PNP Ethical Standards and Responsibilities
PNP Ethical Standards and Responsibilities
Name:__________________________ Course:____________________
Year&Block:____________________ Schedule:__________________
Police work is not done in isolation. Officers must maintain harmonious and professional
relationships with other government officials and agencies. Effective law enforcement often
requires coordination with prosecutors, judges, social workers, and local government units.
Cooperation enhances service delivery and ensures a united approach to public safety.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
2. PROPER CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR - police officers. must always observe proper
conduct and behavior both in their personal and official life.
Police officers must always demonstrate discipline, integrity, and professionalism, both
while on duty and in their personal lives. Since they serve as role models and public figures,
any misconduct—even off-duty—can reflect poorly on the entire police organization. Proper
conduct includes being respectful, honest, courteous, and lawful.
3. CONDUCT TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY - police officers must never forget that they are
public servants.
Police officers are public servants, and their duty is to serve and protect the people. They
should treat every individual with respect, fairness, and dignity, regardless of social status,
race, or background. Positive community relationships improve public cooperation and trust
in the police.
4. CONDUCT IN ARRESTING LAW VIOLATORS - police officers must always adhere to the
prescribed rules when effecting arrests of suspects.
When arresting individuals, officers must strictly follow legal procedures, including
informing suspects of their rights (Miranda doctrine), using only necessary force, and
avoiding any form of abuse or humiliation. Proper arrest procedures protect the rights of the
accused and maintain the integrity of the criminal justice process.
5. FIRMNESS IN REFUSING GIFTS - police officers must never ask for nor accept gifts or
special favors.
Police officers must never ask for or accept gifts, bribes, or special favors in exchange for
services or protection. Accepting gifts can lead to corruption, bias, and loss of integrity.
Officers must maintain their independence and objectivity and uphold the principle that
justice cannot be bought.
6. IMPARTIAL PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE - police officers must be fair in presenting
evidence.
During investigations and in court, police officers must present evidence fairly and without
bias. They should not manipulate, hide, or fabricate evidence to influence the outcome of a
case. Their responsibility is to ensure that the truth comes out and that justice is served,
whether or not it supports the prosecution or the defense.
7. ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLICE PROFESSION - police officers must have a high regard
for the police profession and must be proud that they are police officers; police officers must
strive to, improve their knowledge and skills in order be the best police officers that they can be.
A good police officer must take pride in their profession and continuously strive to become
better at their job. This includes:
Embracing the values of honesty, service, and discipline.
Seeking professional growth through training and education.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Treating the police profession not just as a job, but as a calling to serve the public with
dedication and excellence.
1. CAREER MANAGEMENT - the PNP shall formulate and implement policies and human
resources development system for all PNP personnel, from recruitment to retirement.
This system focuses on ensuring that each officer receives proper training, development, and
opportunities for growth throughout their career. It includes recruitment policies, career
progression plans, professional development, and a system for addressing performance
reviews. The PNP ensures that all officers are prepared for the challenges of police work,
continually improving their skills and knowledge as they advance in their careers.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
3. POLICE MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP - the primary basis for consideration in the selection
of personnel for employment and deployment shall be the individual's capabilities and competent
leadership.
Every police officer, regardless of rank or background, must be given a fair chance to prove
their worth and progress in the organization. Opportunities for promotions, assignments, and
training should be based on merit and fitness, ensuring that individuals with the right
capabilities and qualifications are the ones chosen for leadership and operational roles.
3. DELICADEZA - all members of the PNP must have moral courage to sacrifice self-
interest.
when faced with temptations or conflicts of interest. PNP members must have the moral
courage to make decisions that benefit the service and the public
6. POLICE LIFESTYLE - the PNP shall endeavor to promote a lifestyle that is acceptable and
respectable in the eyes of the public because the public expects a police officer to live a simple, yet
dignified life.
Note: SIMPLE LIVING means Public officials and employees and their families shall lead
modest lives appropriate to their positions and income.
This principle, known as Simple Living, underscores the importance of setting a good
example for the public. Police officers are not just law enforcers; they are also role models
in society. Their personal lifestyle should promote humility, modesty, and respect,
showing the public that they are dedicated to serving rather than seeking personal gain or
luxury.
4. POLITICAL PATRONAGE - all PNP members must inhibit themselves from soliciting
political patronage in matters pertaining to assignments, promotions, trainings and awards.
Police officers must avoid any form of political patronage. This means refraining from
seeking influence or favors from political figures for things such as promotions,
assignments, or training opportunities. The principle of neutrality in political matters
ensures that the police force remains unbiased and free from political influence, allowing
them to serve the public impartially. Officers should focus on their duty and advancement
based on merit and performance, not on political connections.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
8. HUMAN RIGHTS - all PNP members shall respect and protect human dignity and man's rights
to life, liberty and property.
