POLICE ETHICS & POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

By;

PROF. OSCAR GATCHALIAN SORIANO, LC

BSCrim, MSBA, MACrim. PhDCrim

===========================================================

Introduction

Much is said today about law enforcement becoming the

next profession. Most police officers are in favor of this
because such an achievement would lead to an increase in
their own personal and social status, not to mention better
pay and working conditions.

Should all of the general conditions of profession come

about, law enforcement would still not become a true
profession without the fulfillment of two necessary
conditions. These conditions must really precede all formal
requirements. These conditions simply stated that all
enforcement personnel must be ethical in their actions, and
must developed good police-community relations.

What is a Code?

A Code is any accepted system of rules and regulations

pertaining to a given subject.

What is Ethics?

Ethics is the study of standards of custody and moral

judgment. Oftentimes it is referred to as the moral
philosophy. It is a science that deals with the
philosophical study of morality.

What is Morale?

Morale refers or deals on personal dignity. It pertains

to manners relates to, deals with or capable of making the
distinction between right and wrong conduct.

1
What is Morality?

Morality comes from the Latin word "mores" which

signifies conduct and refers to behavior of people, which is
valuable and which enhance dignity of the individual.

What is Conduct?

Conduct is personal behavior. In ethics, it is the

voluntary control and direction of one's activities toward
moral and spiritual development.

What Code Shall Guide the Behavior of All PNP Personnel?

The PNP Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards adopted

during a series of convention attended by PNP personnel from
all sectors with Deputy Director General Raul S Imperial as
President and ratified on January 7, 1992 and finally
approved by the National Police Commission sitting en banc
and promulgating resolution #92 dated March 12, 1992, shall
be the guiding rule of behavior for all PNP personnel.

Why Does the PNP Need a Code of Professional Conduct and

Ethical Standards?

A Code of Professional Conduct' and Ethical Standards

is needed by the PNP because:

1. The PNP that was established by virtue of RA 6975

mandated the establishment of a highly professionalized,
efficient and competent police force.

2. The PNP seemed it imperative to establish a Code

that will serve to facilitate the renewal of commitment of
its members to act and behave according to the tenets
expected of a true law enforcement officer.

2
Are All Members of the PNP required to follow the Provisions
of the Code?

It is a policy that all members of this PNP shall fully

abide and adhere to the provisions of the Code of
Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards.

What is expected on the Members of the PNP?

Truly professionalized and dedicated law enforcers

shall:

1. Promote peace and order, ensure public safety, and

enhance community participation, guided by the principle
that a public office is a public trust, and that all public
servants must at all time be accountable to the people.

2. Serve with utmost responsibility, integrity,

morality, loyalty and efficiency with due respect from human
rights and dignity as a hallmark of a democratic society.

3. Bear faithful allegiance to the legitimate

government, support and uphold the Constitution, respect the
duly constituted authority and be loyal to the police
service.

What Does the PNP Core Values States?

The PNP Core Values states that the police service is a

noble profession and demands from its members specialized
knowledge and skills and high standards of ethics and
morality. In this regard, the members of the PNP must adhere
to and internalize the enduring core values of:

1. Love of God

This is very essential because it makes a man more

governable and ethics, knowing what is right or wrong. It
gives him hope for the future-salvation. In Islam, it is the
submission to the- will of Allah. As the late Pres. Quezon
once said, "have faith in the Divine Providence who guides
the destinies of men and nation."

3
2. Respect for Authority

Everyone must obey the state authorities because no

authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing
authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the
existing authority opposes what God has ordered, and anyone
who does so will bring judgment on himself. For rulers are
not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do
evil.

3. Respects for Women and Sanctity of Marriage

If you love someone, you will never do him wrong. Love

does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking
together in the same direction. Self-control in marriage is
imperative for without it, havoc will ensue.

4. Responsible Dominion and Stewardship over Material

Things

Our "needs" are few and easily satisfied while our

"wants" are many and seldom satisfied. To stay within
limits, one must strive to regulate "needs" to limit
"wants." While man exercise dominion or control over the
earth, even to some extent of controlling the very forces of
nature to serve his needs, he has still the responsibility
to keep his environment free from wanton destruction and
degradation. The earth's fragile ecosystem needs protection
and its nonrenewable resources need conservation. In a
sense, man, while dominant specie over all other creatures,
is not the sole owner of this planet. He is only a “steward"
or a "caretaker" for the coming generations. No one owns the
land forever, it eventually passes on to others to enjoy.
This holds true in most life's transactions. A Law enforcer
does not have absolute power but is limited bylaws, rules
and regulations. He gives service not served, and he
protects the people and not oppresses them. Government in
itself is a custodian of people's power, not supreme
machinery for imposing its will on the public.

5. Truthfulness

4
 It is the state of being truthful wherein a person is
sincere, genuine, and honest in agreement. With a standard,
rule, etc., and conforms to fact or reality.

What is a Creed?

A Creed is a statement of belief, principles or

opinions on any subject.

What is the Police Officer's Creed?

The Police Officer's Creed states that:

I believe in God, the Supreme Being, a great provider,

and the Creator of all man 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 own sworn duties, and
honor him at all times.

I believe that respect for authority is a duty. I

respect and uphold the Constitution, the laws of the land,
and the applicable rules and regulations. I recognized the
legitimacy, and authority, and follow and obey legal orders
of my superior officer.

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.

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.

For I believe in the wisdom of truthfulness. I must be

trustworthy and I shall speak the truth at all times are
required by my profession.

What is an Image?

5
 An image is a mental picture of something of a
conception, idea, or an impression.

What should be the 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 in an ad light. Instead, they should live in:

1. Virtues

2. Honor

3. Integrity

4. Valor

5. Justice

6. Honesty

7. Humility

8. Charity

9. Loyalty to the service.

What is Professionalism?

Professionalism, which also means Service, refers to

the commitment, dignity, and attitude of an individual
towards work and his integrity and practice of the Core
Moral Value principles.

It is the proper application of specialized skills

based on an organized body by knowledge and in accordance
with laws and/or Code of Ethics with the highest degree of
excellence in the accomplishment of the objectives.

What is Career Management in the PNP?

6
 Career management is the key to professionalism. Its
improper implementation will greatly prejudice the personnel
professionalization process as regard to procurement,
promotion, assignment, placement, and training, awards and
retirement.

To address this flaws, the PNP shall formulate a

stringent policy and strictly implement the human resources
development system compatible to the equitable distribution
of procurement, fair promotion, rationalized approach in
assignment, skills development, immediate grant of award and
reward, and decent living upon retirement.

What is the Concept of Equality in the Police Service?

