CRIMINOLOGY 4

Ms. MARY JOY A. CORDERO, MSCJ-CRIM

 SECOND SEMESTER COVERAGE
PRELIM Definition And History Of Ethics
Ethics And Values
Essential Attributes Of Human Acts
Voluntariness And Ethics
The Modifiers Of Human Acts
Rights And Duties

MIDTERM Ethics In Politics And Economics

Environmental Ethics
Ethics In The Profession
Ethics In Psychology
Legal Ethics
Police Ethics Defined
Foundations Of Police Ethics
The Law Enforcement Code Of Ethics
The Canons Of Police Ethics
Professional Police Principles

SEMI-FINALS Values And The Cardinal Virtues

Universal Law Enforcer’s Code Of Conduct
Performance Of The Duties Of A Police Officer
Code Of Professional Conduct And Ethical Standards
For Criminologists
Code Of Professional Conduct And Ethical Standards
For Pnp Officers
What Makes A Police Officer?
Strengths Of The Filipino Police Officer
Weaknesses Of The Filipino Police Officer

FINALS The Pnp Core Values

The Police Professional Conduct
The Police Ethical Standards
Pnp Stand On Basic Issues
Police Customs And Tradition
Liability Of Police Officers
Corruption And Misconduct
Classification Of Corrupt Police Officers
Crimes Against The Fundamental Laws Of The State
 Lesson 1

Definition and History of Ethics

WHAT ARE THE DEFINITIONS OF ETHICS? (Florendo, 2008)

It is a science of the morality of man, it is also the study of human motivation, and ultimately of human
rational behavior.

Ethics outlines theories of right or wrong; morality translate these theories into action. Therefore,
morality is nothing else but it is a doing of ethics.

ETHICS ARE ALSO DEFINED AS:

1. A practical science of the normality of human conduct.

2. A philosophical science dealing with the morality of the human acts.
3. Ethics is the systematic study of human actions from the point of view of their rightness or wrongness
as means for the achievement of ultimate happiness.
4. It is a normative science of the conduct of human beings living in societies – science which judges
this conduct to be right or wrong, to be good or bad.
5. Ethics means a philosophical study of morality, of the foundation on which morality is based, and of
the practical implications of a systematic moral outlook.
6. Ethics is a normative based on reason, on which interprets specific and paramount facts, the elements
of which are conduct and ought.

ETHICS
Ethics was derived from the Ancient Greek “ethikos”, meaning “arising from habit”. It is a
branch of philosophy which focuses on the study of value or quality. It covers the analysis and
employment of concept such as good, evil, right, wrong and responsibility.
It is divided into three primary areas:

1. Meta-ethics- the study of the meanings of ethical terms, the nature of ethical
judgments, and the types of ethical arguments.
2. Normative ethics- based on what is considered to be the usual or correct of doing
something.
3. Applied ethics- practical use: not theoretical

Police ethics-refers to the practical science of human morality and duty as applied to law
enforcement. This center on the study and application of ethics, virtue as well as the rules of conduct to
public service.
Employees of the state are public servants, and as such police personnel and other members of the
law enforcement community serve an office of public trust. Their efficiency and effectiveness does not
only through their efforts to prevent crimes and arrest criminal offenders but most important is, it is
judged by the act and behavior of the members of their organization.
 Immorality and blatant disregard to rules and norms of conduct reflects on the entire police
organization. It is a must that public servants should behave and conduct his life in a manner that the
respect, confidence and faith of the people are not diminished.
The primary objective of police ethics and community service is to guide our law enforcers of
what behaviour is acceptable based on the statement or idea of what is permitted and what is prohibited.
In the history of ethics there are three major standards of conduct, each of which has been projected
as the highest good: happiness or pleasure; duty, virtue, or obligation; and perfection, the fullest
harmonious development of human potential.
Depending on the social setting, the authority evoked for good conduct is the will of a divine being,
the pattern of nature, or the rule of reason. When the will of deity is the influence, obedience to the divine
commandments in scriptural texts is the accepted standards of conduct. If the pattern of nature is the
authority, agreement and submission to the qualities attributed to human nature is the standard.
Occasionally principles are chosen whose ultimate value is not determined, in the belief that such a
determination is unachievable. Such ethical philosophy usually compares satisfaction in life with
prudence, pleasure, or power, but it is essentially derived from belief in the ethical doctrine of natural
human fulfillment as the ultimate good.
A person lacking motivation to exercise inclination and preference may be resigned to accepting all
customs and therefore may develop a philosophy of prudence. He or she then lives in compliance with the
moral conduct of the period and society.
Hedonism is that viewpoint that the highest good is pleasure. The hedonist decides between the most
enduring pleasures or the most passionate pleasures, whether pleasures should be denied for the sake of
overall comfort, and whether mental pleasures are preferable to physical pleasures. A philosophy in
which the highest attainment is power may result from competition and rivalry. Because each victory
tends to raise the level of the contest, the logical end of such a philosophy is unlimited or absolute power.
Power seekers may not accept usual ethical rules but may conform to other rules that can help them
become successful.

6th CENTURY BC
 Greek philosopher Pythagoras developed one of the earliest moral philosophies from the Greek
mystery religion Orphism.
 Believing that intellectual nature is superior to the sensual nature and that the best life is
one devoted to mental discipline, he founded a semi-religious order with rules
emphasizing simplicity in speech, dress, and food.
 The members observed rituals that were designed to demonstrate the decreed ethical
beliefs.
5TH CENTURY BC
 Socrates opposed the Sophists philosophical position, as represented in the discussions of his
pupil Plato,
 May be summarized as follows: virtue is knowledge; people will be virtuous if they know
what virtue is; and vice, or evil, is the result of ignorance.
 Thus, according to Socrates, education can make people moral.
GREEK SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY
Greek school of philosophy were derived from the teachings of Socrates. Four disciplines
originated among his immediate disciples;
1. The Cynics, the Cyrenaics,
2. The Megarians (a school founded by Euclid of Megara), and
3. The Platonist.
 The Cynics, notably the philosopher Antisthenes, asserted that the essence of virtue, the only
good, is self-control and that it is capable of being taught.
 The Cynics despised pleasure as an evil, if accepted as guides to conduct.
 They measure all pride and vice, including pride in appearance or cleanliness.
 Socrates is alleged to have said to Antisthenes, “I can see your pride through the holes in
your cloak.”
 The Cyrenaics, particularly Aristippus of Cyrene, were hedonists, suggesting pleasure as the
primary good (as long as it does not control one’s self), that no one kind of pleasure is superior to
another, and that it is quantifiable only in degree and duration.
 The Megarians, Euclid’s followers, argued that although good may be called wisdom, God or
reason, it is “one,” and that good is the ultimate secret of the universe, which can be made, known
only through logical inquiry.
 Platonist, according to Plato, good is an indispensable element of reality.
 Evil does not subsist in itself but is, rather, an imperfect reflection of the real, which is
good.
 In his dialogue he claims that human virtue lies in the fitness of a person to perform that
person’s proper function in the world.

THE THREE ELEMENTS OF HUMAN SOUL
a. Intellect- the ability to think in a logical way
b.Will- used to express determination, insistence, persistence and willfulness.
c. Emotion - a strong feeling such as love, anger, joy, hate or fear.
Specific virtue of each elements in the good person and perform a definite role.
a. The virtue of intellect is knowledge or wisdom of the ends of life;
b. That virtue of the will is courage, the capacity to act;
c. That virtue of the emotions is self-control or temperance.

 Plato maintained that the intellect should be independent, the will second, and the emotions
subject to intellect and will.
 The righteous person, whose life is ordered in this way, is therefore the good person.
4th CENTURY BC
 Aristotle, Plato’s pupil, considered happiness as the aim of life.
 In his principal work on ethics, the Nichomachean Ethics (late 4 th century BC), he defined
happiness as action that accords with specific nature of humanity; pleasure supplement
such activity but is not its principal aim.
MORAL VALUES
 Moral values are habits of action that agree with the golden mean, the principle of
moderation, and they must be compliant because of differences among people and
conditioning factors.
 For example, the quantity one should eat depends on one’s size, age, and occupation
 According to Stoics, nature is orderly and rational, and only a life led in accord with nature can
be good.
 The Stoic philosophers agreed also that because life is influenced by material conditions one
should try to be as independent of such circumstances as possible.
CARDINAL VIRTUES
a. Justice - the quality of being just
b. Wisdom - knowledge of what is proper or reasonable: good sense of judgment
c. Courage- mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
d. Discretion - the right to choose what should be done in a particular situation

 These cardinal virtues allow one to achieve independence on the spirit of the Stoic motto
“Endure and Renounce.”
 The word stoic has come to mean fortitude in the face of hardship.
4th and 3rd CENTURY BC
 Greek philosopher Epicurus developed a system of thought, later called Epicureanism, which
identified the supreme good is pleasure, particularly intellectual pleasure.
 The Epicureans also believed that it is better to postpone immediate pleasure in order to attain
more secure and lasting satisfaction in the future; they therefore insisted that the good life must
be regulated by self-discipline.
The most important Christian ethical belief is stated in the golden rule
1. “so whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (Matthew 7:12);
2. in the injunctions to love one’s neighbour as oneself (Matthew 5:44); and
3. in Jesus saying, “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things
that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21);
4. Jesus believed that the fundamental meaning of Jewish law is in the commandment “you shall
love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and
with all your mind; and you neighbour as yourself”(luke 10:27)

LESSON 2: ETHICS AND VALUES

According to the PNP Ethics and Values Formation Manual, there are a number of definitions
pertaining to ethics and values, each more verbose and vague than the other.

For one, ethics is defined as “the science of the morality of human acts and rational human
behavior”.
 Morality or Values on the other hand, have been ostentatiously described as a “qualitatively
determined behavior which has a normative obligatory character and presupposes the liberty of possible
decision”.

However, for this purpose, the simplest meaning available to define values and ethics has been
used. According to AFP Chaplain Service Guide, entitled “Ethics and the Soldier”, ethics is the capacity
to determine right conduct and the knowledge of what is right from wrong. Values on the other
hand, are the application of ethics.

It must be stressed that these two concepts should always be together, for an expert in ethics
might not be necessarily a values oriented person, and vice-versa. As previously explained, it is one thing
to know what’s good or bad, and another thing to apply what you know.

IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS AND VALUES

1. Ethics is an indispensable knowledge.

2. Without ethical perception, man is only an animal.
3. Without values, man as a rational being is a failure.

Moral values are the only true measure of what man ought to be. The most powerful king, or the
most successful professional, is nothing unless he too is morally upright. Thus, the philosophers speak of
Ethics as the “only necessary knowledge”.

Ethics is not simply a body of dos and don’ts in the manner laws are. It is a personal commitment
to uphold what is true and good. Ethics aims to develop “right disposition and inner spirit” for accepting
what is lawful.

THE SIX (6) CORE MORAL VALUES

1. LOVE OF GOD – give God what is due Him and develop the moral virtue of religion through
adoration, prayer and obedience.

2. RESPECT OF AUTHORITY – treat freedom with a sense of self- determination and personal
responsibility, and as a social being, exercise intelligently obedience.

3. SELFLESS LOVE OF PEOPLE – respect human life, respect the human body, learn to give, to
give oneself, and to love.

4. CHASTITY – respect the dignity of human sexuality by practicing chastity in marriage through
sexual love that is romantic, procreative, exclusive and lasting, or if unmarried, by having no
experience of sexual pleasure.

5. RESPONSIBLE DOMINION OVER MATERIAL THINGS - should not be dominated by it

(detachment) and should share it with his fellowmen bearing in mind that the material world is
limited (scarce).

6. TRUTHFULNESS – never telling what is not true (untruth) because it destroys the foundation of
social life which is based on mutual trust.

THE SIX (6) CORE WORK VALUES

1. INDUSTRIOUSNESS – what a person wants to, looks for, keeps busy, and strives to work well.

2. SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY – what a person does is dependent on him and he puts his will and
intellect to his job (creativity/initiative) and is held accountable for it.

3. ORDER (SENSE OF TIME) – prioritizes the use of time, values his time, “first things first”.

4. COLLABORATION – fosters teamwork and solidarity for unity.

5. DETERMINATION – a person possesses qualities of perseverance, patience and strength to cope

with obstacles, difficulties and trials.

6. SERVICE – performing duties or work for another, a person or an institution that brings about
benefits and/or results.

Morality or moral values is the quality of human acts by which they are constituted as good, bad
or indifferent.

HUMAN ACTS ACTS OF MAN

Actions performed by man, knowingly and freely. Actions which happen in man.
Instinctive and are not within the control of the
Deliberate or intentional actions, or voluntary.
will
Biological and physiological movements in man
Actions are the result of conscious knowledge and
such as metabolism, respiration, fear, anger, love,
are subject to the control of the will.
and jealousy.

LESSON 3: ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES OF HUMAN ACTS

1. It must be performed by a conscious agent who is aware of what he is doing and of its consequences.

2. It must be performed by an agent who is acting freely, that is, by his own volition and powers. An
action done under duress and against one’s will is not entirely a free action.