The PNP’s commitment to human rights is fundamental. Every police officer is tasked with
respecting and protecting the dignity of every individual. Officers are bound to uphold the
rights to life, liberty, and property, ensuring that all actions taken are in accordance with the
law and international human rights standards. Respecting human rights means treating all
individuals with fairness, regardless of their background, status, or the crime they are
accused of, ensuring due process is followed and torture, discrimination, and unjust
treatment are avoided.
PNP members should always put public interest before personal gain. This includes:
Using government time, funds, property, and resources honestly and efficiently,
Avoiding waste and misuse (also called malversation) of any public resource.
1.3. Non-Partisanship - PNP members shall provide services to everyone without discrimination
regardless of party affiliation in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Police services must be given equally to everyone, regardless of political beliefs or
affiliations. Officers must stay neutral and not favor any political party or candidate.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
1.4. Physical Fitness and Health - PNP members shall strive to be physically and mentally fit and in
good health at all times. Toward this end, they shall undergo regular physical exercises and
annual medical examination in any PNP Hospital or Medical facility and actively participate in
the Physical Fitness and Sports Development Program of the PNP.
Officers must be physically and mentally fit to handle the demands of police work. This
includes:
Regular physical exercise,
Annual medical checkups, and
Active participation in the PNP’s fitness programs.
1.5. Secrecy Discipline - PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of classified information
against unauthorized disclosure, including confidential aspects of official business, special
orders, communications and other documents, roster or any portion thereof, contents of criminal
records, identities of persons who may have given information to the police in confidence and
other classified information or intelligence material.
1.6. Social Awareness - PNP members and their immediate family members shall be encouraged to
actively get involved in the religious, social and civic activities to enhance the image of the
organization without affecting their official duties.
1.7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage – PNP members shall seek self-improvement through career
development and shall not directly or indirectly solicit influence or recommendation from
politicians, high ranking government officials, prominent citizens, persons affiliated with civic
or religious organizations with regard to their assignments, promotions, transfer or those of
other members of the force, nor shall they initiate any petition to be prepared and presented by
citizens in their behalf. Moreover, they shall advise their immediate relatives not to interfere in
the activities of the police service particularly in the assignment and reassignment of personnel.
Officers should earn promotions and assignments through merit, not through:
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Political favors,
Influence from powerful people, or
Petitions by relatives or friends.
1.8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property - PNP members shall promote and maintain sense of
responsibility in the protection, proper care and judicious disposition and use of public.
Officers must treat government property (e.g., firearms, vehicles, office equipment) with
care and responsibility, using them only for official purposes.
1.9. Respect for Human Rights - In the performance of duty, PNP members shall respect and protect
human dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons.
1.10. Devotion of Duty - PNP members shall perform their duties with dedication, thoroughness,
efficiency, enthusiasm, determination, and manifest concern for public welfare, and shall refrain
from engaging in any activity which shall be in conflict with their duties as public servants.
2.11. Conservation of Natural Resources - PNP members shall help in the development and
conservation of our natural resources for ecological balance and posterity as these are the inalienable
heritage of our people.
Police officers should also support environmental protection by:
1.12. Loyalty - PNP members shall be loyal to the Constitution and the police service as manifested
by their loyalty to their superiors, peers and subordinates as well.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Loyalty means:
Faithfulness to the Constitution and police service,
Supporting superiors, peers, and subordinates,
Upholding unity and teamwork within the organization.
1.13. Obedience to Superiors - PNP members shall obey lawful orders of and be courteous to
superior officers and other appropriate authorities.
Officers must:
Proper supervision,
Control and direction,
Accountability for what their team does.
Sec. 3. Ethical Standards - Ethical Standards shall refer to established and generally accepted moral
values. Ethical acts to be observed are the following:
3.1. Morality - PNP members shall adhere to high standard of morality and decency and shall set
good examples for others to follow.
Officers must:
3.3. Integrity - PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of corruption and dishonest
practices in accordance with the provisions of RA 6713 and other applicable laws.
Police officers must:
Recognize that they are servants of the people, not their masters,
Be modest and respectful, not arrogant or boastful,
Acknowledge their limitations and avoid seeking praise or attention.
3.6. Orderliness - PNP members shall follow logical procedures in accomplishing tasks assigned to
them to minimize waste in the use of time, money and effort.
Officers should:
3.7. Perseverance - Once a decision is made, all PNP member shall take legitimate means to achieve
the goal even in the face of internal or external difficulties, and despite anything which might
weaken their resolve in the course of time. Once a task or decision is made,
police officers must:
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Module 5
Final, 2nd Semester SY 2024-2025
UNIT 5
TOPIC : Police Community Relation
Overview
This units focuses on the Police Community Relations (PCR) is the collaborative effort
between the police force and the community to create a safer and more harmonious environment.