There should be a judicious and equitable distribution

of opportunity to prove one's worth in the police service.
The problem on equity through class orientation and
factionalism both real and perceived, promised or favored
assignment, inequitable opportunity of training, unfair
granting or promotion, and untimely awarding of achievements
will create an atmosphere of demoralization.

The result is inefficiency and lack of teamwork to the

detriment of the organization. It behooves, therefore, on
the PNP Leadership to address the situation. The civilian
character of the organization requires adherence to the rule
of merit and fitness system, and to disassociate the above
process from class orientation and factionalism.

What is Delicadeza?

Delicadeza is the state of affairs requiring tact to

protect the integrity of a person.

How Could Delicadeza be practiced in the Police Service?

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.

7
What should be the Police Lifestyle while in the Service?

The PNP shall endeavor to promote a lifestyle for every

member of the organization 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.

What is Political Patronage?

Political patronage is soliciting influence or

recommendations directly or indirectly from politicians or
other persons of the same person.

Should PNP Members Solicit Political Patronage?

All PNP members must inhibit themselves from soliciting

political patronage in matters pertaining to assignment,
awards, training, and promotion.

Should PNP Members Respect Human Rights?

All PNP members must respect and protect human dignity

and man's desirable rights to life, liberty, and property.

Since the country is signatory in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights, and other preparations, the PNP
is bound to protect these rights.

How Should PNP Members Perform Their Duties?

All PNP members shall perform their duties with

excellence. Competence, integrity, intelligence, and
expertise in the application of standardized skills and
technical knowledge must be observed at all times.

8
What is the Police Professional Conduct that must be
observed?

All members of the PNP shall observe the following

professional conduct:

1. Commitment to Democracy

Uniformed PNP members commit themselves to democratic

way of life and values and maintain the principle of public
accountability. They shall at all times uphold the
Constitution and be loyal to our country, people, and
organization, above loyalty to any person or organization.
The principle of democracy, states that the government of
the people, by the people, and for the people. The real
power and authority in the governance of the nation operates
from its citizens.

2. Commitment to Public Interest

All 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 efficiently,
particularly to avoid wastage of public funds and revenues.

3. Non-Partisanship

All PNP members shall provide services to everyone

without discrimination regardless of party affiliation in
accordance of existing laws and regulations.

4. Physical Fitness and Health

All PNP members shall strive to be physically and

mentally fit, and in good health at all times. Towards this
end, they shall undergo regular physical exercises and
annual medical examination in any PNP hospital or medical
facility.

5. Secrecy and Discipline

All PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of

classified information against unauthorized disclosure,

9
including confidential aspects of official business, special
orders, communications, and other documents, roster or any
portion hereof of the PNP, contents of criminal records,
identities of persons who may have given information to the
police in confidence and other classified information or
intelligence material.

6. Social Awareness

All PNP members and their immediate family members

shall be encouraged to actively get involved in the
religion, social and civic activities to enhance the image
of the organization but without affecting their official
duties.

7. Non-Solicitation of Patronage

All 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 organization with regard
to their assignment, 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

to interfere in the activities of the police service,
particularly in the assignment and reassignment of
personnel.

8. Proper Care and Use of Public Property

All PNP members’ shall be responsible for the security,

proper care, and used of public property issued to them
and/or deposited under their care and custody. Unauthorized
use of public property for personal convenience or gain and
that on their families, friends, prohibited.

9. Respect for Human Rights

All PNP members in the performance of duty shall

respect and protect human dignity and uphold the human
rights of persons. No members should inflict, instigate or

10
tolerate extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrest, any act
of torture or other cruel or degrading treatment or
punishment, and shall not invoke superior orders or
exceptional circumstances such as state-of-war, a threat to
national security, internal political instability or any
public emergency as a justification for committing such
human rights violation.

10. Devotion to Duty

All 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 servant.

11. Conservation of Natural Resources

All 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 or
people.

12. Discipline

All PNP members shall conduct themselves at all times

in keeping with the rules and regulations of the
organization.

13. Loyalty

All PNP members must be loyal to the Constitution of

the police service as manifested by their loyalty to their
superiors, peers and subordinates as well.

14. Obedience to Superiors

All PNP members shall obey lawful orders and be

courteous to superior officers and other appropriate
authorities within the chain of command.

15. Command Responsibility

In accordance with the Doctrine of Command

Responsibility, immediate commanders shall be responsible

11
for the effective supervision, control and direction or
their personnel and see to it that all government resources
shall be managed, expended or utilized in accordance with
laws and regulations and safeguarded against losses thru
illegal or improper disposition.

What are the Police Ethical Standards that must be observed?

Ethical Standards shall refer to established and

generally accepted values, ethical acts to be observed are
the following:

1. Morality

All PNP members shall adhere to high standard of

morality and decency and shall set good examples for others
to follow. Hence among others and in no instance during
their term of office, shall they involved as owners,
operators, managers or investors in any house of ill refutes
or illegal gambling den or other places devoted to vices,
nor shall they patronize such places on official duty, and
tolerate operations of such establishments in their
respective areas of responsibilities. They shall be faithful
to their lawfully wedded spouses.

2. Judicious Use of Authority

All PNP members- shall exercise proper and legitimate

use of authority in the performance of their duty.

3. Integrity

All PNP shall not themselves to be victims of

corruption and dishonest practices in accordance with the
provisions of Ra 6713-The Code Of Conduct And Ethical
Standards For Public Officers And Employees (1989), and
other applicable laws.

4. Justice

All PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the

rights of others so that they can fulfill their duties and
exercise their rights as human beings, parents, children,

12
citizens, workers, and leaders or in other capacities and
see to it that others do likewise.

5. Humility

All PNP members shall recognize the fact that they are
public servants and not the masters of the people and toward
this end; they should recognize their own inadequacies,
inabilities and limitations as individuals and perform their
duties without attracting attention or expecting the
applause of others.

6. Orderliness

All PNP members shall follow logical procedure in

accomplishing task assigned to them to minimize waste in the
use of time, money and effort.

7. 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 anything that
might weaken them to resolve in the course of time.

What is the Basis of Police Customs and Traditions?

The PNP adopts the generally acceptable customs and

traditions based on the desirable practices of the police
service. These shall serve as inspirations as the PNP
endeavors to attain its goals and objectives.

What do you Understand by Customs?

Customs is established usage or social practices

carried on by traditions that have obtained the force of
the law. Customs are accepted practices realized through
continued usage that takes the force and effects of the
Common Law.

What do you understand by Tradition?

13
 Traditions are bodies or beliefs, stories, customs
effect of an unwritten law. Traditions are inherited
principles, standards and groups.

Traditions are accumulated experiences and deeds passed

on from generation to generation both in memory and reality.

