Would the implementation of a Code of Ethics be problematic? How can the Code best be implemented? What other measures do you consider effective without implementation of a Code of Ethics? What else is in place? Discuss
Would the implementation of a Code of Ethics be problematic? How can the Code best be implemented? What other measures do you consider effective without implementation of a Code of Ethics? What else is in place? Discuss
Codes of ethics can be said to represent the fundamental beliefs and values of an organisation (Villiers, 1997). Usually adopted by occupations seeking to represent themselves as ‘professions’.(Kleinig, 1996), they define the standards members should operate to , and are intended to provide the basis for public confidence.(Kleinig 1996). Michael Davis disagreed, stating codes of ethics were “a convention between professional”, (cited in Kleineg 1996: p33), intended to co-ordinate members activities. He claimed that therefore they had no bearing on the maintenance of public trust. It could be argued that in the absence of any other, more rigorous, set of sanctions and controls,specifically drafted to ensure quality of service to the customer, the aspirational aims of a code of ethics would be at least a starting point. However, the implementation of a code of ethics for the Police Service of England and Wales would result in confusion and ‘double jeopardy’ for officers, already subject to the rigorous controls of the Police code of conduct. This was evident in the failure of the ACPO draft code of ethics(ACPO, 1992) to become published policy when put before the full compliment of police chiefs. Kleinigs view is in some way supported by Wood (1997a) who agreed that ethics contribute to the image of the profession, and Palmer (1992) who believed that a code would help to engender self-respect among individual officers and mutual respect among officers. These benefits are arguably worthwhile and could be seen, in themselves, to justify the implementation of a code of ethics.