Code of Conduct

Question 1

Who does it apply to and when?

Answer 1

• This code applies to anyone who is employed or engaged by New Zealand Police, regardless of the position or rank held.
• This code also applies to what we do outside of working hours where our actions may bring Police into disrepute or may damage trust and confidence Police as our employer has in us.

Question 2

How can we make sure our conduct complies with the code and policies?

Answer 2

• The code provides general guidance and minimum expectations of the behaviour Police expects from us.

Question 3

Why do we have high standards?

Answer 3

• Police’s vision is to have the trust and confidence of all by living our values.

Question 4

Explain “Our reputation”?

Answer 4

• We Act professionally, exercise good judgment and are accountable for our behaviour.
• We must not do anything that may bring Police into disrepute.
• We protect Police’s integrity and reputation by speaking up about any inappropriate behavior we see and hear.

Question 5

Explain “Our influence and conflicts of interest”?

Answer 5

• A conflict of interest is a situation where our personal or professional interests may conflict with our position, obligations or responsibilities as a Police employee.
• For example: Act in a way that uses influence, role or position to personal advantage or to the advantage of others we are associated to.

Question 6

What are the 3x criteria to ensure that “we protect people, our information and our resources”?

Answer 6

1. Our Safety
2. Our Information
3. Our Resources

Question 7

Explain “Our Safety”?

Answer 7

• The work we do can be inherently risky.

- Regardless of our role, we all have responsibility for promoting and maintaining a safe working environment.

Question 8

Explain “Our information”?

Answer 8

• Given the nature of our organization and Information systems, we have access to confidential, sensitive and personal information.
• We always need to handle information appropriately, for legitimate work purposes and in line with the law, our policies, processes and systems.

Question 9

Explain “Our resources”?

Answer 9

• We have an obligation to properly manage and use resources appropriately and in a way that ensures our working environment is safe.

Question 10

How do “we do right by others”?

Answer 10

• Our purpose is to ensure all people in New Zealand are safe and feel safe. This means we do not tolerate or accept behaviour, by either the public or our colleagues that breaks laws or compromises safety.

Question 11

Explain “Our diversity”?

Answer 11

• Police is strengthened by diversity.
• Our differences equip us to be more effective in our approach to Policing across a wide range of communities.
• We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is inclusive and respectful of each other’s differences.
• This means we treat all people respectfully, with empathy and dignity.
• We do so whether they are members of the Public, Colleagues, Victims, or Offenders and regardless of circumstances.

Question 12

Explain “Our acceptance of others”?

Answer 12

• We ensure a Healthy Work Environment that does not tolerate Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Victimization or any other Unacceptable or Offensive behaviour.
• We are ALL RESPONSIBLE for ensuring this type of behaviour DOES NOT OCCUR.

Question 13

Explain “Our History”?

Answer 13

• We wear or identify with the New Zealand Coat of Arms which recognizes the special relationship with Iwi.
• In line with our value of Commitment to Maori and the Treaty - we recognize and seek to understand our history and to be responsive to Iwi specifically as tangata whenua.

Question 14

Explain “We are responsible”?

Answer 14

• When we choose to work at Police - we choose to be responsible for consistently demonstrating Our Values - working in a manner consistent with this Code, and seeking help when we are unsure.
• This is required of us all.

Question 15

What will happen if you breach the Code?

Answer 15

• Police has a Disciplinary Policy which outlines the process to be followed.
• Final outcomes will depend on the seriousness of the situation.
• Good Employer Principles and Process, and Good Faith will be applied in dealing with any breaches of the Code.

Question 16

What is considered if you breach the Code?

Answer 16

• The Nature and Circumstances
• Intent
• Your Position, Duties and Responsibilities
• Your ability to fulfill your duties and responsibilities
• The IMPACT on the Organisation and Relationships
• Impact on the TRUST and CONFIDENCE Police has in you
• How similar behaviour has been treated in the past

Question 17

What is “MISCONDUCT”?

Answer 17

• This is behaviour or actions that breach this Code of Conduct or other Police policies.
• While MISCONDUCT may not justify dismissal - it may result in FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Question 18

3x examples of “MISCONDUCT”.

Answer 18

• Breaching Police policies or procedures.
• Treating a person harshly
• Using any Police databases for any unauthorized or personal purpose

Question 19

What is “SERIOUS MISCONDUCT”?

Answer 19

• This is behaviour or actions that breach this Code of Conduct or other Police policies and employment agreements and seriously undermine or damage the Trust and Confidence that Police has in you, calling into question if the Employment Relationship can continue.
• It is behaviour or actions that may justify dismissal.

Question 20

3x examples of “SERIOUS MISCONDUCT”?

Answer 20

• Being convicted of or pleading guilty to an offence
• Theft or dishonesty of any kind
• Excessive unjustified violence