3. It must be performed by an agent who decides willfully to perform the act. This willfulness is the
result to perform an act here and now, or in some future time.

KINDS OF HUMAN ACTS

1. Elicited Acts – are those performed by the will and are not bodily externalized.

a. Wish – is the tendency of will toward something, whether this is realizable or not. (I wish to be
rich)

b. Intention – is the tendency of the will towards something attainable but without necessarily
committing oneself to attain it.

c. Consent – is the acceptance of the will of those needed to carry out the intention. (Act of reason)
 d. Election – is the selection of the will of those effective enough to carry out the intention. (Choice
of means)

e. Use – is the command of the will to make use of those means elected to carry out the intention.
(Use of will / means)

f. Fruition – is the enjoyment of the will derived from the attainment of the thing he had desire
earlier.

2. Command Acts – are those done either by man’s mental or bodily powers under the command of the
will.

a. Internal actions – examples: conscious reasoning, recalling something, encouraging oneself, and
controlling aroused emotions.

b. External actions – examples: walking, eating, dancing, laughing, listening, and reading.

c. Combinations of internal and external movements – examples: studying, driving a car, writing
a letter and playing chess

CLASSIFICATION OF ACTIONS ACCORDING TO THE NORMS OF MORALITY

1. Moral (Good) Actions - are those actions which are in conformity with the norm of morality.

2. Immoral (Bad) Actions – are those actions which are not in conformity with the norm of morality.

3. Amoral (Indifferent) Actions – are those actions which stand neutral in relation to the norm of
society. They are neither good nor bad in themselves. But certain amoral actions may become good or
bad because of the circumstances attendant to them.
LESSON 4: VOLUNTARINESS AND ETHICS

Voluntariness comes from the Latin word “voluntas”, referring to the Will. Voluntariness is
essential to an act. Without it, an act is a mere act of man.

Voluntariness is equated to freedom of will in man. Ethics accepts that man is able to control his
own will and thus do actions as he pleases.

Ethics is the study of human acts and by definition human acts are voluntary.

CLASSIFICATION OF VOLUNTARINESS

1. Perfect voluntariness – is present in a person who fully knows and fully intend an act. (performed
with consent)

2. Imperfect voluntariness – is present in a person who acts without fully realizing what he means to
do, or without fully intending the act. (performed with partial knowledge / partial consent)

3. Conditional voluntariness – is present in a person who is forced by circumstances beyond his

control to perform and act which he would not do under normal conditions.
4. Simple voluntariness – is present in a person doing an act willfully, regardless of whether he likes to
do it or not. It is either positive or negative.

TYPES OF VOLUNTARINESS

1. Direct voluntariness – accompanies an act which is primarily intended by the doer, either as an end
in itself or as a means to achieve something.

Example:
 A person who willingly goes to the bar for drinking is a directly voluntary act.
 When one cuts class with friends to watch a movie. The cutting class, accompaniment of friends, and
viewing of a film are all voluntary acts.

2. Indirect voluntariness – accompanies an act or situation which is the mere result of a directly willed
act. (not intended for its own sake)

Example:
 A hold up occurs and the criminal ask for your money.
 Going into the bar and ending up in a fight.

LESSON 5: THE MODIFIERS OF HUMAN ACTS

1. Ignorance – absence of knowledge which a person ought to posses. It came from the Latin word
“ignorantia” which means not aware.

CLASSIFICATION OF IGNORANCE

a. Vincible ignorance – can easily be reminded through ordinary diligence and reasonable efforts.

Example: A Manila fellow knows the traffic laws and he should be updated. He is vincible, therefore
he is liable.

b. Invincible ignorance – is the type in which a person possess without being aware of it, or having
awareness of it, lacks the means to rectify it. (totally unaware)

Example: Aetas from the mountains, serving contaminated food

2. Passions – either tendencies towards desirable objects or tendencies away from undesirable or
harmful things.

CLASSIFICATION OF PASSIONS

a. Positive emotions – love, desire, delight, hope, and bravery

b. Negative emotions – hatred, horror, sadness, despair, fear and anger

Passions are psychic responses. As such, they are neither moral nor immoral, however, man is bound
to regulate his emotions and submit them to the control of reason.
3. Fear – disturbance of the mind of a person who is confronted by an impending danger or harm to
himself or loves ones.

Fear is an instinct for self – preservation. We even fear new experiences or situations such as
embarking on a long journey, being left alone in a strange place, or being asked to speak before a group
of people.

4. Violence – refers to any physical force exerted on a person by another free agent for the purpose of
compelling said person to act against his will.

Examples: bodily torture, maltreatment, isolation, and mutilation

5. Habits – is a lasting readiness and facility, born of frequently repeated acts, for acting in a certain
manner. They are acquired inclinations towards something to be done. They assume the role of a
second nature, moving one who has them to perform certain acts with relative ease.

The word “habit – forming” that we use to refer to certain experience shows how easy it is for
one to acquire a habit. It also implies that a habit is not easy to overcome or alter. It requires a strong –
willed person to correct a habit successfully within a limited period of time.

LESSON 6: RIGHTS AND DUTIES

Man is born with rights and duties and having rights is an attribute of a person. That is why we
have the Commission on Human Rights that addresses violations of such rights.

We insist on our rights but ignore our duties. Duties however are more fundamental than rights.

The duty to do good and to avoid evil is above all rights.

DEFINITION OF RIGHT

 Objectively - It is anything which is owed or due.

 Subjectively – That is, as residing in a person, right is a moral power, bound to be respected by
others, of doing, possessing, or requiring something.

KINDS OF RIGHTS

1. Natural rights – are those based on the natural law, that is, on human nature. (can’t be taken away)

Example: Right to life

2. Human rights – are those based on human positive laws, either those enacted by the State or a
religious sect.

a. Civil rights – are those dependent upon the laws of the State. (right to vote, right to abode,
freedom of speech)

b. Ecclesiastical or religious rights – are those dependent upon the laws of a church or a religious
sect.
3. Alienable rights – alienable rights are those, civil or religious rights, which can be surrendered,
renounced or removed, such as the right to decent livelihood, right to travel or right to operate a
business.

4. Inalienable rights - are those rights that cannot be taken if there is no due process; cannot be
surrendered, renounce or remove such as right to life, right to marry or right to education.

5. Right of jurisdiction – is the power of lawful authority to govern his subjects and to make laws for
them. (police power, power of eminent domain)

6. Right to property – is the power to own, to sell, to barter, to lend, to change, or give away one’s
personal possessions.

7. Juridical rights – refers to all rights insofar as they are based on laws. These rights must be
respected, allowed, fulfilled, as a matter of strict justice.

8. Non – juridical rights – are those rights which are founded on laws, either natural or human, but on
virtue. Thus, these are also called moral rights.

DEFINITION OF DUTY

Objectively – It is anything we are obliged to do or omit.

Subjectively – It is a moral obligation incumbent upon a person of doing, omitting, or avoiding
something.

Duty is moral obligation because it depends upon freewill. As such it resides on a person. Duty is
defined by law; any willful neglect of duty makes the person accountable for such act.

KINDS OF DUTIES

1. Natural duties are those imposed by natural law such as duty to care for our health.

2. Positive duties are those imposed by a human positive law such as the duty to pay taxes and to
observe traffic rules.

3. Affirmative duties are those which require the performance of a certain act, such as casting a ballot
during election; applying for a business license.

4. Negative duties are those which require the omission of a certain act such as not carrying illegal
firearms, or not destroying the property of other.

MODULE FORMS OF ETHICS AND ITS APPLICATION

2

LESSON 1: ETHICS IN POLITICS AND ECONOMICS

 Ethics has been applied to political science and politics leading to several distinct and not related
fields of applied ethics, Marxism and business ethics.

 Specific questions: the ethical problem attacked by applied ethics often bear directly on public
policy.

 For example, the following would be questions of applied ethics: “is the imposition of
death to convicted offenders guilty of heinous crimes ever moral”, “is mercy killing or
euthanasia ever moral”, “what are human rights, and how do we determine them?”, and
“do animals have rights as well?”

 Ethical queries into the fraud committed by corporate senior executive officers are an emerging
trend and the situational ethics of employees, who follow their unreasonable directives, has also
come to the forefront.

 Ethics has been applied to family structure, sexuality; and how society views the roles of
individuals; leading to several distinct and unrelated fields of applied ethics, including feminism.

Lesson 2:
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS:

 Ethics has been utilized to study human use of Earth’s limited resources.

 This has led to the analysis of social ecology and environmental ethics.

 An increasing preference has been to combine the study of both economics and ecology to
provide a basis for sustainable decisions on environmental use.

 This has led to theories of ecological footprint and bio-regional autonomy.

 Social and political movements based on such ideas include eco-tourism, eco-anarchism, deep
ecology, the green movement.

Lesson 3:
ETHICS IN THE PROFESSION:
 There are many sub-branches of applied ethics determining the ethical problems of different
professions, such as engineering ethics, business ethics, medical ethics, journalism ethics, and
legal ethics while environmental assessment and technologies on society and nature.

 Each branch characterizes common problems and issues that arise in the ethical codes of the
professions and defines their universal responsibility to the public.

Lesson 4
ETHICS IN PSYCHOLOGY

 The increased interest in moral reasoning led psychologists to develop theories which are based
on the idea that moral behaviour is made possible by moral reasoning.

 Their theories subdivided moral reasoning into so-called stages, which refer to the set of methods
or principles that a person uses for ethical judgment.

The most notable theory of this type was:

 Kolberg’s theory of moral development wherein it was argued that women tend to develop
through a different set of stages from men.
 This inspired work on an ethic of care which defines particularly against contract based
approaches.

 Another set of dominant psychological theories with ethical implications is the humanistic
psychology movement. One notable humanistic theory is Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs.

 Maslow contended that the highest human need is self-actualization, which may be
described as fulfilling one’s potential and trying to repair and amend what is wrong in the
world.

 Carl Roger’s work was based on similar assumptions.

 He thought that in order to be fully functioning person, one has to be creative and accept
his own needs and feelings.
 A similar assertion was theorized by Fritz Perls who argued that taking responsibility of one’s
own life is a significant virtue.

 R.D. Laing developed an extensive range of thought on interpersonal psychology.

 This deals with interactions between people, which he considered as significant, since an
ethical action always occur between one person and another.

Lesson 5
LEGAL ETHICS
 Ethics has been applied to criminology leading to the field of criminal justice.

 Choices versus consequences of personal choice may impact on other people and any
associated responsibilities may extend into wider society.

 They are major factors in life, as they determine one’s relationship with him/ her and with
others.
 MODULE
3 POLICE ETHICS

Lesson 1.
Police Ethics Defined

Police Ethics refers to the practical science of human morality and duty as applied to law
enforcement. This center on the study and application of ethics, virtue as well as the rules of conduct to
public service.

Every criminal justice profession and association has codes of ethics. It is also known as:

 canons of professional responsibility

 statements of values
 principles of conduct
 standards of practice
 oaths of office
 pledges
 vows
 maxims
 credos
 prayers
 tenets
 declarations

Some are directed to God; others to superiors or the profession; others to society as a whole.

Some are regulatory; others are aspirations. Some adhere to utilitarianism. Others to
deontological ethics (theory / study of moral obligation); but they all make promises that people commit
to keep it as a standard of performance.

A code of ethics, if it is to be used for occupational purposes, must set a standard above ordinary
morality. Otherwise, there’s no need for a code of ethics at all.

This is especially relevant to police work, where it’s going to take more than just a commitment
to being an ordinary, decent human being. Further, it’s going to take being a user of the code, not just
being a promiser.
 Lesson 2.

FOUNDATIONS OF POLICE ETHICS

Professional conduct and ethical standards and a high degree of honesty are more essential for
officers and members of Philippines National Police than for any member of the 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.

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is such a guide. If one really studies this code, it will soon
become evident that adhering to it present no easy task, for it involves mastering one’s own human
nature, and this is never an easy goal to attain.

Any one reading the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics will agree with its basic message, and they
will accept its basic context as being commensurate with professional standards.

Although the Code of Ethics was introduced in 1954, it is not a new concept to the field of law
enforcement.

A version of Code of Ethics was introduced by Sir Robert Peel (Father of Law Enforcement) of
England Metropolitan Police Force in 1829.

THE USEFULNESS OF CODE OF ETHICS

Codes are like firearms; they have their value and they have their dangers. One of the more
interesting questions to ask is why police created a code of ethics in the first place.

It may be that codes contain historically important clues to the contextual mandates for policing,
but more often than not, they represent aspirations toward the future without any clear directions for how
to get from one place (the past) to another (the future).

The police code is designed to be like an oath of office, and the effectiveness of making someone
say “I will” over and over again is debatable.
 Lesson 3.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS

As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and
property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the
peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to 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 deed in both my personal and official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the laws
of the land, and the regulations of my organization. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that
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 personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to
influence my decisions. With no compromise for crimes and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I
will enforce the laws 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 offices 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 ethics of the police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or
bribery, not will condone such act by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized
agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice

I know what I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and I 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 to my chosen
profession...Law Enforcement.

“AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, MY FUNDAMENTAL DUTY IS TO SERVE MANKIND”

This passage is contained in two words: “duty” and “service”. Too often we forget that law
enforcement is not just a job for which we are hired as one would hire a laborer or tradesman. It involves
a sworn duty.

Some progressive police departments now require that its officers reaffirm their oath each year in
an effort to drive home the message that is contained in this sworn oath. And to again remind the officer
of the essential relationship between his job and the free society in which he lives.
 The word “serve” denotes the denial of one’s own pleasures and desire for the good of the person
or persons to be served. Service involves dedication and sacrifice of the giving of one’s self. These are
words that many find hard to swallow in his present day and age but the job of professional law
enforcement requires a special creed of man.

“TO SAFEGUARD LIVES AND PROPERTY: TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT AGAINST

DECEPTION, THE WEAK AGAINST OPPRESSION OR INTIMIDATION: AND THE PEACEFUL
AGAINST VIOLENCE OR DISORDER”

We must, however, understand some of the limitations that are present in a truly democratic
society. In such a society as ours, this task can often be a difficult one, because protecting the rights of
the individual means also protecting the right of the criminal. This is sometimes a hard pill for law
enforcement officers to swallow.

Because of this, some officers stray politically to the far right in an effort to either seek a system
where their job would be made easier, or to better protect the society that they have sworn to serve.

It is easy for an officer to become bitter when he has continually witnessed the ends of justice
thwarted by red tape politics and technicalities of the law. The more truly idealistic he is, the more
frustrated he can become, especially if he lacks a philosophy or understanding of his true purpose in the
society which he serves.

Why must the idealistic officer suffer so? When a good carpenter does his best, in building a fine
house, one that can be seen and admired by all, he can stand back and look at his job with a feeling of
accomplishment and satisfaction. The same applies to an artist or anyone in the skilled trades. Why not,
then the policemen? Why must a good policeman, who works hard for the ends of justice, see the
products of his work so often crumble at his feet?

“TO RESPECT THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF ALL MEN TO LIBERTY EQUALITY AND
JUSTICE”

Respecting the rights of others is not one of man’s natural qualities. It seems to be part of his
nature to suspect and persecute those who are in any different from him. There is no perfect justice on
this earth, nor will there ever be, because man is not all knowing “nor” is he himself perfect. Still we
must strive for a form of justice that represents our ultimate capability. This involves not only great effort
on the part or very-person in the community, but individual sacrifice as well.

One of the greatest areas of fault among police officers generally, is not so much a prejudice
against the criminal. For example, an officer soon learns from experience that a certain group of persons
is often responsible for the majority of the crimes committed such an offense. Such a prejudice could lead
to the faulty conclusion that he is the guilty person.

This soon leads to a general feeling or prejudice against all those who have been convicted of
prior offenses, and an almost subconscious refusal to accord them the same right that the Constitution
provides for all persons.

“I WILL KEEP MY PRIVATE LIFE UNSULLIED AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL”

One of the first things that a law enforcement officer must learn is that he has no private life.
Every citizen should be entitled to his own private life yet when a person accepts the calling of Law
enforcement, as a voluntary measure, he must be willing to offer his privacy as a sacrifice to the good of
the community which he serves.

If a law enforcement officer could hide from his neighbors the facts that he is a policeman, then
his private life could be his own. This, however, is impossibility. If a policeman has a family, hi
occupation will become known in the neighborhood within a few days at the most.

It he is single, and keeps to himself, he may keep the secret a little longer, but if he is engaged in
active law enforcement within his community, it is inevitable that his neighbors will become aware of it.
One this is known, he will become the Object of constant observation.

“MAINTAIN COURAGEOUS CALM IN THE FACE OF DANGER, SCORN OR RIDICULE AND

DEVELOP SELF RESTRAIN”

In a democracy a police officer is a public officer and as such is a servant to the community.
Instead of being above reproach or ridicule, he must expect to receive his position, as part of his job. It is
not easy to control one’s temper when being subjected to unnecessary and unjustified scorn or ridicule.
Punching the perpetrator in the mouth will hurt him physically, but psychologically he will sense victory
in that he knows that he “got to the officer.” Nothing will hurt him more than being ignored.

Through practice, even the officer with temper can learn to control it. For the professional law
enforcement officer it is “must”. When subjected to scorn and ridicule, it often helps just to consider the
source.

“WHATEVER I SEE OR HEAR OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OR THAT IS CONFIDED TO

ME IN MY OFFICIAL CAPACITY WILL BE KEPT SECRET NLESS REVELATION IS
NECESSARY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTY”

Some officers feel that there is a difference in that the information obtained by the doctor and
attorney is freely given with the understanding that will be confidential whereas the he information
obtained as part the law enforcement officer can be the result of many sources or forms of investigation.

How it was obtained is really not important. The fact that it was obtained as part of the officer’s
occupation, and is usually information that he would not have otherwise obtained had he not been in that
field, is the key point.

This information should never leave the department or the person retaining it unless it is in the
interest of justice. An officer should even be careful not to reveal information to his wife.

An officer’s wife is often very tempted to reveal information of a confidential nature of neighbor
women in an effort to show her neighbors the importance of her husband’s job, and to gain status in the
eyes of the neighbor women.

“I WILL NEVER PERMIT PERSONAL FEELINGS, PREJUDICE, ANIMOSITIES OR

FRIENDSHIP TO INFLUENCE MY DECISIONS”

It is quite difficult to know which desire is strongest is some persons, to help our friends or to
hurt our enemies. Both desires are part of our human nature. Helping our friends can be very good thing
in self, but when it involves an inequity in the administration of justice we are defiling the oath we made
to the community in which we serve.
 In police work, there is ample opportunity to both hurt enemies and help friends, and it takes a
person of strong character to properly perform his duties under these circumstances. Without professional
convictions, this can be impossibility.

“I WILL NEVER ACT OFFICIOUSLY”

One of the faults common to new officers is that they often act officiously. They appear to the
public to be over-impressed with their own importance. In a way this is natural because it is associated
with pride and a new officer is usually very proud for his is a noble undertaking. However, a law
enforcement officer must always guard against having this pride misinterpreted by the public as being
merely officious.

The majority of the people who make contact with a law enforcement officer during his tour of
duty are not criminals. The majority of the persons receiving tickets from an officer are normally law
abiding, upright citizens of the community, and they are usually embarrassed enough by being caught in a
traffic violation without being talked down to or treated like a criminal.

Judges often report that a common reason for a person appearing in traffic court as not so much to
contest the facts of the offense as it is complain about the demeanor of the officer issuing the citation.

“WITH NO COMPROMISE FOR CRIME AND WITH RELENTLESS PROSECUTION OF

CRIMINALS I WILL ENFORCE THE LAW COURTEOUSLY AND PPROPRIATELY WITHOUT
FEAR OR FAVOR, MALICE OR ILL WILL”

The term “with no compromise for crime” means that crime will not be knowingly permitted. It
does not mean that the officer must perform his duties to the “letter of the law” without taking into
consideration the “spirit of the law”. If the Code of Ethics will be examined, nothing will be found in it to
the effect than an officer must obtain convictions and send people to prison for long periods of time.

It does state, however, that he must do the best of which he is capable, and that his actions must
in them be ethical. No man can predict or guarantee the final results of any action. Only god can do this,
Man can only be responsible for his immediate actions. If an officer does a good job and the court release
the criminal, the blame rests not upon him but upon the courts, the jury or society itself. The modern law
enforcement officer has a new motto “Be firm but fair”. He does not have to be a “theory bound”
sociologist just because he treats criminals like human beings.

The professional law enforcement officer lets the criminal call the tune as to his own treatment. The
officers can and must be as tough as the situation demands yet there is no personal vindictiveness in the
way he treats the criminal. His tone of voice and demeanor usually indicate that he will not be walked on,
yet his actions are fair

“I WILL NEVER EMPLOY UNNECESSARY FORCE OR VIOLENCE”

At times the use of force in the performance of one’s duties is an absolute necessity. There is no
escaping it. It is extremely difficult to judge exactly whether or not use of force is necessary in a given
situation.

The use of force or violence during interrogations will often produce immediate confessions, but
it should be avoided on ethical grounds. The interrogator seldom knows with complete certainty that the
suspect is guilty, and the use of force or the “third degree” on an innocent person is certainly a
miscarriage of justice as well as a violation of professional conduct.
 As a means of Punishment for the criminal, it would be out of place for it is not the function of
law enforcement to punish criminals. This belongs to the courts and prisons.

“I WILL NEVER ACCEPT GRATUITIES”

Those members of law enforcement who developed this code, were certainly aware of the
complexities of this particular area, but the use of the word “never” in relation to accepting gratuities,
indicated that they felt that this was a necessary and essential prerequisite to professional law
enforcement. To be truly professional we must first be ethical, we must do what is actually describe, not
merely what we would like to be desirable.

“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 ETHICS OF
POLICE SERVICE”

The essence of this section is one of the most overlooked and forgotten facets of law enforcement
by the man in the field. It is this that distinguishes the difference between law enforcement and the
ordinary job. It is this that enables an officer to suffer the difficulties and problems that make the held, at
times, so frustrating and discouraging.

Police administrators would do well to place more emphasis upon the swearing-process. It
should be made very formal and similar to the initiation of many fraternal organizations.

The Chief of Police should see that the recruit is not issued a badge or allowed to put on a
uniform until he is thoroughly familiar with the code of ethics and especially the above section. He
should be made to understand that he is one of a select few, and that his job is public trust that must be
earned. The new officer should also understand that any personal reward would not be obtained from the
public itself.

This is so because the public is a difficult master, it there no to personal reward, it can only come
from itself or from knowing the true significance of the job and the essential role that in plays in society.
Perhaps the greatest reward is the self-respect and satisfaction that comes from the knowledge that the job
was done in a truly professional manner.

“I WILL CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES AND IDEALS

DEDICATING MYSELF BEFORE GOD TO MY CHOSEN PROFESSION… LAW
ENFORCEMENT”

Proficiency in law enforcement involves many factors. It involves mental, moral and physical
conditioning. They are all-important aspects. The officer who let him self-slip physically is certainly not
able to protect society.

The officer who is in good physical condition has more confidence in his ability, and those with
whom he deals sense this, and as a result he finds that it is necessary to exert authority as much as it might
be otherwise.

Unfortunately, most police department requires a stiff physical agility examination before this
area is either forgotten or greatly neglected. It is left up to the individual officer to keep himself in shape.
Lesson 4.
 THE CANONS OF POLICE ETHICS

The following are the cannons of Police ethics:

1. Primordial police responsibility

2. Limitation of Police authority
3. Knowledge of the law and other responsibilities
4. Use of proper means to obtain proper ends.
5. Cooperation with public officials
6. Proper conduct and behavior
7. Conduct toward the community
8. Conduct in arresting law violators.
9. Firmness in refusing gifts or favors.
10. Impartial presentation of evidence
11. Attitude toward police profession

Primordial Police Responsibility

The primary objectives of Police is the prevention of crime, policeman knew too well that he has
committed his Life to defend and protect the rights of the citizen and uphold the law at all cost.

Limitation of Police Authority

The primary as an upholder of the law must know its limitation upon him 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 person, or group
of persons, absolute power.
c. He must insure that he does not pervert its true character.

Knowledge of the Law and other Responsibility

a. The policeman shall assiduously apply himself to the principles of the laws, which he is sworn to
applied.
b. He will make certain of his responsibilities in the particular field of enforcement, seeking aid of his
superior in matters technically or in principles are not clear to him
c. He shall make special effort to fully understand his relationship with law enforcement agencies,
particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both geographically and substantively.

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 wrong. They
are self-defeating if they instill in the public mind and a like disposition.
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.

Cooperation with Public Officials

 The policeman shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the performance or authorized
duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudices.

He shall be meticulous law, however, in assuring himself of property, under the law, such actions
and shall guard against the use of his office or person whether knowingly or in any improper or illegal
action.

Proper Conduct and Behavior

The policeman shall be mindful of his special identification by the public as an upholder of law.

Police laxity of conduct or manner in private life, expressing either disrespect for the law or
seeking to gain special prevail, cannot but reflect upon in the policeman and the police service.

The community and the service require that the policeman leads the life of decent and honorable
person, following the career of policeman gives no special pre-requisite.

Conduct towards the Community

a. The policeman shall be mindful of his responsibility to 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 be neither overbearing nor subservient, as no individual citizen has no obligation to stand in
awe of him or fight to command him.
e. He will do neither from personal preference or prejudice but rather a duly appointed officer of the law
discharging his sworn obligation.

Conduct in Arresting Law Violator

a. Policeman shall use his powers of 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 use 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.

Firmness in Refusing Gifts or Favors

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 public mind, be
interpreted as capable of influencing his judgment in the discharge of his duties.

Attitude towards Police Profession

a. Policeman shall regard the best possible of his duties as a public trust and recognize his
responsibilities as a public servant.
b. He shall strive to make the best possible application of science to the selection of the crime and in the
field of human relation.
c. He shall strive for effecting leadership and public influence in matters affecting public safety.
d. 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.
e. 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.

