New Code of Conduct in place

The New Zealand Police Code of Conduct, outlining the expected behaviour and performance of all sworn and nonsworn staff, came into effect on 1 February 2008.

The introduction of a Code of Conduct for all staff was a central recommendation in Dame Margaret Bazley’s 2007 report resulting from the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct.

A nonsworn Code of Conduct, introduced in 1993, is replaced by the new Code. However, in the history of NZ Police, there has never been a Code of Conduct for sworn staff. Instead, behavioural breaches by sworn staff have been covered by quasi-military rules and regulations, and complicated disciplinary processes.

Wayne Annan, General Manager Human Resources at Police National Headquarters, says the new Code allows NZ Police to deal with behavioural issues in a more efficient, appropriate, impartial and timely manner - in keeping with modern employment practices.

New Police Amendment Regulations, giving effect to the Code of Conduct, were gazetted on 13 December last year.

This new process provides a progressive system which allows for a series of up to three warnings. A Disciplinary Hearing may still be held where a breach of the Code of Conduct is considered so serious that dismissal may be contemplated. It also allows NZ Police to address ongoing performance issues in an appropriate manner.

“These processes apply to all staff in the same way, and have been developed with the service organisations,” says Wayne.

“The result is greater certainty about the consequences of breaching the standards of behaviour contained within the Code of Conduct.”