What is Courtesy?

Courtesy is a manifestation or expression of

consideration and respect for others.

What is Ceremony?

A ceremony is a formal acts established by customs or

authority as proper to special occasions.

What is Social Decorum?

Social Decorum is a set of norms and standards

practiced by members during socials and other functions.

What are the Different Police Customs on Courtesy?

The following are the customs on courtesy in the PNP:

1. Salute

Salute is the usual greetings rendered by uniformed

members upon meeting and recognizing persons entitled to a
salute.

2. Salute to National Color and Standard

All PNP members shall 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 ceremonies.

3. Address/Title

14
 Junior in rank addresses senior members who are
entitled to salute with the word "Sir."

4. Courtesy Calls

The following are the customs on courtesy calls:

1) Courtesy Call of Newly Assigned/Appointed Member

PNP members who are newly appointed or assigned in

a unit or command shall pay courtesy call with the head
and/or chief of office, key officials, and to other key
personnel for accounting, orientation and other purposes.

2) Christmas Call

PNP members pay a Christmas call on their local

executives in their area of responsibility.

3) New Year's Call

PNP members pay a New Year's call on their

commanders and/or key officials in their respective area of
responsibility.

4) Promotion Call

Newly promoted PNP members call on their unit

head. On this occasion, their peers for such deserved
accomplishment usually give them due recognition and
congratulations.

5) Exit Call

PNP members pay an exit call on -their superiors

in the unit or command when relieved or reassigned out of
the said unit or command.
6) Courtesy of the Post

The host unit extends hospitality to visiting

personnel who pay respect to the command or unit.

5. Rank-Has-Its-Own-Privilege (RHIP)

15
 PNP members recognize the practice that different ranks
carry with them corresponding privileges.

What are the Different Police Customs on Ceremonies?

The following are Police Customs on Ceremonies?

1. Flag Raising Ceremony

The PNP members honor the flag by raising it and

singing the National Anthem before the start of the official
day's work.

2. Flag Retreat Ceremony

At the end of the official day's work, the PNP members

pause for a moment to salute the lowering of the flag.

3. Half-mast

The flag is raised at half-mast in deference to

deceased uniformed members of the command.

4. Funeral Service and Honors

Departed uniformed members, retirees, war veterans, or

former PC/INP members are given vigil, necrological
services, and graveside honors as a gesture of farewell.

5. Ceremony Tendered to Retirees

In recognition of their long and faithful and honorable

service to the PNP, a testimonial activity is tendered in
their honor.

6. Honor Ceremony

Arrival and departure honor ceremonies are rendered to

visiting dignitaries, VIPs, PNP officers with the grade of
Chief Superintendent and above and AFP officers of
equivalent grade unless waived.

16
7. Turn-Over Ceremony

The relinquishment and assumption of command or key

position is publicly announced in a turn-over ceremony by
the out-going and in-coming officers in the presence of the
immediate superior and/or his representative.

8. Wedding Ceremony

During marriage of PNP members, a ceremony is conducted

with participants in a form of swords drawn.

9. Anniversary

The birth or institutional establishment of a command

or unit is commemorated in an Anniversary Ceremony.

What are the Different Police Customs on Social Decorum?

The following are police customs on social decorum:

1. Proper Attire

PNP members always wear appropriate and proper attire

in conformity with the occasion.

2. Table Manners

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 as a

man among men. It is a welcome sight when PNP members wear
their uniform properly wherever they may be. Since
disciplined, those who are neat in appearance and wearing
the prescribed uniform best exemplify PNP members.

17
 They must therefore observe the following:

1) Wearing of prescribed uniform;

2) Wearing as part of the uniform, awards and

decorations earned in accordance with the prescribed rules
and regulations;

3) Adherence to haircut prescribed by rules and

regulations; and

4) Manner of walking-every PNP member is expected to

walk with pride and dignity.

What are the other Police Customs?

The other police customs are:

1. Visiting the Sick

PNP members who are sick in the hospital, their

residence or any place of confinement are visited by their
immediate commanders or other available officers of the unit
in order that their needs are attended to.

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
family until all benefits due shall have been received.

3. Visiting the Religious Leaders

PNP officers visit religious leaders in their area of

assignment to establish or maintain rapport and cooperation
between the different religious leaders of the PNP.

4. Athletics

All PNP members must indulge in physical fitness

activities to insure that their proper physical appearance
and bearing are maintained with the waist line measurement
always smaller than the size of his chest and in conformity
with the standard set forth by the organization.

18
5. Happy Hours

Usually on Friday or any other day Suitable for the

occasion, PNP members gather together at their PNP club for
a light hearted jesting or airing of minor grief’s.

What are the Police Traditions?

The following are the police tradition:

1. Spiritual Beliefs

The PNP members are traditionally religious and God

loving persons. They attend religious services together with
the members of their family.

2. Valor

History attests that the Filipino law enforcers have

exemplified the tradition of the valor in defending the
country from aggression and oppression. 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 for the flag and a vow to defend the
Constitution.

4. Discipline

The disciplines of PNP members are manifested by

instinctive obedience to lawful orders and through
spontaneous actions towards attainment of organizational
objectives by moral, ethical and legal forms.

5. Gentlemanliness

The PNP members are upright in character, polite in

manners, dignified in appearance, and sincere in their
concern to their fellowmen.

19
6. Word of Honor

The PNP members’ word is their bond. They stand by and

commit to uphold it.

7. Duty

The PNP members have historically exemplified

themselves as dedicated public servants that perform their
tasks with deep sense of responsibility and self-sacrifice.

8. Loyalty

The policemen are traditionally loyal to the

organizations, 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 member’s deep
commitment and concern to one another

What is a Pledge?

A pledge is a promise or agreement wherein one binds

himself to the performance of some engagement or
obligation.

What is the Police Officer's Pledge?

The police officers pledge states that:

I will love and serve God, my Country and People;

I will uphold the Constitution and obey legal orders of

the duly constituted authorities;

20
 I will oblige myself to -maintain a high standard or
morality and professionalism;

I will respect the customs and traditions of the police

service; and

I will live a decent and virtuous life to serve as an

example to others.

What is the Foundation of the Code?

This code is anchored on the divine and moral precepts,

existing Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and
relevant provisions of the Revised Penal Code, RA 6713- The
Code Of Conduct And Ethical Standards For Public Officers
And Employees, RA 6975-PNP law of 1990, and other related
special laws.

What PNP Members as Commitment to the Code should observe?

In order to insure commitment to the Code' PNP members

shall observe the following:

1. All PNP members shall take upon themselves that

the contents of the Code are honored and upheld at all
times.

2. Directors, chiefs and heads of offices/stations

shall set the example and be responsible in the observance
of the Code.