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.

Lesson 5.

PROFESSIONAL POLICE PRINCIPLES

The following are the professional police principles:

 Prevention of crime and disorder

 Cooperation of the community
 Unreasonable force reduce community cooperation
 Use of reasonable force when persuasion is not sufficient
 Impartial enforcement of laws.
 The community is the police.
 Police should not usurp judicial powers.
 Rules of engagement impartially observed.
 Reduction of crime and dishonor.
 Police discretion

Prevention of Crime and Disorder

The basic mission for whom the police exist is to prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to
the repression of crime and disorder by police force and severity of legal punishment.

Cooperation of Crime and Disorder

Police must secure the willing cooperation in the voluntary observance of the law to be able to
secure and maintain the respect and support of the community.
The ability of the police to perform their duty is dependent upon community support of police
existence, actions, behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain community and respect.

Unreasonable Force Reduce Community Cooperation

 A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in
the discharge of duty as in reasonable in all circumstances.

Force should be used only with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation and
persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally
unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from applying the unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering
and will never engage in cruel, degrading of inhuman treatment of any person.

Use of Reasonable Force when Persuasion Is Sufficient

The police should use reasonable force to the extent necessary to secure observance of the law or
to restore order only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient to
attain police objectives.

No violence or unnecessary force shall be subject to any greater restrain than is necessary for his
detention.

Impartial Enforcement of Laws

The police seek and preserve community favor, not by catering to community opinion, but
constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial enforcement of laws, without regard to the justice and
injustice of the substance of particular laws.

In short, there should be impartial enforcement of laws on all individual members of the, society
without regard to their race of social standing.

The Community is the Police

The police at all times should maintain relationship with the community that gives really to the
historic tradition that the police are the community are the police.

The police are the only members of the community who are pain to give full time attention to
maintain peace and order, which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare.

Police Should Not Usurp Judicial Powers

The police should always direct their actions strictly toward their functions and never appear to
usurp the powers of judiciary by averaging individuals of the state of authoritative judging guilt of
punishing the guilt.

Reduction of Crime and Disorder

The test of police efficiency is the reduction of crime and disorder until totally eradicated, not by
evidence of police present and action in dealing with the community.

Rules of Enforcement Impartially Observed

a. Policemen engaged in anti-crime operation always consider the safety and security of who might be
caught in the crossfire or arm encounters.
 b. The use of force including firearms is justifiable only by virtue of the Doctrine of self-defense and
Defense of a Stranger. Nobody, including the policeman and other law enforcement authorities is
above the law.

c. The use of force, especially firearms, should be applied only as a last resort, when all other peaceful
and non-violent means has been exhausted.

d. The use of force, especially firearms, should be confined only in the lawless elements and the
responding PNP unit. This is inherent in the police service in which the profession, the armaments
and safety life of every PNP members are dedicated to the protection and safety of the people.

Police Discretion

A police officer will use responsibly the discretion vested in the position and exercise if within
the law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the officer’s determinations and the officer will
consider all surrounding circumstances whether any legal action shall be taken.

Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional policing competence, will do much
to preserve good relationship and retain the confidence of the public.

There can be difficulty in choosing between conflicting courses of action. It is important to

remember that a timely word of advice rather than arrest (in appropriate circumstances) is a more
effective means of achieving a desired end.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PNP CODE OF PROFESSIONAL

CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

Lesson 1

Values and the Cardinal Virtues

Values are implicitly related to a degree of behavioral freedom or autonomy by human beings;
values steer or guide the person, on the basis of internally chosen options. Thus, a value implies the
(conscious) prioritizing of different behavioral alternatives which are perceived to be possible to the
individual. Values can apply to groups (such as “Filipino values”) or individuals (religious values) and
can be both processes and goals. In example, democracy is both a process, and a goal,

Moral character or character is an evaluation of a person’s moral and mental qualities. Such an
evaluation is subjective – one person may evaluate someone’s character on the basis of their virtue,
another may consider their fortitude, courage, loyalty, or honesty.

Values may be defined and characterized by the following:

 the quality (positive or negative) that renders something desirable or valuable; the Shakespearean Shylock
is of dubious value in the modern world.
 “an ideal accepted by some individual or group; he has old-fashioned values.”
 Principles, standards or qualities considered worthwhile or desirable by the person who holds them.
 Abstract ideas about what a society believes to be good, right, and desirable.
 Those qualities of behaviour, thought, thought and character that society regards as being intrinsically
good, having desirable results, and worthy of emulation by others.
 Beliefs about the manner in which people should behave and the principles that should govern behaviour.

Categories of Values:

A value system is the ordered and prioritized set of ethical and doctrinal values that an
individual’s culture upholds.

In this context a value is part of the core value system from which one operates or reacts. These
values can be grouped into six categories:

 Ethics (good-bad, virtue-vice, moral-immoral, right-wrong, permissible-impermissible)

 Aesthetics (beautiful, ugly, unbalanced, pleasing)
 Doctrinal (political, ideological, religious or social beliefs and values)
 Innate (inborn values such as reproduction and survival)
 Non-use/passive – includes the value based on something never used or seen, or something left for the
next generation.
 Potential/option – the value of something that’s known to be only potentially valuable, such as a plant that
might be found to have medicinal value in the future. A value system is the ordered and prioritized set of
values that an individual’s culture upholds.

A law enforcement organization such as the Philippine National Police will be an effective
organization only if it develops good values.

An ideal value system for a police agency would include:

- Honesty
- Integrity
- Respect for human rights
- Professionalism
- Strong sense of justice
- Desire to help and serve others
- Patriotism
- Selflessness

Cardinal Virtues:

1. Prudence – refers to the ability to govern and discipline oneself by means or logical reasoning and sound
discretion. It is a habit which inclines man to act a way that harmonizes with nature (virtue), which
attracts the intellect to prefer the most effective means for accomplishing what is morally good and avoid
moral evils.
2. Temperance – refers to the ability to avoid something and act with moderation, regulating one’s carnal
appetite for sensual pleasures.
3. Fortitude – denotes firmness of mind, the courage to endure without yielding. It is a combination of
patience (calmness and composure), perseverance ( the ability to continue despite of obstacles or
opposition) and endurance (the ability to survive)
4. Justice – it refers to a virtue that inclines the will to give every person his/ her accorded rights.

Fundamental laws of human society: justice which is composed of three divisions of namely:

 Commutative justice – it regulates actions which involve the rights that exist among individuals,
violation of which calls for reparation and restitution.
 Distributive justice – which standardizes those actions that have to do with the rights an individual may
claim from the society.
 Legal justice – its puts into order those actions which society may justly require of the individual for the
common good.

5. Charity – refers to kindness, compassions, altruism, humanity and good will. It is the obligation of giving
under certain conditions whatever assistance and aid which our fellowmen needs.

A virtue is a character trait which is evaluated as being good. Societies have values (norms) that
are largely shared among many of the participants. In these cases those participants share a culture,
even when an individual participant’s culture values might not entirely agree with someone normative
values sanctioned in the larger society.

Some values recognized as virtues in various culture might include:

Acceptance, accountability, adventure appreciation, awareness, balance, beauty, being beautiful in, calm,
care for others charity, cleanliness, commitment, confidence, cooperation, courage, creativity, critical
thinking, curiosity, determination, discipline, education, effort, fairness, faith, forgiveness, fortitude,
freedom, free will, friendship, generosity, gentleness, happiness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, hope,
hospitality, humanism, idealism, imagination, independence, integrity, justice, kindness, love loyalty,
mercy, moderation, manner, non-violence, nurture, obedience, openness, optimism, patience, perfection,
prudence, purpose, respect, responsibility, satisfaction, self-awareness, self-discipline, self-interest, self-
reliance, self-respect, service, sharing, sincerity, temperance, tact, trust, truth, understanding,
unselfishness, wealth, well-being, wisdom, zeal.

Clash of differing values:

If a person expresses a value which is in conflict with their society’s norms, the society may carry
out various ways of redressing, stigmatizing or confronting the individual. Imprisonment is the result of
the conflict with social norms that has been established by law.

Lesson 2

UNIVERSAL LAW ENFORCER’S CODE OF CONDUCT

 The Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. The United Nations Code of Conduct
constitutes a widely recognized international standard for police conduct.

Article 1: law enforcement officials shall at all times fulfil the duty imposed upon them by law, by
serving and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent with the high degree of responsibility
required by their profession.

 “Law enforcement officials” refers to all persons that exercise police powers, particularly the [power of
arrest and detention.
 Service to the community is the primary goal of the law enforcement service; police agencies has the
unique responsibility to “protect and serve” the community.
 Police persons of all ranks and positions are responsible for the ethical and uniform enforcement of the
law.

Article 2: in the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human
dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights at all persons.

 One of the most important duties and responsibilities of the police is to enforce, protect, and
defend the human rights of all persons.

Article 3: Law enforcement may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the
performance of their duty.

 The use of force by law enforcement officials must be lawful, proportionate to the circumstances, and
only be used when no other reasonable alternative exists.
 This article underlines that the use of force by the police service should be the exception rather than the
usual practice.
 Law enforcement official are authorized to use force only when rationally necessary to defend
themselves or another person to prevent a crime and no other reasonable alternative is practical; the use or
application of force beyond that point is not authorized.
 The use of firearms is considered an extreme response. Every effort should be made to use non-lethal
force to resolve force situations. Lethal force may be employed when no other reasonable option exists or
is not practical under the circumstances.

Article 4: matters of a confidential nature in the possession of law enforcement officials shall be kept
confidential, unless the performance of duty or the needs of justice strictly require otherwise.

 By the nature of their duties, law enforcement officials will get hold of information which may
relate to the private lives of other persons. The police has the responsibility of safeguarding such
information which may only be revealed when required in the performance of their duty when
required by the courts and other instruments of the criminal justice system.

Article 5: no law enforcement officials may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, nor may any law enforcement official invoke superior
orders… as justification of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
  The bar against torture is derived from the United Nations documents prohibiting all forms of
torture and mistreatment. Torture by law enforcement officials is especially forbidden because it
violates the basic principle of the duty of the police service to “protect and serve” the community.
It also violates the requirement of the fundamental legal maxim ruling out the imposition of cruel
and inhumane punishments and the premise that all persons are presumed innocent before trial
and entitled to basic legal protections from mistreatment.

Article 6: law enforcement officials shall ensure the full protection of the health of persons in their
custody and, in particular, shall take immediate action to secure medical attention whenever required.

 Law enforcement personnel are responsible for the protection and safe-keeping of persons in their
custody. As such, the police have a duty to provide reasonable medical attention, to include
lifesaving measure and preventive health care.

Article 7: law enforcement officials shall not commit any act of corruption. They shall rigorously oppose
and combat all such acts.

 Any act of corruption is an abuse of authority and is unsuited with the law enforcement profession.
 The laws must be enforced equally to all persons. Any law enforcement official who perpetrates acts of
corruption cannot be expected to fairly enforce the law among the citizens.
 Acts of corruption are identify with the acceptance or demand of a gift, gratuity, or money in exchange
for doing or not doing some official act; any criminal act undertaken by the police; or assistance given to
another person undertaking a criminal act.
 Acts of corruption also include any attempt to perform an act of corruption.

Article 8: law enforcement officials shall respect the law and the present code. They shall also, to the best
of their capability, prevent and rigorously oppose any violation of them.

 All police officials have positive duty to respect and enforce the code of conduct. These standards
represent the collective will of the international community of the United Nations that law enforcement
officials must revere, promote, and defend the standards set forth in the code of conduct.
 The Philippine National Police has published standards of conduct. These standards include Chapter II
and III of the Ethical Doctrine Manual, entitled Police Professional Conduct and the Police Officer’s
Creed.

In 1957, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) adopted the Law Enforcement Code
of Ethics and later revised it in 1989. This document is used as a worldwide standard for law enforcement
officers, reminding them of the ethical responsibilities of their position and their need to live up to the
highest standards of professional policing. When individuals unite to engage in a profession, a
fundamental task is to establish principles which provide guidance, direction, and vision.

The Revised Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives
and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and
the peaceful against the violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all liberty, equality
and justice.
 I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintained 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 deed both in my personal and official life, I will be in exemplary on obeying the law and the
regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in
my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless relation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless
prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favour,
malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

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 ethics 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 am responsible for my own standard of 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 to my
chosen profession…law enforcement.

Lesson 3

Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer

1. Impartiality – a police officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favour or
affection or ill will, and without regards to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or
aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity.

2. Professionalism – officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities, or friendships to

influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and, carrying
out their responsibilities, officers will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public.
They will conduct themselves in appearance and deportment in such a manner as to inspire
confidence and respect for the position of public trust they hold.

A. Discretion

1. Reasonableness – a police officer will responsibly user the discretion vested in the position
and exercise it within the law. The principle of reasonableness will guide the officer’s
 decisions. The officer will consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether
any legal action shall be taken.

B. Use of force

A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such
force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable under the circumstances. Force should be used only
with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation, and persuasion have been found
to be inappropriate or ineffective.

