7.2 Policing Act, Staff Management and Code of Conduct Flashcards
What is the rule of law?
it defines the relationship of the government to its people. That people in a society should be governed by law and should be free from arbitrary government.
Why is the rule of law important for the NZ Police?
We need to apply laws evenly. People shouldn’t be treated differently because of societal status, gender or ethnicity.
Sec 9 - What are the functions of Police?
a) Keep the peace
b) Maintain public safety
c) Law enforcement
d) Crime prevention
e) Community support and reassurance
f) National security
g) Participation in policing activities outside NZ
h) emergency management
Code of Conduct. What is it and who is governed by it?
The code of conduct is a code prescribed by the commissioner of police that sets out the expected standards of behavior from Police employees.
This code applies to anyone who is employed or engaged by New Zealand Police and includes Volunteers, permanent, temporary, casual contractors and consultants.
Sec 30 - Command and Control. Every Police must obey and be guided by…
a) general instructions
b) the Comissioners circulars and
c) any applicable local orders
Every police member must obey the lawful command of a supervisor.
In the absence of a supervisor, the supervisor’s authority and responsibility devolves on -
a) the Police employee available who is next in level of position and
b) in the case of equality, the longest serving Police employee
Sec 63 - Acting appointments.
The commissioner may appoint an employee temporarily to any higher level of position or
Authorise an employee to exercise or perform all or any of the powers and duties under this Act or any other enactment, of any level of position higher than that employee’s own level of position.
Qualified Constable as per Sec 63. Who can issue a PSO.
In terms of a Police Safety Order, a qualified constable is defined as a constable who is of or above the level of position of sergeant. Therefore, before an acting sergeant could authorise a PSO, they would need to be appointed under Sec 63.
How can we be sure our conduct complies with the code of conduct? (SELF TEST)
Would your decision withstand SCRUTINY? Community, Police Service, Media.
Does my decision ENSURE compliance? Code of Conduct, Policy, General Instructions.
Is my decision LAWFUL? Laws, Regulations, Rules.
Is your decision FAIR? Community, Colleagues, Your family, Others.
How we handle information.
When we are unsure whether information is confidential or sensitive or how it should be handled,we seek advice from our manager.
Is Performance Management a disciplinary process?
No. It only becomes relevant for disciplinary purposes when an employee has been unable or unwilling to satisfactorily improve following a Performance Improvement Plan.
What are the 4 steps in the Performance Management process?
1) Informal discussion
2) The performance meeting
3) The performance plan (PIP)
4) Completion of the PIP to the required standard
Ideally, what should happen with any inappropriate behaviour?
it should be challenged on the spot.
What is inappropriate behaviour?
- Unethical behaviour
- Breaching code of conduct
- Harassment, bullying or discrimination
If you are the subject of any charges, EBA, drivers license suspension, speeding in excess of 40km above posted speed limit, what must you do?
You must as soon as possible, notify your supervisor in writing of the brief details and circumstances.
What are the do’s of a social media post?
- Make sure it’s clear that it is your view and not a police view
- Select high privacy settings
- Be aware of security advice posted on the bulletin board.