3. The Priest /Ministers/ Imams of the PNP Chaplain

Service, while setting the example, shall actively
participate in the internalization of the Code.

4. All members of the PNP shall take an oath that

they shall commit, themselves to this Code. The oath of
commitment shall be done upon entry into the PNP. Upon
promotion to the next higher rank and upon assumption of
office/position.

21
What is the PNP Policy Regarding Propagation and Development
of the Code?

Propagation and development of the code is a command

policy and its implementation thereof is a command
responsibility of PNP commanders at all levels. The
following shall be observed:

1. All PNP members shall be issued upon entry into

the police service a copy of the Code, which shall he
considered an accountable property.

2. The code shall be internalized by all members and

institutionalized in the PNP. It will be a part of the
curricula of all PNP academic courses and will be
interpreted in moral value programs conducted thru regular
police information and education activities.

3. There shall be a continuous appraisal and study of

the effectiveness of the Code consistent with the growth and
dynamics of performance standards and professionalization of
the PNP.

4. The Code shall be subject to review initially

three (3) years after its affectivity and every five (5)
years thereafter or sooner if the need arises, for positive
revision and/or modification of its implementation strategy.

5. The PNP Office of Ethical Standards and Public

Accountability shall oversee the internalization and
institutionalization of the Code.

What Punishment may be imposed to Any PNP Member Who

Violates the Provision of the Code?

Any PNP member who violates any provision of the Code

may be punished in accordance with the provisions- of the
Revised Penal Code, RA 6713, RA 3019, and other special
laws. For acts or omissions which merely requires
administrative sanctions, the applicable punishments as
provided for by the rules and regulations promulgated by

22
the, PNP, NAPOLCOM, Civil Service Commission, and DILG shall
be applied.

Police-Community Relations

The basic police purpose of preserving peace and

protecting life and property is accomplished by controlling
the behavior of people. A person’s conduct is determined
either by what he wants to do, or by what he is afraid of.

Compliance with law and regulation is obtained either

by developing a public willingness to conform to the desired
pattern of behavior or by compelling people to conform by
threat of punishment.

Hence, the two processes- enforcement and the

development of attitudes favorable to law observance cannot
be completely separated, with the police free to choose one
and reject the other.

Their use is a matter of judgment varying in degree or

emphasis. The police because of its jurisdiction may attempt
to accomplish its purpose by enforcement with no attention
to positively motivated compliance, which uses a minimum
enforcement on individuals when other methods fail.

The active interest and participation of the citizens

is a source so vital to an effective, efficient, economic
and harmonious law enforcement and public safety that
deliberate efforts should be made to arouse, promote and
maintain public concern over the objectives and affairs of
the Philippine National Police.

The police should not recent such attention nor should

they regard as happy a situation in which the public takes
no interest in their work and evinces no desire to
participate in the solution of their problems.

Indifference should not be construed as an indication

that the public is satisfied with the work of the police
station, but rather as a warning that the public may, under
slight provocation, violently object to police procedures
merely because they are not familiar with them.

23
The Meaning of Police-Community Relations

The Police Community Relations is the sum total of

dealings of the police with the people it serves and whose
goodwill and cooperation it craves for to ensure the
greatest possible efficiency in public service. It spans:

1. The entire field of public information designed to

bridge any communication gap between the police and the
public;

2. Public relations intended to maintain harmony and

mutual support between the police and community
development; and

3. Mass communications for the purpose of

conditioning both the friendly and the hostile public,
thereby insuring and facilitating the attainment of police
objectives.

Undeniably, no police activity of any kind could

succeed without the cooperation of the public. The
effectiveness of a police department is largely
dependent on the confidence and goodwill it enjoys from
the people.

The paramount is service. Service must be the business

of every police officer for without effective service to
the public, no public relation program can succeed.

Objectives of Police-Community Relations

The following are the main objectives of community

relations from the viewpoint of law enforcement and public
safety:
1. To maintain and develop the goodwill and
confidence of the community for the police;

2. To obtain public cooperation and assistance;

3. To develop public understanding, support, and

appreciation for the services of the police;

24
 4. To gain a broader understanding of and sympathy
for the problems and needs of the police;

5. To facilitate law enforcement and law compliance;

6. To build public opinion in favor of the police;

7. To achieve the police purpose of preserving peace,

protecting life and property, and the prevention of the
crime.

Foundation of Good Police-Community Relations

Efficient service as the basic foundation of good

community relations is true in any organization most
particularly in the police service whose client is the
general public.

Since action is determined by frames of mind, the

police should scrutinize their own point of view to assure
that it is a proper one. Their attitude will be determined
by their concept of police function as well as their stand
on their duty toward the public.

They should be able to distinguish between the police

functions. They should realize that the essence of a proper
police attitude is the willingness to serve. They should
distinguish between service and servility, courtesy and
softness. They must be firm, but at the same time courteous;
they must avoid an appearance of rudeness.

They should develop a friendly, impersonal, and

unbiased manner, pleasant and personal in all restrictive
situations but firm and impersonal on occasions calling for
regulation and control. They should understand that they are
policemen and that the primary police purpose is to prevent
violations and to arrest offenders.

Foundation of Public Relations

Public relations are basically founded on the Golden Rule:

1. Live and let live.

25
2. Give before you seek to get.

3. Give what is due to others.

4. See the other person’s side.

5. Respect, so you would be respected.

Public Relations may Sum up as Follows:

1. Know yourself.

2. Know the people around you.

3. Adjust your relationships with them.

4. A practical public relations operates on the theory of

“give and take.”

Ten Commandments of Human Relations

1. Speak to people

2. Smile to people

3. Call people by name

4. Be friendly and helpful

5. Be cordial

6. Be generous with praise but cautious to criticism

7. Be genuinely interested with people

8. Be considerate with the feeling of others

9. Be thoughtful in the opinion of others

10. Be alert to give service

26
Requirements for a Good Police-Community Relations

1. Sincerity is serving the public

2. Full knowledge of the job

3. Deep conviction in the mobility in the work

4. Sound police ethics

5. High standard of operation

Span or Coverage of Police-Community Relations

1. Public Information Program

2. Public Relation Program

3. Civic Action Program

4. Mass Communication Program (Masscom)

Informing the Public

The police, being the servants of the community, are

duty bound to see to it that the public is properly informed
so that it will understand and appreciate the complexities
of police work and the invaluable services the police render
to the community.

Public reporting is an important administrative duty

and the police station commander, will need the assistance
of a public relations officer. Attention must be given

1. To press relations
2. to formal periodic reports

3. To station publications

4. And to other devices that may be used for keeping

the community informed.