C. Confidentiality

Whatever a police sees, hears or learns of, which is of a confidential nature, will be kept
secret unless the performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise. Members of
the public have a right to security and privacy, and information obtained about them must
not be improperly divulged.

D. Integrity

A police officer will not engage in acts of corruptions or bribery, nor will an officer condone
such acts by other police officers.

E. Cooperation with other officers and agencies

Police officer will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies. An officer or agency may
be one among many organizations that may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. The
police officers assist colleagues fully and completely with respect and consideration at all times.

F. Personal and professional capabilities

The officers will be responsible for their own standard of professional performance and will
take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and
competence. Through training and experience, a police officer can acquire the breadth of
knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty.

G. Private life

Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or
themselves. A police officer’s character and conduct while off-duty must always be exemplary,
thus maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serves. The
officer’s personal behaviour must be beyond reproach.

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS

 FOR CRIMINOLOGISTS AND PNP OFFICERS

Lesson 1

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR

CRIMINOLOGISTS

Code of ethics is an important agency for social control. They have been promulgated for
professions which gives prescriptions of the duty of a professional towards his fellow professionals and to
the society in general.

Article 1 – primary responsibility of registered criminologist

a. The primary responsibility of every person admitted to the practice of Criminology as a Registered
Criminologist is to bear faithful allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and be loyal to his
profession. They shall accept as a sacred obligation and responsibility as citizens to support the
Constitution of the Philippines and as a Registered Criminologist to defend the principles of liberty as
defined in the Constitution and laws.
b. As registered criminologist, they shall strive to improve their effectiveness by diligent study and sincere
attention to improvement and welcome the opportunity to disseminate practical and useful information
relating to matters accruing to the benefit of public safety and welfare.

Article 2 – limitation of authority

a. The first duty of a criminologist as upholder of the law is to know its bounds upon him, be aware of
limitations and prescriptions and recognize the system of government that gives to no man group or
institution absolute power. He must ensure that he is prime defender of the system and as such must never
prevent its character.
b. They shall in the performance of their duty be just, impartial and reasonable, never according anyone
more preferential treatment than another. They shall recognize the limitation of their authority and at no
time to use the power of their profession for personal advantage.

Article 3 – private conduct

a. The registered criminologist must be mindful of his special identification by the public as an upholder of
the law. He must never be lax in conduct or manner in private life, express disrespect for the law, nor seek
to gain special privilege that would be reflective upon the profession. He must so conduct his private life
that the public will regard him as an example of stability fidelity and morality.
b. He must strive to elevate the standing of the profession in the public mind, strengthen public confidence
in law enforcement, develop and maintain complete support and cooperation of the public and insure the
effectiveness by encouraging complete cooperation of members for their mutual benefit.

Article 4 – conduct towards the public

a. The criminologist remind at all times that dignity, fairness and a genuine willingness to help are essential
to their public image and their ability to do a good job.
b. The criminologist mindful of their responsibility to the whole community deal with individuals of the
community in a manner calculated to instil respect for its laws and their profession.
c. They shall be habitually courteous and accept their responsibility by being punctual and expeditious in
their engagements and duties. They shall regard their profession as a public trust and in the discharge of
their duties; bear constantly in mind their obligation to serve the public efficiently and effectively.

Article 5 – attitude towards profession

a. The criminologists shall strive to make the best application of science to the solution of crime, by diligent
study and sincere attention to self-improvement, and in the fields of human relationships, strive for
effective leadership and public influence in matters affecting public safety.
b. He shall appreciate the importance and responsibility of his profession as an honourable one rendering
valuable service to his community and country. They shall strive to attain certain of the most withering
cross examination particularly from fellow criminologists and associates.
c. He shall avoid outside influence from overzealous and overanxious clients and his findings shall be based
solely and entirely on logical and scientific deduction derived from a fair and impartial examination
personally performed by him.
d. He must never lose sight of the important fact that he should not only work for the identification,
apprehension and conviction of criminals, but must strive with greater not equal vigour to clear the
innocent.

Article 6 – attitude towards fellow criminologists

a. The criminologists shall strive constantly to improve professional standing of Criminology through
association with others in the profession and keeping abreast with the fast moving world of science and
technology through constant research and development.
b. He shall cooperate fully with fellow criminologists regardless of personal prejudice. He should however,
be assured that such action is proper and in accordance with law and guard against the use of this office or
person, knowingly or unknowingly in any improper or illegal action. He always bear in mind at all times
that it is not sufficient to be proficient in ones work; he must also have a high sense of justice, a belief in
and worth of all men and proper motivation and attitude. He must possess a sense of dedication to his
profession and a ense of duty and obligation to his fellowmen.
c. He shall cooperate with fellow criminologists and public officials to the end that the safety and general
welfare of the public will be assured, never permitting jealousies or personal differences to influence their
professional duties and obligations.

Article 7 – code of ethics

The universally accepted Code of Ethics for Law Enforcement shall be temporarily adopted
pending formulation of a more specific code that embraces all aspects of Criminology.

Article 8 – effectivity
 This Code of Ethics for Registered Criminologists shall be effective upon approval hereof by the
Commission and after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the official Gazette.

Lesson 2

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PNP OFFICERS

Article 1 – Preliminary Provisions

Section 1. title – this Code shall be known as the Philippine National Police Code of Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards (PNP Code of Conduct)

Section 2. Declaration of Policy – all PNP members shall abide and adhere to the provisions of this Code
of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards. Towards this end, a truly professionalized and dedicated
law enforcers shall be developed in promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety and enhancing
community participation guided by the principle that all public office is a public trust and that all public
servants must at all times serve with utmost responsibility, integrity, morality, loyalty and efficiency with
due respect to human rights and dignity as hallmark of a democratic society. They shall at all times bear
faithful allegiance to the legitimate government, support and uphold the Constitution, respect the duly
constituted authority and be loyal to the police service.

Article II – Police Officer’s Creed and Stand on Basic Issues

Section 1. The PNP Core Values – the police service is a noble profession and demands from its members
specialized knowledge and skills and high standard of ethics and morality. In this regard, the members of
the Philippine National Police must adhere to and internalize the enduring core values of Love of God,
respect for authority, selfless love and service for people, respect for women and sanctity of marriage,
responsible dominion and stewardship over material things, and truthfulness.

Sec. 2. The Police Officer’s Creed:

2.1. I believe in God, The Supreme Being, A Great Provider, and The Creator of all men and
everything dear to me. In return I can do no less than love Him above all, seek His guidance in the
performance of my sworn duties and honor Him at all times.

2.2. I believe that respect for authority is duty. I respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land
and the applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the leadership; and
follow and obey legal orders of mu superior officers.
2.3. I believe in selfless love and service to people. Towards this end, I commit myself to the service of
my fellowmen over and above my personal convenience.

2.4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and the respect for women. I shall set the example of decency
and morality and shall have high regard for family life and chastity.

2.5. I believe in the responsible dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall inhibit myself
from ostentatious display of my property. I shall protect the environment and conserve nature to maintain
ecological balance. I shall respect private and public properties and prevent others from destroying it.

2.6. I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be trustworthy and I shall speak the truth at all times
as required by my profession.

Sec. 3. PNP Stands on basic issues – the deployment and employment of the PNP personnel require the
organization and its members to bare their stand on the following basic issues:

1.1. PNP Image – the image of any organization affect the esprit de’ corps, morale and welfare of
members and sense of pride to the organization. In view thereof, all members of the PNP should conduct
themselves in a manner that would not place the PNP in bad light. Instead, they should live in accordance
with the PNP core values and possess the following virtues: honor, integrity, valor, justice, honesty,
humility, charity and loyalty to the service
1.2. Career Management, the key to professionalism – its improper implementation will greatly
prejudice the personnel professionalization process as regards procurement, promotion, assignment,
placement, training, awards and retirement. To address these flaws, the PNP shall formulate the stringent
policy and strictly implement the human resources development system, compatible to the equitable
distribution of procurement, fair promotion, rationalized approach I assignment, skill development
immediate grant of reward and award decent living upon retirement.
1.3. Police Management Leadership – the effectiveness of Law enforcement is reflective of the
managerial capabilities and competent leadership of the men and women who run the PNP organization.
It is therefore a “must” that these attributes be the primary basis for consideration in the selection of
personnel for employment and deployment purposes.
1.4. Equality in the Service – there shall be judicious and equitable distribution of opportunity to prove
one’s worth in the police service. The civilian character of the organization requires adherence to the rule
on merit and fitness system and to dissociate the above process from class orientation and factionalism.

3.5. Delicadeza – in consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity in the PNP, all members
must have the moral courage to sacrifice self-interest in keeping with the time honored principle of
delicadeza.

3.6. Police lifestyle – the PNP shall endeavour to promote a lifestyle to every member that is acceptable
and respectable in the eyes of the public. Further, its members should set good example to the
subordinates and follow good example from the superiors. They must be free from greed, corruption and
exploitation. The public expects a police officer to live a simple yet credible and dignified life.

3.7. Political Patronage – all PNP members must inhibit himself from soliciting political patronage in
matters pertaining to assignment, awards, training, and promotion.

1.3. Human Rights – all PNP members must respect and protect human dignity and man’s
inalienable right to life, liberty and property.
 THE FILIPINO POLICE OFFICER

Lesson 1

WHAT MAKES A POLICE OFFICER?

James Q. Wilson (1968) wrote, "It is not money, or organization that defines the policeman's
job, it is the job that defines the policeman”.

In a similar vein, Peter Manning and John van Maanen observed (1978) "Policing is more than
a job; it is a way of life." In short, what makes cops different from non-police is the job itself.

Five characteristics of the job of police officer seem particularly useful in explaining how police
come to be different from civilians: the uniform, the power, working hours, danger, and dirty work
involved in police functions. In total, these factors work to separate the police from the public and to
accentuate any differences.

FIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A POLICE OFFICER’S JOB

1. THE UNIFORM

2. THE POWER
3. THE WORKING HOURS

4. THE DANGER

5. THE DIRTY WORK

Fogelson (1977) has suggested that the police occupation suffers from what he calls a pariah
complex.

Lesson 2

STRENGTHS OF THE FILIPINO POLICE OFFICER

1. SPIRITUAL BELIEFS

PNP members are traditionally religious and God-loving persons. They attend religious services
together with the members of their family.

During times of great personal crisis and danger, they bravely forge on, confident that Divine
Providence will grant them protection and safety.

2. VALOR
 History attests that the Filipino law-enforcers have exemplified the tradition of valor in defending
the country from aggression and oppression and protecting/preserving the life and property of the people.

They sacrificed their limbs and lives for the sake of their countrymen whom they have pledged to
serve.

3. PATRIOTISM

The PNP members are traditionally patriotic by nature. They manifest their love of country with a
pledge of allegiance to the flag and a vow to defend the Constitution.

4. DISCIPLINE

The discipline of PNP members is manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and
thorough and spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational objectives guided by moral,
ethical and legal norms.

5. COURTEOUS

PNP members are upright in character, gentle in manners, dignified in appearance, and sincere in
their concern to fellowmen.

6. WORD OF HONOR

PNP members’ word is their bond. They stand by and commit to uphold it.
7. DUTY

PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who perform
their tasks with deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice. They shall readily accept assignment
anywhere in the country.

8. LOYALTY

PNP members are traditionally loyal to the organization, country and people as borne by history
and practice.

9. CAMARADERIE

The binding spirit that enhances teamwork and cooperation in the police organization, extending
to the people they serve, is manifested by the PNP members’ deep commitment and concern for one
another.

Lesson 3

WEAKNESSES OF THE FILIPINO POLICE OFFICER

The weaknesses of the Filipino Police Officer are rooted on how he individually adapts to the
reality of his chosen profession. After gaining much needed experience, a police officer oftentimes
realizes that the procedural approach (by the book) does not necessarily guarantee results.

In like manner, the same police officer acknowledges that the public unfairly judges his
competence based on actual results and not on whether he followed the correct process or not.
 Faced with this moral dilemma, a police officer sometimes adjusts his high ethical standards in
order to meet the expectations of the public. This process eventually creates a phenomenon known as a
“sub-culture”, wherein a parallel set of values now exists side by side with the prescribed values and
behavior by the organization.

The following are the manifestations of this so-called “sub-culture”, which, to be fair, do not
necessarily apply to all police officers, but are generally regarded to be existing and accepted as valid.

1. MISPLACED LOYALTY

Due to the bonds shared by police officers in their line of work, it becomes one’s paramount duty
to protect his fellow officers at all costs, as they would protect you, even though you may have to risk
your own career or your own life to do it.

If your colleagues make a mistake, took a bribe, seriously hurt somebody illegally, or got into
other kinds of trouble, you should do everything you can to protect them in the ensuing investigation. If
your colleagues are routinely breaking rules, you should never tell supervisors, reporters, or outside
investigators about it. If you don't like it, quit or get transferred to another assignment. But never, ever,
blow the whistle.

