. An
example of this is the involvement of some PNP members in crimes as perpetrator rather than
protector. Based on statistics, most crimes by police officers were found to have been
committed by patrolman (PO1) - Police Staff Sergeant (PO3) ranks.
A. From the facts mentioned in this module, identify one glaring reason why some
members of the PNP organization are involved in the commission of crimes. Justify
your answer in a paragraph. (5 points)

B. What solution can you proposed to at least minimize or eradicate the reason (your
answer in letter A) that effects the ethics of the PNP? (5 points)
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