27
Supplying Information to the Public

The police should be alert to assist the public in

every way possible. Citizens invariably turn to the police
for information, and the police should be prepared to supply
it. The headquarters’ staff and all other members of the
police station should know the geography of the city/ town
and surrounding areas, the principal highways, the direction
and distance to nearby towns the location of prominent
buildings, parks and schools and the schedules and routes of
the transportation system.

Public Information Program

This is basic ingredient in effective police community

relations. The public must kept well informed so that it
will understand and appreciate the complexities of police
work and the good service the police render to community.
This is possible through the use of media.

Medium Use in Public Information Program

1. Personal Media

It consists of face to face communication, which

includes meetings, rallies, and speeches and house to house
visits. This is the most practical medium use in the
provinces. Public rallies may be conducted by qualified PNP
members where they can speak on matters pertaining to the
police that the public should know.

2. Mass Media- includes

Audio-visual communication-it implies the use of the

following in transmitting information to the
public. In the cities and in suburbs, printed matters
and audiovisual communication are more effective because of
big population, which facilities for such purposes are
readily available.

Public-Relations Program

28
 Every PNP unit from station level up shall have public
Relations Officers or look after the public relation aspects
of police work. It shall be the duty of the Public Relation
Officers to issue press release from time to time regarding
the police activities, which are also of public concern.

The Public Relation Officer shall involve and conduct

a Public Relation Program at promoting better and closer
relation between the police and public. The essences of
public are simply good service and making the public well
informed of the good work done by the police. It is building
a good image through actual commendable performance, without
inefficiency and corruption.

The mission of the Public Relation Officers is to gain

public support for policies and to win friendly citizen
cooperation in the programs and procedures of the police
station in order to facilitate the accomplishment of police
tasks.

Duties of Public Relation Officers

The duties of Public Relations Officers maybe divided

into four broad categories namely:

1. To evaluate public opinion and attitude with

respect to the policies, methods and personnel of the police
station.

2. To advise the police station commander with regard

to the public relations aspects of new or revised department
programs, policies, procedures, and activities.

3. To plan and to carry out programs aimed at keeping

the public informed on police activities.

4. To furnish a staff supervision of all police

activities that may influence public support.

Civic Action Programs

29
 Consistent with the facilities at its disposal all PNP
units shall conduct civic action program.

The civic action program is one which makes policemen a

friend, and partner of the people for progress as well as
their defender. It can range upward from basic individual
acts of courtesy to disaster relief. To local assistance
programs in the concepts of self-help up to major
engineering projects.

It shall encourage and actively participate in athletic

competition to promote youth development, by wisely
coordinating with the social elements of the populace.

It may initiate if necessary, fund-raising campaign for

juvenile delinquents who are being reform. In a state of
calamity, every member of the PNP shall be alert to
safeguard the community against loss and damages of
properties and possible deaths.

He shall encourage residents in his jurisdiction to

help in activities designed to enhance economic self-
sufficiency by actively participating in the Green
Revolution and Food Production Campaign of the government.

He shall encourage residents from loitering in the

streets or engaging in uneconomic activities such as illegal
gambling, alcoholism, drugs, and other.

He shall promote and actively participate in the

establishment on small cottage industries with especial
attention to the out of school youth.

The principle involved in the PNP Civic Action Programs

is that the society of, and not apart from society. They are
considered as servants of the community who depend for the
effectiveness of their functions upon the express wishes of
the people.

Mass Communication Programs

MASSCOM Program shall be designed to influence the

opinions, emotions, attitude and behavior of the public so
that they will behave in a manner beneficial to the unit in
particular and PNP in general.

30
 Policemen should be equipped with a basic knowledge of
Masscom and must devote time for a “heart to heart” talk or
dialogue with the people, particularly the youth whom he
shall strive to mold into useful and law abiding citizens.

The PNP units conduct the program which shall

condition the citizenry to adhere to laws of the land and
dissuade them from committing crimes, thereby minimizing
their influence by the misguided elements in our society.

PNP personnel are in good position to conduct MassCom

because of their direct contact with the people in their
respective areas. The PNP units in the province know the
ideological temper and peculiarities, including
susceptibility of the people in their localities.

MASSCOM should be an integral part of police operation

because use of force alone can never single handedly solves
the problem of dissidence and lawlessness.

Objectives of Masscom

1. Develop a full media information dissemination

style in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship with
the citizenry and broaden public understanding of the PNP.

2. Keep the public well informed that the government

and the PNP are after the security and protection of the
populace.

3. Generate public support for the activities and

programs of the PNP/AFP and keep them aware of the need for
the PNP/AFP and the vital role it played in the security and
development of the country.

4. Establish rapport and good working relationship

with the media.

5. Develop a psychological environment whereby the

people will readily respond and support government programs
which aimed to establish a democratically, independent,
unified, self-reliant and progressive society.

31
Principles of Police-Community Relations

Every member of the PNP shall adhere to the following

principles of police community relations:

1. Public support must be maintained. Every policeman

shall be worthy of the public’s high trust if he does his
job well and leaves nothing unaccomplished through
carelessness. He shall appear able and willing to serve all.

2. Public resentment must be avoided. The policeman

shall always bear in mind the interest of the public and
shall develop friendly relations by his good conduct. He
shall avoid any occasion to humiliate, embarrass, annoy, or
cause inconvenience to any individual.

3. Public goodwill must be developed. The policeman

must be courteous, fair, and quick to assist individuals in
the solution of their problems.

4. The public must be kept informed on regulations

and policies. The police must inform the public on the
regulations and policies of the police forces and the reason
for their adoption.

The police are a social institution concerned with

social problems. They are the agency around which community
often rallies in times of tension and emergency. They cannot
respond by force alone.

They must have other means of developing and sustaining

civic peace. Greater emphasis should be placed upon
preventive policing, that is, programs aimed at the
anticipation and hearing of social conflict, the cause of
which are so intimately related to the causes of crime and
delinquency.

Crime prevention is generally recognized as an

important police function. But the police can do little
without community cooperation and assistance. The police
must take the initiative and show the way, in effect, to
assist the community to meet its responsibility, and at the
same time, hopefully, to improve police community relations.

32
 If the police fail in providing such leadership, the
community tends to blame the police for all manifestations
of social bankruptcy. The police cry out against such
scapegoating, but them only themselves to blame for the
situation.

Thus, each and every member of the Philippine National

Police should adhere to the principles of police community
relations in the interest of peace and order in the
community, which would then result in tranquility among the
members of that society.

Responsibility for Setting up Police-Community Relations

Programs

A community relation is like a three-legged stool, each

leg of equal importance of holding the stool upright. One
leg is public relations, in its traditional sense. Another
leg is community service. The third leg is community
participation; and this is the facet of the total community
relations’ job that is being emphasized today in police and
community relations programs.