2. CYNICISM

Sometimes, because of the experiences they acquire as law enforcers, police view all citizens with
suspicion. Everyone is a possible problem, but especially those who fit a type.

Recruits learn this way of looking at others from older officers if they have not come to the job already
holding these perceptions.
 Cynicism spills over to their relations with other people, since they have found that friends expect
favors and special treatment, and since police routinely witness negative behavior even from the most
upstanding of people.

As a result, their work life leads them to the conclusion that all people are weak, corrupt, and
dangerous.

3. THE USE OF FORCE

The police sometimes embrace force for all situations wherein a threat is perceived. Threats may
be interpreted as acts or statements "against the officer's authority" rather than those against the officer's
physical person.

So, anyone with an "attitude problem" deserves a lesson in humility. Force is both expressive and
instrumental. It is a clear symbol of the police officer's perceived authority and legitimate dominance in
any interaction with the public, and it is also believed to be the most effective method of control. In other
words, everyone understands a baton; it cuts across all social and economic barriers and is the most
effective tool for keeping people in line and getting them to do what is required without argument.

Police officers sometimes think that they should never hesitate to use physical or deadly force
against people who "deserve it," or where it can be an effective way of solving a crime. The use of force
is justifiable by virtue of the doctrine of self-defense, defense of relative and defense of stranger, and if
the police has probable cause to believe that the subject poses an imminent danger of death or serious
injury to the police or other persons.

4. “THE POLICE AS VICTIMS’ MENTALITY

This concept is based on the idea that the police are victims of public misunderstanding and
scorn, of low wages and self-serving administrators. This feeling of victimization sets police apart from
others and rationalizes a different set of rules for them as opposed to other members of society.

There are several factors that lead to the extreme nature of the police subculture:
 • The police typically form a homogeneous social group.
• They have a uniquely stressful work environment.
• They participate in a basically closed social system.

Historically, police in the Philippines have always come from the middle and lower classes; they
are similar racially, culturally, and economically. Because of these similarities, police feel themselves to
be more similar to each other than the groups they interact with as part of their job.

Homogeneous social groups lead people to think that everyone agrees with the group value or
belief because to do otherwise would ostracize the person. Police are set apart further by their work life.

The job of a police officer entails a great deal of stress caused by potential danger and generally
unpleasant experiences. Again, this results in the feeling that police are special and different from
everyone else.

Finally, because of erratic working hours and social stigmatization, their social life tends to be
totally centered around other police officers. This results in closed viewpoints and legitimization of some
unethical practices like corruption.

5. PREFERENTIAL APPLICATION OF THE LAW

Decisions about whether to enforce the law, in any but the most serious cases, should be guided
by both what the law says and who the suspect is.

Attitude, demeanor, cooperativeness, and even regional affiliation, age, and social class are all
important considerations in deciding how to treat people generally and whether or not to arrest suspects in
particular.

When a fellow police officer’s immediate family or relative commits a minor infraction, it is
understandable to look the other way because of “pakikisama”.
 It is common to hear the term “balato mo na sa akin ito” during these types of situations. It is
likewise understandable to expect the same treatment from your fellow officers when your family or
relatives are involved. It’s a quid pro quo situation.

6. “THE POLICE AS UNTOUCHABLES”

Disrespect for police authority is an offense that should always be punished with an arrest or use
of force. This number one "offense," which is known as "contempt of a person in uniform” cannot be
ignored.

Even when the party has committed no violation of the law, a police officer should find a safe
way to impose punishment, including an arrest on fake charges.

7. REWARDS

Police do very dangerous work for low wages, so it is proper to take any extra rewards the public
wants to give them, such as free meals, Christmas gifts and free access to movies, public transport etc.

The general rule is: Take any reward that doesn’t change what you would do anyway, such as
eating a meal, but don’t take money that would affect your job, such as not giving traffic tickets.

One theory is that it is acceptable to accept any type of reward as long as it was given
wholeheartedly by an individual to a police officer. This rationalization was even given a term:
LAUGHING MONEY

8. DUE PROCESS
 Due process is only a means of protecting criminals at the expense of the law abiding and should
be ignored whenever it is safe to do so. Illegal searches and wiretaps, interrogation without advising
suspects of their rights, and if need be (as in the much-admired movies such as Dirty Harry), even
physical pain to coerce a confession are all acceptable methods for accomplishing the goal the public
wants the police to accomplish: fighting crime.

The rules against doing those things merely handcuff the police, making it more difficult for them
to do their jobs.

9. LYING AND DECEPTION

Lying and deception are an essential part of the police job, and even perjury should be used if it is
necessary to protect yourself or get a conviction on a “bad guy”.

Violations of due process cannot be admitted to prosecutors or in court, so perjury is necessary

and therefore proper.

CHALLENGES FACING THE FILIPINO POLICE OFFICER

1. POLITICAL MEDDLING

2. POOR SALARY

3. CORRUPTION
 SPECIFIC VALUES/ETHICAL BEHAVIOR TO BE DEVELOPED IN
EVERY FILIPINO POLICE OFFICER

Lesson 1

THE PNP CORE VALUES

The police service is noble and professional. Hence, it demands from its members a specialized
knowledge, skill and high standard ethics and morality.

In this regard, the member of the Philippine National Police must adhere to and internalize the
enduring core values of the PNP.

 Love of God.
 Respect for authority.
 Respect for women
 Respect for sanctity of marriage.
 Stewardship over material things
 Responsible dominion
 Truthfulness

THE POLICE OFFICER’S PLEDGE

 I will love and serve God, my country and people.

 I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of duly constituted authorities.
 I will oblige myself to maintain high standard of morality.
 I will respect the customs and traditions of the police service.
 I will live a decent and virtuous Life to serve as an example.

THE POLICE OFFICER’S CREED

1. I believe in God, the Supreme Being and Great provider, the Creator of all men and everything dear
to me. In return, I can do less than love Him above all, seek His guidance in the performance of my
duties and honor Him at all times.

2. I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I believe and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the
land and the applicable rules and regulations. I recognize the legitimacy and authority of the
leadership and follow and obey legal orders of my superior officers.

3. I believe in selfless love and service to people. Toward this end, I commit myself to the service of my
fellowmen over and above my personal convenience.
4. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and the respect for women. I shall set the example of decency and
morality. I shall have high regard for family life and chastity.

5. I believe in responsible dominion and stewardship over material things. I shall inhibit myself from
ostentatious display of my property. I shall protect the environment and conserve nature to maintain
ecological balance. I shall not intrigue, gossip or make unverified statement concerning personal
character of conduct, which will discredit another member of the PNP.

THE POLICE CODE OF COVENANT

I shall recognize and will always be conscious of the fact that the police service is an honorable
calling, thus compelling me to set the example by strictly adhering to the provision of the code of
professional conduct and ethical standards.

I bind myself to promote and enhance the noble ideas and aspiration of code of my personal and
professional life and ensure that its tenets shall be honored at all times.
 This is my personal covenant.

THE POLICEMAN’S PRAYER

Lord god almighty, grant us that we may this day and every day over all temptation especially to
injustice and disloyalty and with our minds inflamed by your holy spirit. Performed all our duties in such
a manner that as maybe pleasing to your divine will so that when call to report for the last time, we may
not be found wanting. Amen.

THE FILIPINO POLICEMAN

A Filipino policeman is a protector and a friend of the people. His badge is the symbol of the
citizen’s faith and trust, his uniform a mirror of decorum and integrity and 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 of
Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora.

A Filipino policeman has an 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 unto them the one and only treasure of
his life - an embellished name.

Lesson 2

THE POLICE PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

All members of the PNP shall observe the following professional police conduct:

1. Commitment of Democracy: Uniform PNP members shall commit themselves to the democratic
way of life and value and maintain the principles of public accountability.

Public office is a public trust. Public officer must at all times be accountable to the people, serve
them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and leas
modest lives. They shall at all times uphold the constitution and be loyal to our country, people and
organization above loyalty to any persons or organization.

2. Commitment to Public Interest: PNP members shall always uphold public interest over and above
personal interest. All government properties, resources and powers of their respective offices must be
employed and used effectively, honestly and efficiency, particularly to avoid wastage of public fund
and revenues.

3. Non-Partisanship: PNP members shall provide service to everyone without discrimination

regardless of Party affiliation in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

4. PNP Conduct during Labor Dispute: The involvement of PNP during strike, lockout, and labor
dispute in general shall limited to the maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws and legal
Orders of duly contributed authorities.

5. Physical Fitness and Health: All PNP members shall strive to be physically fit and in good health at
all times. Towards this end, they shall undergo regular exercise and annual medical examination in
any PNP hospital or medical facility.

6. Secrecy Discipline: All PNP Members shall guard the confidentiality of classified information
against unauthorized disclosure. This includes confidential aspect of official business special orders,
communication and other documents, roster or any portion thereof of the PNP, contents of criminal
records, identities of person who may have given information to the police in confidence and other
classified information on intelligence materials.
7. Social Awareness: All PNP members shall be actively involved in civic, religious, and other social
activities with the end purpose of increasing social awareness.

8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property: All PNP members shall be responsible for the security,
proper care and use of Public property issued to them and/or deposit under their care and custody,
unauthorized used of Public property for personal convenience of gain and that of their family,
friends, relatives is strictly prohibited.

9. Non-Solicitation of Patronage: All PNP members seeking self-improvement through career

development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or recommendation from politician,
high ranking government officials, prominent citizens, persons affiliated with civic or religious
organization with regard to their assignment, promotion, transfer or related advantage.

10. Respect for Human Rights: In the performance of duty, PNP members shall respect human dignity
and uphold human rights of all persons. Every police officer shall not inflict, investigate, or tolerate
extra judicial killing, arbitrary arrest, any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
and Punishment. Every member of the PNP shall not invoke superior order or exceptional
circumstances such as state of war, a threat to national security, internal political instability or any
committing such human rights.

11. Devotion to Duty: All PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication, efficiency
enthusiasm, determination and manifest concerned for public welfare. He shall refrain from engaging
in any activity, which shall in conflict with their duties as Public servant. He shall not rein sickness or
injury or physical incapacity to avoid performance of duty. He shall not leave his assigned
jurisdiction of official business, except by permission of his superior officer or other competent
authority, unless such permission is not practical as in pursuit of a criminal, in which case a report
must be made immediately thereafter.

12. Conservation of Natural Resources: All members of the PNP shall help in the development and
conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and posterity. The natural resources are
considered inalienable heritage of our people.

13. Discipline: PNP policemen shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping with the rules and
regulation of the organization. All policemen at all levels shall adhere to the eight tenets of discipline,
which include the following:
14. Loyalty: PNP members must be loyal to the constitution and the police service as manifested by their
loyalty to the superior, peers and subordinates as well.

15. Obedience to Superior: PNP members shall obey lawful orders and to be courteous to superior
officers and other appropriate authorities within the chain of command. No members shall use
abusive, insulting or indecent language to another member.

16. Command Responsibility: In accordance with the Doctrine of Command Responsibility, immediate
commanders shall be responsible for the effective supervision, control and direction of their
personnel. He shall see to it that all government resource with laws and regulations and safeguards
against losses through illegal of improper disposition.

Lesson 3

THE POLICE ETHICAL STANDARDS

1. Morality: All PNP members shall adhere to high standards of morality and decency and shall set
good example for others to follow.

2. Judicious use of Authority: All PNP members shall be permitted to apply for search warrant for any
evidence of assault against himself without reporting the case in writing to his superior officer and
Obtaining from his permission to apply for such warrant.
3. Justice: PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the rights of other so that they can fulfill their
duties and exercise their rights as human beings, parents, children, citizens workers, leaders, of in
other capacities and to see to ensure that others do likewise.

4. Humility: All PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are public servants and not the master
of the people and toward this end, they should perform their duties without arrogance.

5. Orderliness: All PNP shall follow logical procedure in accomplishing task assigned to them to
minimize waste in the use of time, money and efforts.

6. Perseverance: Once a decision is made all PNP members shall take legitimate means to achieve the
goal even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite of anything which might weaken
their resolve in the course of time.

7. Integrity: PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest
practices in accordance with the provision of existing laws on corrupt practices.

Lesson 4
 PNP STAND ON BASIC ISSUES

1. PNP Image

The image of any organization affects the esprit de corps, morale and welfare of members and
sense of pride to the organization. In view thereof, all members of the PNP should conduct themselves in
manner that would not place the PNP core values in vain and possess the following virtue: Honor,
Integrity, Valor, Justice, Honesty, Humility, Charity, Loyalty to the service.

2. Career Management the Key In Professionalism

The improper implementation of career management greatly this prejudice the personnel
professionalization process as regards to procurement, promotion, all assignment, placement, training
awards, and retirement.

To address this issue, and PNP shall formulate stringent policy and strictly implement the human
resources development system, compatible to the equitable distribution of procurement, fair promotion,
rationalizes approach in assignment, skill development, immediate grant of reward and award, decent
living upon retirement.

3. Police Management Leadership

The effectiveness of the law enforcement is reflective of law enforcement is reflective of the
managerial capabilities and competent leadership of men and women who run the PNP organization. It is
therefore a “must” that this attribute be the primary basis for consideration in the selection of personnel
for employment purpose.

