Question
Is the Chief Constable satisfied that the current Code of Ethics covers in a full and appropriate manner the duty on serving officers to report when they are subjected to Molestation Orders and has he any plans to amend the duty in any revised Code of Ethics.
Answer
The Police Service is satisfied that clear and succinct guidance is provided by the Code of Ethics (2008) that makes it clear to officers that they must report any occasion where they are served with a non-molestation order.
The Code of Ethics (2008) states, at article 7.4, that, “Police officers shall report to the Chief Constable any legal proceeding initiated against them, whether in relation to a criminal or motoring offence or a civil action.” A non-molestation order will fall into the category of civil action.
The explanatory notes of the Code of Ethics (2008), which can be found at the rear of the publication, provides greater explanation regarding the Articles of Ethical Behaviour as outlined in the code. These notes explain,
“Article 7.4 requires you to report to the Chief Constable any legal proceedings initiated against you. Fixed penalty notices do not constitute legal proceedings for the purposes of this Article. Civil proceedings include debt issues, and non-molestation orders, but not divorce proceedings. Misconduct proceedings may follow where an officer has been convicted of a criminal or motoring office, been bound over to keep the peace, received an informal warning or adult caution or received a sanction resulting from a civil action.”
The Code of Ethics are currently under review and the Board will be kept appraised.
Mike Nesbitt - UUP