In effect, it involves an inter-professional or

teamwork approach to a wide number and variety of community
problems in which the police and other social institutions
have a common stake. Stated, otherwise, we learn from one
another as we develop respect for those who are in some ways
different from ourselves.
This suggests that problem-solving can be an exciting
educational experience. It suggests the idea of the police
officer as a community leader, profoundly engaged in
preventive policing that is the blending of effective police
and community relations as distinguished from tactical
policing, concerned only with what is to be after a riot or
major disorder.

It portrays the police officer as a “professional

citizen,” and will gradually rid him of what has been called
the “paranoia” complex.

Objectives of Police-Community Relations Programs

33
 1. To encourage police- citizen partnership in the
cause of crime prevention.

2. To foster and improve communication and mutual

understanding between the total community.

3. To promote inter- professional approaches to the

solution of community problems, and stress the principles
that the administration of justice is a total community
responsibility.

4. To enhance cooperation among the police,

prosecution, the courts, corrections, and community.

5. To assist police and other community leader to

achieve an understanding require and causes of complex
problems in people to people relations.

5. To strengthen implementation of equal protection

under the law for all persons.

Purpose of Police-Community Relations

The real purpose of police-community relations should

be convey to the public idea that in performing certain
functions, especially those performed by public agencies,
the responsibility rest, not only on the shoulders of those
in charge of the institutions concerned.

But to a certain extent on the shoulders of individuals

and the community as a whole. This idea of indirect co-
partnership should be the guiding principle in all policies
and programs of police- community relations.
General Rules of Official Conduct

1. Policeman shall be habitually courteous. They

shall recognize responsibilities as public servants and
shall be particularly attentive to citizens who seek
assistance or information or who desire to register
complaints or give evidence.

2. They shall accept their responsibility to the

public by being punctual in their engagements and
expeditious in the performance of their duties.

34
 3. They shall regard their office as a public trust,
and in the discharge of their duties be constantly mindful
of their primary obligation to serve the public efficiently
and effectively.

4. They shall administer the law in adjust, impartial

and reasonable manner; and shall not accord to some, more
reasonable treatment than to others. They shall recognize
the limitations of their authority and at no time use the
power of their office for their own personal advantage.

5. They shall be true to their obligation as

custodian of public property and shall bear in mind that the
misuse and waste of money from the public treasury is bad.

6. They shall not limit their effectiveness in the

administration of their office by accepting tokens of
gratitude; or by giving preferential treatment to certain
corporations with whom they may have official dealings.

7. They shall cooperate fully with all other public

officials to the end that the safety and general welfare of
the public will be assured. They shall not permit jealousies
or personal differences to influence their cooperation with
other agencies.

8. They shall add to their effectiveness by diligent

study and sincere attention to improvement. They shall
welcome the opportunity to disseminate practical and useful
information relating to matters of the public’s safety and
welfare.

9. They shall conduct their public and private life

that the public will regard them as examples of stability,
fidelity, and morality.

10. They shall bear faithful allegiance to their

government and be loyal to their profession. They shall
accept as a sacred obligation their responsibility as
citizens to support the Constitution of the Philippines; and
as public officials, consider the privilege of defending the
principles of liberty as defined in our Constitution and
laws. The greatest honor that may be bestowed upon any man
is this.

35
Objectives of Police-Community Organization

1. To accommodate participating public and semi-

public agencies and programs that requires the action of
several such agencies.

2. To protect the community legislative bodies,

courts, prosecutions, police, and other officials from the
influence of the group with selfish interests that are
contrary to public interest.

3. To influence officials to take action for public’s

need by supporting the adaptation of desirable programs,
regulations, and procedures and by opposing the adoption of
undesirable ones.

4. To obtain public support for program designed in

the public interest in order to facilitate essential
facilities in the form of speech, equipment and personnel be
made available.

5. To popularize these programs so that the people will

favor their accomplishment and the enforcement of
incidental regulations to obtain cooperation in the form
of compliance with regulations and an active intolerance
of their violation.

Peace Officers Individual Public Relations

The peace officer’s individual public relations are

divided into five categories, namely:

1. Domestic Relations

This consists of a person’s dealings with his family,

parents and immediate relatives, with whom he has to have
good relationships in order to develop a respectable family
prestige as well as cordial community relations.

2. Neighborhood Relations

36
 This consists of a person’s dealings with neighbors who
constitute a vital link to good reputation in the community.

3. Community Relations

This is made up of a person’s dealings with the

citizens of the community, city or town where a person
lives, his membership or contribution to civil undertakings
and his membership or contribution to the civic organization
or community associations in the locality.

4. Church Relations

This consists of a person’s dealings with religious

congregations of the faith to which he belongs. Religious
affiliation is necessary for the stability of moral
principles.

5. Government Relations

This is made up of the dealings, which a person has

with government and its various instrumentality. The
recognition of government authority, its laws and
ordinances, as well as other public responsibilities, are
significant phases of an individual’s public relations.

The Peace Officer’s Professional Public Relation

The peace officer’s professional public relations are

divided into eight categories, namely:

1. Intra- Departmental Relations

This is made up of the peace officer’s relations with

the officers and men of his own department, his superiors,
the station commander, as well as the city/municipal mayor
where he is assigned.

2. Inter- Departmental Relations

Relations with other police agencies are evident in his

cooperation and dealings with the Philippine National Police
and other law enforcement agencies of the government.

37
3. Citizens’ Relations

This includes all dealings or contacts with the

citizens in relation to the enforcement of the law and the
maintenance of peace and order, together with the giving of
information to the public on criminal and non- criminal
activities.

4. Complaint Relations

This includes how an officer deals with complaints, the

techniques of interview he uses, the manner of approach he
adopts, the treatment of witnesses as well as informers.

5. Relations with Accused Persons

This covers the proper treatment of suspects, the

recognition of their constitutional rights during custodial
investigation and the handling of the accused persons during
confinement.

6. Relations with State Prosecutors or Fiscals

This includes a police officer’s duty to cooperate

during preliminary investigations and the gathering of
further evidence once the case is filed by the fiscal.

7. Judicial Relations

This consists of the peace officer’s duties toward the

courts when appearing as a witness and the honesty of his
testimony.

8. Institutional Public Relation

Dealings with the institution or organization.

Receiving Complaints from Citizens

When a citizen calls at the police station or

approaches a policeman on the street to make a complaint, he

38
should be accorded a suitable reception. The police officer
must adopt an attractive manner; his attitude alert, his
face and voice pleasant, and he must appear interested in
the subject at hand. Timid citizens often dread police
officers. This dislike and distrust must be dispelled; the
peace officer should make great effort to place these timid
citizens at ease.