4. Equality in the Service

 There shall be judicious equitable distribution of opportunity to prove one’s worth in the police
service. The problem on inequality through class orientation and factionalism, both real and perceived,
precise on favored assignment, inequitable opportunity, of training, unfair granting of promotion, and
untimely awarding of achievements will create an atmosphere of demoralization.

The result is inefficiency and lack of teamwork to the detriment of organization. It behooves
therefore on the PNP leadership to address the situation. The civilian character requires the adherence to
the rule on merit and fitness system and to dissociate to the above process from class orientation and
factionalism.

5. Police Lifestyle

The PNP shall endeavor to promote lifestyle for every member of the organization that is
acceptable and respectable in the eyes of the public. Further, its members should set example to the
subordinate and follow good example from the superiors.

Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or
themselves. A police officers character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus
maintaining a position of respect in the community, in which he or she lives and serves. The officer’s
personal behavior must be beyond repute. They must be free from greed, corruption and exploitation.

The public expects a police officer to live a simple, yet credible and dignified life.

6. Delicadeza

In consonance with the requirements of honor and integrity in the PNP, all members must have
the moral courage to sacrifice self-interest in keeping with the time-honored principles of delicadeza. All
members shall promptly discharge all debts and legal liabilities incurred by them.
7. Political Patronage

All PNP members must inhibit themselves from soliciting political patronage in matters
pertaining to assignment, awards, training and promotion.

8. Human Rights

All PNP members must respect and protect human dignity and men’s inalienable rights to life,
liberty and prosperity.

Lesson 5

POLICE CUSTOMS AND TRADITION

The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and traditions base on the desirable practices of
the police. These shall serve as inspiration as the PNP endeavor to attain its goals and objectives.

THE POLICE CUSTOMS

The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and traditions based on the desirable practices
of the police service.

These shall serve as inspiration as the PNP endeavors to attain its goal and objectives.
 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

1. CUSTOM – established usage or social practices carried on by traditions that have obtained the force
of law.

2. TRADITION – bodies of beliefs, stories, customs and usage handled down from generation to
generation with the effect of an unwritten law.

3. COURTESY – a manifestation or expression of consideration and respect for others.

4. CEREMONY – a formal act or set of formal acts established by customs or authority as proper to
special occasion.

5. SOCIAL DECORUM – a set of norms and standards practice by members during social and other
functions.

A. Police Custom on Courtesy

1. Salute – It is the usual greeting rendered by uniformed members upon and recognizing person
entitled to salute.

2. Salute to National Color and Standard - PNP members stand at attention and salute the national
color and standard as it pass by them or when the national color is raised or lowered during
ceremony.

3. Address/Title - junior in rank address senior members who are entitled to salute with the word “Sir”.
All Commissioned Officers shall be addressed sir by the PNCO’s and NUP’s.
4. Courtesy Calls - The following are the customs on courtesy calls:

 Courtesy call of newly assigned/ appointed members -PNP members who are newly appointed or
assigned in a unit or command, call on the Chief of the Unit or command and to other key personnel
for accounting, orientation and other purposes.

 New year’s call - PNP members pay a new year’s call on their commanders and /or key official in
their respective areas of responsibility.

 Promotion Call – Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit head. On this occasion, they are
usually given during recognition and congratulations by their peers for such deserved accomplished.

 Exit Call - PNP members pays an exit call on their superiors in the unit or command when relieve or
reassigned out of the said unit or command.

 Courtesy of the Post - The host unit extend hospitality to visiting personnel who pay respect to the
command or unit.

5. Rank has – its – own Privilege - PNP members recognize the practice that different rank carry with
them corresponding privilege.

B. Police Custom on Ceremonies

1. Flag Raising Ceremony - PNP members honor the flag by raising it and singing the National
Anthem before the start of the official day’s work for the week.
2. Flag Retreat Ceremony / Flag Lowering Ceremony - At the end of the Official day’s work to PNP
members pause for a moment to salute the lowering of the flag.

3. Half–Mast - The flag is raised at half – mast in difference to deceased uniform / civilian member of
the command.
4. Funeral Service and Honors - Departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans are given vigil,
necrological services and graveside honor as a gesture of farewell.

5. Ceremony rendered to Retirees - In recognition of their long, faithful and honorable service to the
PNP, a testimonial activity is tendered in their honor.

6. Honor Ceremony - Arrival and departure honor ceremonies are tendered to visiting dignitaries, VIPs
PNP officers of equivalent grade.

7. Turn – Over Ceremony - The relinquishment and assumption of command key position is publicly
announced in a Turn – Over Ceremony by the incoming – outgoing officers in the presence of the
immediate superior or his representative and key officials.

8. Wedding Ceremony - During marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted with participants
in uniform and sworn drawn.

9. Anniversary - The birth or institutional establishment of a command or unit is commemorated in a

Anniversary Ceremony

C. Police Customs on Social Decorum

1. Proper Attire - PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire in conformity with the
occasion.

2. Table Manner - PNP members observe table etiquette at all times.

3. Social Graces - PNP members conduct themselves properly in dealing with the people during social
functions.
4. Uniform/ Appearance - The public looks upon PNP members as distinctively decent when PNP
members wear their uniforms properly wherever they may be. Since disciplined PNP members are
best exemplified by those whose are neat in appearance and wearing the prescribed uniform, they
must therefore observe the following:

 Wearing the prescribed uniform

 Wearing as part of the uniform, awards and decorations earned in accordance with the prescribed
rules and regulations
 Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and regulations.

5. Manner of Walking - Every PNP members is expected to walk with pride and dignity.

D. Other Police Customs

1. Visiting the Sick - PNP members who are in the hospital, their residence or anyplace of confinement
are visited by their immediate commanders or other available officers of the unit in order that their
needs are attended.

2. Survivor Assistance to Heirs of Deceased Members - When PNP members die, a Survivor officer
is designated to render maximum assistance to their legitimate bereaved gears until all benefits due
shall have been received.

3. Visiting a Religious Leaders - PNP members/ officers visiting a religious leader in their area of
assignment to establish or maintain rapport and cooperation between the different religious leaders
and PNP.

4. Athletics - All PNP members must undergo in physical fitness activities to insure their proper
physical appearance and bearing are maintain with the waist line measurement always smaller than
the size of his chest and in conformity with the standard set forth by the organization.
5. Happy Hours - Usually Fridays or on any other day suitable for the occasion, PNP members gather a
PNP Clubhouse for a high hearted jesting or airing of minor gripes.

POLICE TRADITIONS

The following are police traditions.

1. Spiritual Beliefs - PNP members are traditionally religious and god loving person. They attend
religious service together with their family.

2. Valor - History attests that Filipino law-enforcers have exemplified the tradition of valor in defending
the country from aggression and oppression. They sacrifice their limbs and lives for their countrymen
they are pledged to serve.

3. Discipline - The discipline of PNP members manifested by instinctive obedience to lawful orders and
through and spontaneous actions within the bounds of ethical and legal norms.

4. Gentlemanliness - PNP members are upright in character, polite in manners, dignified in appearance,
and sincere in their concern or their fellowmen.

5. Word of Honor - PNP members’ word is their hand; they stand by and commit to uphold it. PNP
members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who perform their
duty with deep sense of responsibility and self – sacrifice.

6. Duty – The PNP members have historically exemplified themselves as dedicated public servants who
perform the tasks with a deep sense of responsibility and self – sacrifice. He shall readily accept
assignment anywhere in the country.

7. Loyalty - Police are traditionally loyal to the organization country people as borne out by history and
practice.
8. Camaraderie – The binding spirit that enhance teamwork and cooperation in the police organization,
extending to the people they serve, is manifested by the PNP members’ deep commitment and
concern for one another.

CORRUPTION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MISCONDUCT

Lesson 1

LIABILITY OF POLICE OFFICERS

Police officers may be held liable for criminal, civil and administrative charges:

1. Malfeasance – generally refers to acts of wrongdoing or misconduct.

2. Misconduct – refers to the improper performance of a lawful act.

3. Nonfeasance – means failure to take prompt action.

4. Negligence – refers to acts where the state of mind or intent is not essential.

5. Gratuities – are material favors or gifts in return for service; the universal code of ethics for law
enforcers disapproves of gratuities. The lingo “pasalamat”, “padulas” and “pabagsak” are commonly
used term for gratuities.
 A gratuity is something given voluntarily in return for in anticipation of a favor or service. By the
mere definition of the word, it is unethical for the police officers to take gratuities.

Based on this definition, few officers would oppose that it is wrong to take a gift knowing that the
giver expects a “professional favor”. The real difficulty is determining whether the giver expects
something.

Many people who give gratuities say they want nothing in return if asked, yet expect “special
treatment” when police services are required.

 Pasasalamat – refers to the acceptance of gifts, money or favor as a result of an act performed by a
police officer or public servant.

 Pabagsak – is used to denote the giving of money or favor and acceptance of any public to perform
his / her functions.

 Padulas – refers to the taking of money, gifts or favors from others by a public servant to expedite
the performance of official functions.

TECHNIQUES TO AVOID GRATUITIES

Police officers necessitate to be taught ways that they can tactfully and with dignity avoid
accepting gratuities and the accompanying embarrassment.

Below are some simple ways on how police officers can deal with offers of gratuities:
 Change your habits

Avoid routines and take breaks, eat meals and fill lout reports at different times and places. If you
are frequently seen in uniform at the same coffee shop by the same people, even if your presence is
completely justified, the perception may build that this is how you spend most of your working time.

 Develop set replies for circumventing the offer of items such as free coffee

Be familiar with the price of coffee and on your way out, leave that amount at the cash register,
with or without a bill. No matter what the cashier might articulate, simply lay down the money; add a
smile and a “thank you” and leave.

 Cultivate set responses for declining free or half – price food.

For example – a police officer might reply, “No, I feel much better paying the same as everyone
else, but thanks for being thoughtful.”

If the cashier gives you a line of reasoning, even a well – meant one, place the money on the
counter and leave, with a simple “thank you”.

6. Police Brutality – denotes the unreasonable and unnecessary use of force, commonly done in
effecting arrests of criminal offenders, fugitives from justice and suspects or abuse in the manner of
executing a warrant of arrest, search and seizure.

7. Corruption – is a corrosive element which spreads like rust if it not contained and eliminated.
“Rotten Apple Theory” – the culture of honest policing which refers to the barrel while corrupt
behavior is a bad apple.
 Lesson 2

CORRUPTION AND MISCONDUCT

Police supervisors must make every effort not only for the absence of corruption and other forms
of misconduct but, more importantly for integrity. In law enforcement, integrity refers to personal
commitment by each member of the department to do his / her best to further the departments’ goal of
honorably and lawfully serving and protecting the public.

A police supervisor’s goal is to inhibit corruption and misconduct in ways that simultaneously
improve or at least do not impair the organization’s capacity to control crime and meet community needs.

Corruption is an officer’s misuse of police authority for personal gain while misconduct is
nonconformity with police obligations. It encompasses corruption and a host of other misdeeds.

HOW CORRUPTION IS VIEWED?

 Police view

Most police officials behave toward corruption as a subject to be avoided. The prevailing
standpoint is often the less said, the better. Despite the fact that most police officials recognize
corruption to be a recurring and persistent problem, not all concede that it is a serious one. This is the
prevalent notion so even in departments with an acknowledged history of police wrongdoing.

 Public view
 Police wrong doing often provokes a public a feeling of betrayal. Citizens expect officers to be
upright, honorable and dependable – they do not expect officers to work together with criminals any more
than they expect doctors to spread disease.

Police agencies must establish clear and concise policies and guidelines for performance. Law
abiding officers may be willing to make available information about the criminal behavior of other
officers; however, in some cases, a code of protective silence prevails.

In some police departments with significant corruption problems, high officials may be
straightforward, but negligent in preventing and detecting wrongdoing by subordinates. Police agencies
must employ preventive controls, such as a solid inspection system to discover problems before they
happen.

Lesson 3

BLIND LOYALTY OF POLICE OFFICERS

1. The bond of brotherhood

2. The development of trust

3. The tolerance for corruption

 Lesson 4

CLASSIFICATION OF CORRUPT POLICE OFFICERS

1. MEAT EATERS – “Carnivorous cops” who are actively and aggressively seek personal gain
through position and power.

2. GRASS EATERS – “Vegetarian cops” refers to police officers who passively accept gifts and bribes
as they come along.

3. STRAIGHT SHOOTERS – refers to honest policemen who are ready to cover and conceal corrupt
practices of the police department as part of camaraderie and the unwritten code of silence.

4. ROGUES - commonly called “hoodlums in uniforms” or “scalawags” are policemen who possess all
the deviant behavior of a corrupt cop.

