Code of Conduct

Purpose
The Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected of all New Zealand Police employees. New Zealand's police services are often judged by the way its employees represent it. It is therefore necessary to maintain a high standard of personal and professional conduct. The cornerstone is the Code of Conduct that all employees of New Zealand Police will work to the highest ethical standard.

Commissioner's Comments
This code, to be read in conjunction with the changes to the Police Regulations, marks a transition from the semi-military style of managing behavioural issues in Police to a more mainstream employment practice.

Commissioner's Obligations
The Commissioner has a legally binding duty to act as a good employer and to deal with employees in good faith. The Commissioner is committed to applying the Code of Conduct in a fair, reasonable and objective manner.

Honesty and Integrity
Employees are committed and loyal to the vision, values and goals of the New Zealand Police. They inspire trust and behave honestly, ethically and with integrity.

Loyalty, good faith and professionalism
Employees have a duty of trust and fidelity. They are committed to carrying out faithfully the duties and obligations of the role for which they are employed in an efficient, competent and loyal manner, and avoid behaviour that might impair their effectiveness. Employees are proactive in protecting the New Zealand Police's interests, rather than merely refraining from damaging them.

Fairness and Impartiality
All employees have a responsibility to act with fairness and impartiality in all dealings with their colleagues and the public, and to be seen to do so, avoiding any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Respect for people and property
All employees understand that their role is to acknowledge and respond to our diverse society and to treat all people and their property with dignity and respect.

Confidentiality
Information which comes into an employee's possession in the course of their duties must be treated in confidence and only used for official purposes.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct specifies ethical and professional standards expected of New Zealand Police employees.