The Complaint Desk Officer

The complaint desk officer should be alert at his desk

and avoid ignoring a timid citizen. As soon as he sees a
person approaching, unless he is busy with another citizen,
he should immediately offer his services by posing a simple
question such as “May I do something for you, Sir?” to
demonstrate his sincerity.

If possible, there should also be a woman employee at

the desk to handle complaints from women who may be timid
about approaching a male officer. This employee needs not to
be a policewoman; a clerical employee may be stationed at
the complaint desk for this purpose.

Full Attention be given to Complaint

A person who approaches a policeman for assistance

should be given ample opportunity to tell his story. The
officer can sometimes assist with intelligent questions,
evidences of sympathy, and assurance of aid. But he should
not needlessly interrupt the explanation of the complainant,

The citizen gets the impression that the police are not
interested in his complaint when the officer’s attention
appears to be diverted to other matters. The impression of
inattention and a lack of interest may be avoided if the
officer focuses his attention on the citizen while receiving
the complaint.

He should also take notes. Even though the information

offered may be a little or no real importance or interest to
the police, the officer should treat it with respect and
consideration because it is of concern to the citizen.

39
 Should the subject matter require the attention of some
other division of the police station, the citizen should be
referred to that office, but in such a manner as to avoid
any doubt as to the officer’s interest in the citizen and
his complaint.

Due Process of Law

It is just as much as the duty of policemen to see that

persons suspected of criminal offenses are not deprived of
their statutory or constitutional rights as it is to
investigate them for the crimes of which they may be
suspected. It is difficult for policemen to appreciate this
responsibility.

The recognition and practice of this self- evident duty

constitute the exception rather than the rule. It is
regrettable, indeed, that some policemen, in their zeal to
secure the conviction of a suspect, lose all perspectives of
fundamental responsibility. In their enthusiasm to add one
more conviction to their record of conquests, they become
heedless to the importance of their obligation as guardians
of personal liberty.

It is probably true those bank robbers, kidnappers, and

their kind, have, by reason of their victories and anti-
social behaviors, forfeited all personal rights to the
respect of decent people; but when, in the enforcement of
laws, the police fail to extend to them the rights of due
process, they set precedents that are not restricted to the
vicious alone.

Receiving Complaints and Criticisms against the Police

Citizens sometime complain to patrolman regarding

police station policies and programs over which the
patrolman exercises no control. The unfairness of making
such criticisms against a patrolman is quite apparent. They
are usually made to call the attention of their officer who
receives them rather than in the expectation of corrective
action.

40
 Such complainants should be referred to the proper
authorities for audience or if permitted, the officer may
refer the complaint immediately to his superior officer.
When a citizen makes the complaint in the sincere hope of
corrective action, the officer should report the matter to
his superior.

Sincere citizens sometime make an earnest effort to

offer information and suggestions of value to the police.
These should be accepted in the spirit in which they are
offered, with graciousness and appreciation even though the
subject matter may be infuriating.

Legitimate Complaints against Police Officers

Commanding officers are the recipients of numerous

legitimate complaints, frequently against members of the
force. They sometimes find themselves in situations where
skill, patience, and sound judgment are needed to dispose of
the matter to the satisfaction of the complaining citizen.

Although the commanding officer may feel that the

complaint is without foundation, he should not allow doubt
to show on his face. He must maintain a friendly attitude
toward the citizen at all times. The complainant is usually
under tension and is likely to be emotionally upset.

It is well, therefore to place him at ease and to allow

him to “get it off his chest” as soon as possible. The
relief thus afforded helps the citizen to forget the
incident, especially when the commanding officer is
sympathetic and friendly.

If the citizen is not permitted to unburden himself and

if he is treated coldly and without consideration of his
rights, the incident is likely to assume exaggerated officer
an opportunity resentment and distrust.

When the citizen is extremely upset or especially

unreasonable in his attitude, the commanding officer may
provide time for him to cool off by tactfully arranging for
him to return the following day. An investigation of the
incident serves as a logical excuse for postponing the

41
interview it also affords the commanding officer an
opportunity to learn the police’s side of the story.

The police station itself influences the attitudes of

both police and the public. The public does not react
favorably to an ill-smelling, dank, poorly kept, and unclean
police station; neither to the police officers themselves.
While the police may have little choice in the location and
arrangement of their headquarters. They do have the
opportunity and the responsibility to maintain them in a
clean and presentable condition. Paint of a light color can
usually be obtained and trusty labor is usually available
for painting, cleaning, and janitor services.

The officers should give a business-like appearance in

their furnishings and in their freedom from trash and
miscellaneous unsightly articles. There should be a place
for everything, and everything should be kept in its place
when not in actual use. The top of desk and filing cabinets
should be kept free of papers and boxes. Storeroom space
should be provided so that no material in boxes will need to
be stored on the floors and in the corners of offices.

Administrative Offenses

The following are the offenses for which a member of

the police force may be charged administratively, as defined
herein below:
1. Neglect of Duty or Non-Feasance

Is the omission or refusal, without sufficient excuse,

to perform an act or duty, which it was the peace officer’s
legal obligation to perform; it implies a duty as well as
its breach and the fact can never be found in the absence of
a duty.

2. Irregularities in the Performance of Duties or

Misfeasance

Is the improper performance of some act which might

lawfully be done.

3. Misconduct or Malfeasance

42
 Is the doing either through ignorance, inattention or
malice of that which the officers had no legal right to do
at all, as where he acts without any authority whatsoever,
or exceeds, ignores or abuses his powers.

Misconduct generally means wrongful, improper or

unlawful conduct, motivated by premeditated, obstinate or
intentional purpose. It usually refers to transgression of
some established and definite rule of action, where no
discretion is left except what necessity may demand. It does
not necessarily imply corruption or criminal intention but
implies wrongful intention and not mere error or judgment.

4. Incompetence

Is the manifest for the satisfactory performance of

police lack of adequate ability and fitness duties. This has
reference to any physical, moral or intellectual quality and
lack of which substantially incapacitates one to perform the
duties of a peace officer.

5. Oppression

Imports an act of cruelty, severity, unlawful exaction,

dominion, or excessive use of authority. The exercise of the
unlawful powers or other means, in depriving an individual
of his liberty or property against his will, is generally an
act of oppression.

6. Dishonesty

Is the concealment or distortion of truth in a matter

of fact relevant to one’s office, or connected with the
performance of his duties.

7. Disloyalty to the Government

Consists of abandonment or renunciation of one’s

loyalty to the Government of the Philippines, or advocating
the overthrow of the government.

