7 - Awareness and Staff Management

Question 1

Every Police employee must obey the lawful commands of…

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Who does the code of conduct apply to?

Answer 2

This includes employees who are permanent, temporary or casual, contractors and consultants, volunteers and any other groups or individuals we have advised this Code applies to

Question 3

What is misconduct?

Answer 3

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

Examples:
• Breaching Police policies or procedures
• Treating a person harshly
• Using abusive or offensive language
• Misuse of Police internet or email systems
• Using any Police databases for any unauthorised or personal purpose
• Being absent from work or late without proper reason
• Failure to declare a conflict of interest
• Misuse, mistreatment or not taking reasonable care of Police property
• Not complying with a lawful and reasonable instruction without a good and sufficient reason
• Bringing Police into disrepute through any actions or behaviour

Question 4

What is serious misconduct?

Answer 4

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 Police has in you, calling into question if the employment relationship can continue. It is behaviour or actions that may justify dismissal.

Examples:
• Being convicted of or pleading guilty to an offence
• Corruption – accepting a bribe, inducement or reward
• Bullying or harassment
• Sexual misconduct
Theft or dishonesty of any kind
• Unauthorised access to, or disclosure of any matter or information related to Police business including NIA
• Repeated misconduct (including breach of a warning)
• Knowingly making a false declaration or statement (including incorrectly recording data)
• Excess unjustified violence