The primary goal of PCR is to build trust, understanding, and cooperation between law enforcement
officers and the public. By engaging with the community, police can address issues more effectively,
prevent crime, and improve the quality of life for citizens. Key components of PCR include
communication, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. It focuses on community
involvement, listening to concerns, and working together to solve problems. Ultimately, PCR helps
foster a sense of security, reduces the likelihood of conflicts, and ensures that law enforcement meets
the needs of the community it serves.
IMPORTANT TERMS
POLICE – a group of persons established, maintained and organized for keeping order, safety,
protection of lives and property and for prevention and detection of crimes.
COMMUNITY
- Refers to the civilian populace or the public in general, and shall be used interchangeably with
the terms, public, citizenry, society and private sector.
- A body of people organized into political, municipal or social unity or a body of persons living
in the same locality.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
- Derived from the Latin words, communis, which means common, and tatis which means
fellowship.
Refers to the civilian populace or the public in general
o This means the people who live in a certain area and are not part of the police or
military.
o The terms public, citizenry, society, and private sector can all be used to mean the
community.
o A community can also mean a group of people who are connected by living in the
same town, city, or area, or who are united by shared interests or values.
o This shows that the word "community" comes from Latin roots that mean sharing
things in common and having a sense of belonging or fellowship. Block F.
POLICE COMMUNITY-RELATIONS
- The sum total of the dealing between the police and the people its serves, and whose goodwill
and cooperation it craves, for the greatest possible efficiency in the service.
This means every interaction (big or small) between the police and the public affects how
well they work together.
The police need the trust and cooperation of the community to do their job effectively.
Good relationships help in preventing crime, solving cases, and creating a safe, peaceful
society.
Refers to the reciprocal attitudes of the police and the community.
This points to mutual respect and trust.
It's not just how the police treat the community—but also how the community views and
treats the police.
Positive attitudes on both sides lead to stronger cooperation and better results in law
enforcement.
PUBLIC RELATIONS – the act of bringing about better understanding, confidence and
acceptance for an individual organization.
Public Relations is about making people understand and trust an individual or group by
showing them in a positive and truthful way.
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS – the continuing process by which endeavors are made to obtain
the goodwill and cooperation of the public for effective enforcement of the law and accomplishment
of the police purposes.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Key Points:
HUMAN RELATIONS – consist of the fundamental rules both moral and legal, which govern the
relationship of men in all aspects of life.
Human relations are the basic rules and principles, both moral (what is right and
wrong) and legal (based on law), that guide how people treat each other and interact
in all areas of life—at work, in the community, at home, etc.
MEDIA/MAMSS MEDIA
- The channels through which information is disseminated to the public
- May be in the form of television, movies, radio or newspaper, and the like
- Media refers to the various channels or tools used to deliver information, news, or
entertainment to the general public.
POLICE PUBLIC IMAGE – refers to how the people in the community perceive or regard the
police.
Police Public Image is how the community sees, thinks about, and feels toward the
police.
It reflects the overall perception the public has based on:
1. The basic mission for which police exist is to prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to the
repression of crime and disorder by military force and severity of legal punishment.
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PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
Prevention over repression: The police should focus on preventing crime and disorder,
rather than punishing or using military force. This principle highlights the importance
of proactive law enforcement, such as community engagement and crime prevention
strategies, over reactive measures.
2. The ability of the police to perform their duties is dependent upon public approval of police
existence, actions, and behavior and the ability of the police to secure and maintain public respect.
Dependent on public support: Police must act in ways that earn and maintain the
public’s approval. Their actions should be respectful, transparent, and accountable to
ensure that people trust and cooperate with them. Public confidence is the foundation of
effective policing.
3. The police must secure the willing cooperation of the public in voluntary observance of the law to
be able to secure and maintain public respect.
Willing cooperation: The police cannot enforce laws effectively without the
cooperation of the public. This cooperation should be voluntary, not forced, and is
achieved through community involvement and positive relationships with citizens.
4. The degree of the cooperation of the public that can be secured diminishes proportionately the
necessity for the use of physical force and the compulsion in achieving police objectives.
Minimize physical force: The more cooperation the police receive, the less they need
to use force. The principle calls for persuasion, advice, and warnings before physical
force is used, emphasizing that force should always be a last resort.
5. The police seek and preserve public favor, not by catering to public opinion, but by constantly
demonstrating absolutely impartial service to the law, in complete independence of policy, and
without regard to the justice or injustice of the substance of individual laws; by ready offering of
individual service and friendship to all members of society without regard to their race or social
standing, by ready exercise of courtesy and friendly good humor, and by ready offering of individual
sacrifice in protecting and preserving life.