9. Violation of Law

43
 Presupposes conviction in court of any crime of offense
penalized under the Revised Penal Code or any special law or
ordinance.

Police Ethics and Human Relations Quick Notes

1. Police Ethics

Is a practical science that treats of the principles of

human morality and duty as applied to law enforcement.

2. Public Relation

Is the art of bringing about better understanding,

confidence, and acceptance for an individual or an
organization

3. Police Public Relation

Is the continuing process by which endeavors are made

to obtain goodwill and cooperation of the public for the
effective enforcement of law and the accomplishment of the
police purpose.

4. Human Relation

Consists of those fundamental precepts both moral and

legal which govern the relationship of man in all aspect of
life.

5. Police Community Relation

Is the sum total of dealings of the police with the

people it serves and whose goodwill and cooperation craves
for the greatest possible efficiency in public service.

6. Public Information Program

It is designed to bridge any communication gap between

the police and the public. It is the basic ingredient in
effective police community relations.

7. Civic Action Program

44
 A program which makes the policeman a friend and a
partner for progress as well as their defender.

8. Masscom Program

It is designed to influence the opinion, emotion,

attitude and behavior of the public so that they will behave
in a manner beneficial to police service.

9. Propaganda

It is the plan used for the public or the mass

communication for the public purpose.

10. Integrated Police Advisory Council

A council that involves local official and citizenry in

the preservation of peace and order and the promotion of the
public safety.

11. Gift

Refers to a thing or right dispose of gratuities or any

act of liberality (generosity) in favor of another that
accepts it.

12. Receiving any Gift

Includes the act of accepting, directly or indirectly,

a gift from a person or other than a member of the family or
relatives.

13. Employee

Is any person who performs services for an employer.

14. Public Officer

Any person who, by direct provision of law, popular

election or appointment by competent authority takes part in

45
the performance of public functions in the Government of the
Philippines.

15. Attitude

Is the state of mind that influence conduct for good or

bad.

16. Ethics

A set of moral values the principle of conduct

governing an individual or a group.

17. Morale

Related to the conduct or character from the point of

view of right and wrong.

Police Professional Conduct

1. Commitment of the Public Interest

PNP members shall always uphold public interest over

and above personal interest.

2. Non-Partisanship

PNP members shall provide services to everyone without

discrimination regardless of party affiliation in accordance
with the existing laws and regulations.
3. Physical Fitness and Health

All PNP members shall strive to be physically and

mentally fit and in good health at all times.

4. Secrecy Discipline

All PNP members shall guard the confidentiality of

classified against unauthorized disclosure.

5. Social Awareness

All PNP members and their immediate family members

shall be encourage to actively get actively involve in the

46
religious, social and civic activities to enhance the image
of the organization but without affecting their official
duties.

6. Devotion to Duty

All members of the PNP shall perform the duties with

dedication, thoroughness, efficiency enthusiasm and
determination.

7. Conservation of Natural Resources

All members of the PNP shall help in the development

and conservation of our natural resources.

8. Discipline

PNP shall conduct themselves at all times in keeping

the rules and regulations of the organization.

9. Loyalty

Above all, 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.

10. Obedience to Superiors

All PNP members shall obey lawful orders and be

courteous to their superior officers and other appropriate
authorities within the chain of command.

11. Command Responsibility

In accordance with the Doctrine of Command

Responsibility, immediate commanders shall be responsible
for the effective supervision and control of their
personnel.

Standards of Police Professionalism

47
 Article II of the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and
Ethical Standards provides the following ethical acts to be
observed by all PNP members.

1. Judicious Use of Authority

PNP members shall exercise proper and legitimate

authority in the performance of their duties.

2. Integrity

PNP members shall not allow themselves to be victims of

corruption and dishonest practices.

3. Justice

PNP members shall strive constantly to respect the

nights to respect the nights of others so that they can they
can fulfill their duties and exercise their rights as human
beings.

4. Humility

All PNP members shall recognize the facts that they are
public servants and not the masters of the people and toward
this end; they should perform their duties without
arrogance.

5. Orderliness

All PNP members shall follow logical procedures in

accomplishing task assigned to them to minimize waste in the
use of time, money and effort.

6. Perseverance

Once a decision is made, all PNP members shall take

legitimate action 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.

The Paradox of thee Law Enforcement Officer

48
1. A friend in Need

A police officer is a friend in need. His telephone

numbers have a special place in the directory, and many of
us post it at some convenient spot, for instant use. He is
the one to whom we instinctively turn when all fails. We
expect him to know what to do, and he often does. He guides
the tourists, fined the missing child, locates the doctor
and races the expectant mother to the hospital. He is our
most versatile public servant.

2. A Man Who Risk Life and Limb

A police officer is a man. If he were not a man, he

would lack the courage to risk his life and limb in pursuit
of the speeding demon that makes a death trap of the public
highway. If he were not a man, he could not face the
gunfire, which every police officer knows from common
experience that he may possibly encounter on any patrol or
in any criminal case. If he were not a man, he would not be
eternally on duty in the streets, in wind and rain and in
the dead of the night when men of lesser resolution seek
shoulder from the elements. In short, if he is not a man, he
is not long a police officer.

3. Police Officer Must Know Constitutional Law

A police officer is now a constitutional lawyer in some

of the most sensitive areas of the law. Decisions on the
constitution, handed down by the Supreme Court during the
recent years, require that the police officer should not
make an arrest until he has established that probable cause
exists. They require he does not search and seize except in
a manner, which the courts deem reasonable under the law.
They require that he not interrogate his prisoner for
evidence of guilt until he has complied with the stringent
restriction of the constitution against self-incrimination.
His principal act in each of these functions- arrests,
search and interrogation requires that he pass judgment on
questions of constitutional laws. The identical legal
questions which the most capable lawyer may raise as high as
the Supreme Court for ultimate decision.

49
4. Police Officer Must Be Honest and Incorruptible

A police officer is a man of whom we demand the

ultimate in human dignity. Like Caesar’s wife, he must not
only above sin but also above the suspicion of sin. In a
society in which the complimentary lunch often leads to a
safe, a contract, or a favor to policeman must buy his own
less he be compromise in his official duty. In the society
in which the hoodlums who dominate organized crime may wear
silk suits, drive the finest automobiles, occupy mansions,
and become millionaires, the policeman must cling to his
ideals, make out a living in a modest wage, and tell the
children on his beat that “crime does not pay”. In a society
in which public and private morals frequently are often to
questions, a report that a policeman is “on the take” is
always first rate scandal in a society in which the
policeman often is the target of unprintable obscenity, It
is expected to address the rest of us with the utmost
gentility. We demand that he be single standard gentleman in
what sometimes appears to be a double standard society.

50