THE SUPERVISOR’S ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY IN FIGHTING CORRUPTION

1. Role Model
2. Encouragement of loyalty

MEASURES IN COMBATING CORRUPTION AND FOSTERING INTEGRITY

1. Speaking out

2. Internal audience

3. External audience – A second audience for the chief / supervisor is the public.

4. Internal action

 Fixing the problem

 Accountability
 Accountability in investigative units
 Actions of the leader

5. Improving the use of discretion

 Clear explanation of discretion

 Study of evaluative procedures

6. Promoting integrity through training

 Public Safety Basic Recruit training programs

 Results of poor training or inadequate training
 In-service training programs
 Agency policy manual

Lesson 6

MOST COMMON TYPES OF CORRUPTION IN THE PNP

a. Case Fixing – The subjective imposition of penalties or downright sabotage of the investigation
process in exchange for money or other things for personal gain.

b. Bribery – is the receipt of cash or a gift in exchange for past or future assistance in avoidance of
prosecution, as by a claim that the officer is unable to make a positive identification of a criminal or
by being in the wrong place at a time when a crime is to occur, or by any other action that may be
excused as carelessness but not offered as proof of deliberate miscarriage of justice. It is distinguished
from extortion by the mutual understanding in regard to services to be performed upon the acceptance
of the gift.

c. Extortion - the common practice of holding "street court," where incidents such as minor traffic
tickets can be avoided with a cash payment to the officer and no receipt given. Using this process,
police have also been known to extort money from nightclub owners and other businesses by
threatening to enforce city health and zoning codes.

d. Protection – The taking of money or other rewards from vice operators or from legitimate companies
operating illegally in return for protecting them from law enforcement activity.

e. Recycling – The use or sale of confiscated items and evidence, usually drugs or narcotics.

f. Selective Enforcement - occurs when police officers exploit their officer discretion. For example, a
PNP member who releases a suspect due to what is commonly known as “areglo” or “balato” is in
clear abuse of his or her discretion and authority. On the reverse side, a police officer who arrests a
person simply because the latter “annoys” him is likewise guilty of selective enforcement.

g. Internal Pay - offs – sale of work assignments, day-offs, holidays, vacation periods, and even
promotions.

4. GRATUITY

5. POLICE BRUTALITY AND ABUSE OF AUTHORITY

 MODULE PROVISIONS OF THE REVISED PENAL CODE APPLICABLE TO
IX LAW ENFORCEMENT

Lesson 1

CRIMES AGAINST THE FUNDAMENTAL LAWS OF THE STATE

 Art. 124. Arbitrary detention. — Any public officer or employee who, without legal grounds,
detains a person, shall suffer;

 Art. 125. Delay in the delivery of detained persons to the proper judicial authorities. — The
penalties provided in the next preceding article shall be imposed upon the public officer or employee
who shall detain any person for some legal ground and shall fail to deliver such person to the proper
judicial authorities within the period of; twelve (12) hours, for crimes or offenses punishable by light
penalties, or their equivalent; eighteen (18) hours, for crimes or offenses punishable by correctional
penalties, or their equivalent and thirty-six (36) hours, for crimes, or offenses punishable by afflictive
or capital penalties, or their equivalent. In every case, the person detained shall be informed of the
 cause of his detention and shall be allowed upon his request, to communicate and confer at any time
with his attorney or counsel. (As amended by E.O. Nos. 59 and 272, Nov. 7, 1986 and July 25, 1987,
respectively).

 Art. 126. Delaying release. — The penalties provided for in Article 124 shall be imposed upon any
public officer or employee who delays for the period of time specified therein the performance of any
judicial or executive order for the release of a prisoner or detention prisoner, or unduly delays the
service of the notice of such order to said prisoner or the proceedings upon any petition for the
liberation of such person.

 Art. 127. Expulsion. — The penalty of prision correccional shall be imposed upon any public officer
or employee who, not being thereunto authorized by law, shall expel any person from the Philippine
Islands or shall compel such person to change his residence.

 Art. 128. Violation of domicile. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period shall
be imposed upon any public officer or employee who, not being authorized by judicial order, shall
enter any dwelling against the will of the owner thereof, search papers or other effects found therein
without the previous consent of such owner, or having surreptitiously entered said dwelling, and
being required to leave the premises, shall refuse to do so. If the offense be committed in the night-
time, or if any papers or effects not constituting evidence of a crime be not returned immediately after
the search made by the offender, the penalty shall be prision correccional in its medium and
maximum periods.

 Art. 129. Search warrants maliciously obtained and abuse in the service of those legally
obtained. — In addition to the liability attaching to the offender for the commission of any other
offense, the penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum
period and a fine not exceeding P1,000 pesos shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee
who shall procure a search warrant without just cause, or, having legally procured the same, shall
exceed his authority or use unnecessary severity in executing the same.

 Art. 130. Searching domicile without witnesses. — The penalty of arresto mayor in its medium and
maximum periods shall be imposed upon a public officer or employee who, in cases where a search is
proper, shall search the domicile, papers or other belongings of any person, in the absence of the
latter, any member of his family, or in their default, without the presence of two witnesses residing in
the same locality.
 Art. 131. Prohibition, interruption and dissolution of peaceful meetings. — The penalty of prision
correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who,
without legal ground, shall prohibit or interrupt the holding of a peaceful meeting, or shall dissolve
the same. The same penalty shall be imposed upon a public officer or employee who shall hinder any
person from joining any lawful association or from attending any of its meetings. The same penalty
shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who shall prohibit or hinder any person from
addressing, either alone or together with others, any petition to the authorities for the correction of
abuses or redress of grievances.

 Art. 132. Interruption of religious worship. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum
period shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who shall prevent or disturb the
ceremonies or manifestations of any religion. If the crime shall have been committed with violence or
threats, the penalty shall be prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods.

 Art. 210. Direct bribery. — Any public officer who shall agree to perform an act constituting a
crime, in connection with the performance of this official duties, in consideration of any offer,
promise, gift or present received by such officer, personally or through the mediation of another, shall
suffer the penalty of prision mayor in its medium and maximum periods and a fine [of not less than
the value of the gift and] not less than three times the value of the gift in addition to the penalty
corresponding to the crime agreed upon, if the same shall have been committed.

If the gift was accepted by the officer in consideration of the execution of an act which does not
constitute a crime, and the officer executed said act, he shall suffer the same penalty provided in the
preceding paragraph; and if said act shall not have been accomplished, the officer shall suffer the
penalties of prision correccional, in its medium period and a fine of not less than twice the value of such
gift.

If the object for which the gift was received or promised was to make the public officer refrain
from doing something which it was his official duty to do, he shall suffer the penalties of prision
correccional in its maximum period and a fine [of not less than the value of the gift and] not less than
three times the value of such gift.

In addition to the penalties provided in the preceding paragraphs, the culprit shall suffer the
penalty of special temporary disqualification.
 The provisions contained in the preceding paragraphs shall be made applicable to assessors,
arbitrators, appraisal and claim commissioners, experts or any other persons performing public duties. (As
amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 872, June 10, 1985).

 Art. 211. Indirect bribery. — The penalties of prision correccional in its medium and maximum
periods, and public censure shall be imposed upon any public officer who shall accept gifts offered to
him by reason of his office. (As amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 872, June 10, 1985).

 Art. 223. Conniving with or consenting to evasion. — Any public officer who shall consent to the
escape of a prisoner in his custody or charge, shall be punished:

1. By prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods and temporary special disqualification
in its maximum period to perpetual special disqualification, if the fugitive shall have been sentenced
by final judgment to any penalty.

2. By prision correccional in its minimum period and temporary special disqualification, in case the
fugitive shall not have been finally convicted but only held as a detention prisoner for any crime or
violation of law or municipal ordinance. Chan robles virtual law library

 Art. 224. Evasion through negligence. — If the evasion of the prisoner shall have taken place
through the negligence of the officer charged with the conveyance or custody of the escaping
prisoner, said officer shall suffer the penalties of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision
correccional in its minimum period and temporary special disqualification.

 Art. 226. Removal, concealment or destruction of documents. — Any public officer who shall
remove, destroy or conceal documents or papers officially entrusted to him, shall suffer:

1. The penalty of prision mayor and a fine not exceeding 1,000 pesos, whenever serious damage shall
have been caused thereby to a third party or to the public interest.

2. The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium period and a fine not exceeding
1,000 pesos, whenever the damage to a third party or to the public interest shall not have been serious.
 In either case, the additional penalty of temporary special disqualification in its maximum period to
perpetual disqualification shall be imposed.

 Art. 227. Officer breaking seal. — Any public officer charged with the custody of papers or
property sealed by proper authority, who shall break the seals or permit them to be broken, shall
suffer the penalties of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods, temporary special
disqualification and a fine not exceeding 2,000 pesos.

 Art. 228. Opening of closed documents. — Any public officer not included in the provisions of the
next preceding article who, without proper authority, shall open or shall permit to be opened any
closed papers, documents or objects entrusted to his custody, shall suffer the penalties or arresto
mayor, temporary special disqualification and a fine of not exceeding 2,000 pesos.

 Art. 229. Revelation of secrets by an officer. — Any public officer who shall reveal any secret
known to him by reason of his official capacity, or shall wrongfully deliver papers or copies of papers
of which he may have charge and which should not be published, shall suffer the penalties of prision
correccional in its medium and maximum periods, perpetual special disqualification and a fine not
exceeding 2,000 pesos if the revelation of such secrets or the delivery of such papers shall have
caused serious damage to the public interest; otherwise, the penalties of prision correccional in its
minimum period, temporary special disqualification and a fine not exceeding 50 pesos shall be
imposed.

 Art. 230. Public officer revealing secrets of private individual. — Any public officer to whom the
secrets of any private individual shall become known by reason of his office who shall reveal such
secrets, shall suffer the penalties of arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding 1,000 pesos.

 Art. 231. Open disobedience. — Any judicial or executive officer who shall openly refuse to
execute the judgment, decision or order of any superior authority made within the scope of the
jurisdiction of the latter and issued with all the legal formalities, shall suffer the penalties of arresto
mayor in its medium period to prision correccional in its minimum period, temporary special
disqualification in its maximum period and a fine not exceeding 1,000 pesos.

 Art. 232. Disobedience to order of superior officers, when said order was suspended by inferior
officer. — Any public officer who, having for any reason suspended the execution of the orders of his
superiors, shall disobey such superiors after the latter have disapproved the suspension, shall suffer
 the penalties of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods and perpetual special
disqualification.

 Art. 233. Refusal of assistance. — The penalties of arresto mayor in its medium period to prision
correccional in its minimum period, perpetual special disqualification and a fine not exceeding 1,000
pesos, shall be imposed upon a public officer who, upon demand from competent authority, shall fail
to lend his cooperation towards the administration of justice or other public service, if such failure
shall result in serious damage to the public interest, or to a third party; otherwise, arresto mayor in its
medium and maximum periods and a fine not exceeding 500 pesos shall be imposed.

 Art. 235. Maltreatment of prisoners. — The penalty of arresto mayor in its medium period to
prision correccional in its minimum period, in addition to his liability for the physical injuries or
damage caused, shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who shall overdo himself in
the correction or handling of a prisoner or detention prisoner under his charge, by the imposition of
punishment not authorized by the regulations, or by inflicting such punishment in a cruel and
humiliating manner.

If the purpose of the maltreatment is to extort a confession, or to obtain some information from
the prisoner, the offender shall be punished by prision correccional in its minimum period, temporary
special disqualification and a fine not exceeding 500 pesos, in addition to his liability for the physical
injuries or damage caused.

 Art. 237. Prolonging performance of duties and powers. — Any public officer shall continue to
exercise the duties and powers of his office, employment or commission, beyond the period provided
by law, regulation or special provisions applicable to the case, shall suffer the penalties of prision
correccional in its minimum period, special temporary disqualification in its minimum period and a
fine not exceeding 500 pesos.

 Art. 238. Abandonment of office or position. — Any public officer who, before the acceptance of
his resignation, shall abandon his office to the detriment of the public service shall suffer the penalty
of arresto mayor.

If such office shall have been abandoned in order to evade the discharge of the duties of
preventing, prosecuting or punishing any of the crime falling within Title One, and Chapter One of Title
Three of Book Two of this Code, the offender shall be punished by prision correccional in its minimum
and medium periods, and by arresto mayor if the purpose of such abandonment is to evade the duty of
preventing, prosecuting or punishing any other crime.
 Art. 245. Abuses against chastity; Penalties. — The penalties of prision correccional in its medium
and maximum periods and temporary special disqualification shall be imposed:

1. Upon any public officer who shall solicit or make immoral or indecent advances to a woman interested
in matters pending before such officer for decision, or with respect to which he is required to submit a
report to or consult with a superior officer;

2. Any warden or other public officer directly charged with the care and custody of prisoners or persons
under arrest who shall solicit or make immoral or indecent advances to a woman under his custody.

REFERENCES

1. Florendo, A. M. Revised Police Ethics and Police Community Relations. (2008)Wiseman’s Book

Trading. (Quezon City)

2. Guevara, et al. Ethics and Values for Law Enforcers. (2008) Wiseman’s Book Trading. (Quezon

City)

3. Compiled notes (rkm files)

4. www.pnp.gov.ph

5. www.prc.com

6. Revised Penal Code

7. PNP Ethics and Values Manual