Impartial service: Police should seek public favor by acting with complete
impartiality, integrity, and courtesy. They must serve all citizens equally, regardless
of their social status, race, or background. The goal is to build trust and show that the
police are there to protect and serve everyone.
6. The police should use physical 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
achieve police objectives; and police should use only the minimum degree of physical force that is
necessary on any particular occasion for achieving police objectives.
Limit use of force: Physical force should only be used when necessary, and even then, it
should be minimal. The use of force should be carefully measured against the situation,
and persuasion or other methods should always be tried first.
13
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
7. The police at all times should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the
historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police are only
members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties that are incumbent on every
citizen in the intent of community welfare.
Community as partners: The police are part of the public. Their role is not to be
separate from the community but to be integrated into it. This principle emphasizes
that police are public servants, working for the common welfare and safety of society.
8. The police should always direct their actions toward their functions and never appear to usurp the
powers of the judiciary by avenging individuals or the state, or authoritatively judging guilt or
punishing the guilty.
No usurpation of judicial power: The police should not act as judge, jury, or
executioner. Their role is to enforce the law, not to decide guilt or punish criminals.
Judicial power lies with the courts, not the police.
9. The test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of police
action in dealing with them.
Measured by absence of crime: The effectiveness of the police is not determined by
how often they make arrests or take action, but by how successfully they prevent crime
and maintain order without needing visible intervention. A crime-free environment is
the true test of effective policing.
5. High standard of management and operation - What it means: Effective community relations
require that police departments are well-organized, efficient, and have strong leadership.
This includes clear policies, procedures, and proper management structures to ensure that the
department functions smoothly.
Examples:
Medical-Dental Missions: Police organizing free health services for underserved
communities.
Sports Clinics: Providing opportunities for youth to engage in healthy activities, often
promoting teamwork, discipline, and positive relationships with law enforcement.
Feeding Programs: Assisting in providing food to low-income families.
Seminars/Workshops: Educating the public on important issues, such as crime prevention,
safety, and legal rights.
2. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
- involvement of the community in the various social projects, particularly, in the area of crime
prevention.
ensures that law enforcement doesn’t act in isolation but in collaboration with the people
it serves. When the community is involved in preventing crime, it strengthens trust and
makes policing more effective.
15
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
1. DOMESTIC RELATIONS - Police Officer's dealing with his family, parents and immediate
relatives.
2. NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS - Police Officer's dealing with his neighbors.
3. COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Police Officers' dealing with citizens of the community, city or
town where he lives, and his membership or contribution to the civic organization or community
associations in the locality.
4. CHURCH RELATIONS - Police Officer's dealings with the religious congregation or faith where
he belongs.
5. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - Police Officer's dealings with the government and its
instrumentalities.
16
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
17
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
1. PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM - designed to bridge the communication gap between the
police and the public.
FORMS OF MEDIA USED
a. PERSONAL MEDIA - consists of face-to-face communication, such as meetings, rallies,
delivering speeches and house-to-house visitation
b. MASS MEDIA - includes printed matter and audio-visual communications
2. PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM - designed to maintain harmony and mutual support between
the police and the community; designed to "sell' the police to the public.
3. CIVIC ACTION PROGRAM - designed to maintain and encourage community development.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROGRAM - designed to condition both friendly and hostile public,
ensuring the facilitation of the attainment of police objectives.
18
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards
Mabini College Inc.
College of Criminal Justice Education
Daet, Camarines Norte
3. constant dialogue and meetings with the barangay officials in their respective territorial
jurisdictions;
4. Community service-oriented policing by conducting seminars for the traffic aides, police aides and
the barangay tanod; and
5. Coordination with the media for image enhancing projects.
ASSIGNMENT/PROGRESS CHECK
ESSAY: Utilization of additional sheet of paper if necessary is permissible. Rubrics of your essay is
attached and found in the next page of this module.
1. What is the main purpose of the police in relation to the community?
2. Define Police Community Relations (PCR) and explain its significance in maintaining public
trust.
3. How does "Community" relate to the role of the police in society?
4. What are the core principles of Sir Robert Peel’s policing philosophy?
5. How does the principle of "The test of police efficiency" define the success of policing?
6. How should police officers maintain professional relationships with their families, neighbors,
and community?
7. How can the police use media to improve community relations?
8. What is the role of public information programs in bridging the gap between the police and
the community?
19
PCol. Adelene Maghinay Florendo, PNP (Ret) PSSgt Rizza Ruth Maghinay Florendo, 2020 Professional
Conduct and Ethical Standards