CODE OF CONDUCT
As a member of the Institute For Municipal Public Safety Of Southern Africa I hereby declare solemnly that during all times and circumstances I will:
All municipal public safety officers, (law enforcement, municipal security and VIP security officers) must be fully aware of the ethical responsibilities, public morals and conduct in their position and must strive constantly to live up to the highest possible standards of professional public safety and serve the Bato Pele principles.
Code of Conduct
This relates to principles, values, standards and rules of professional behaviour and responsibilities that guide the occupational identity and conduct of municipal public safety officials.
Mandatory Guidelines for the Code of Ethics/Conduct
Primary Responsibilities of municipal public safety officers are to:
Act as official representatives of local government who are required and trusted to work within the applicable legislation.
The officer’s powers and duties are conferred by the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, via the City/Municipal Manager. Numerous other specialist powers are, inter alia, derived through the Firearms Control Act; National Key Points Act; Private Security Industry Regulation Act; Control of Access to Public Premises & Vehicles Act 53 of 1985, as may be authorised by the relevant municipality within its area of jurisdiction; Second Hand Goods Act, etc., and applicable by-laws.
Fundamental duties of these officers include developing an ordered community and serving the citizens through, in the main, by law enforcement, safe-guarding lives and property; protecting the innocent; keeping the peace; and affirming the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom i.t.o. The Bill of Rights – set out in the Constitution of the RSA.
Performance of the Duties
Officers perform all duties impartially, without favour, affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration. All citizens are treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity. Officers never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct.
Laws are enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out their responsibilities, officers strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public. They conduct themselves, in appearance and deportment, in a way that inspires confidence and respect for the position of public trust they hold.
Discretion:
Officers use responsibly, the discretion vested in the position and exercises it within the law.
The principle of reasonableness guide the officer’s conclusions, The officers consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether any legal or administrative action will be taken. Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional competence, does much to preserve good relationships and retain the confidence of the public. It is important to remember that a timely word of advice rather than arrest which may be correct in appropriate circumstances can be a more effective means of achieving a desired end.
Use of Force:
Officers never employ unnecessary force or violence and use only such force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. Force is used only with greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation, and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every officer refrains from the unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and never engages in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment of any person.
Confidentiality:
Whatever an officer sees, hears, or learns of, which is of a confidential nature, is kept secret unless the performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise. The public has a right to security and privacy, and information obtained about members of the public must not be improperly divulged.
Integrity:
An officer does not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor condone such acts by other officers. The public demands that the integrity of officers be above reproach. Officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise their integrity and that undercut the public confidence in a law enforcement agency.
Officers refuse to accept any gifts, presents, subscriptions, favours, gratuities or promises that could be interpreted as seeking to cause the officers to refrain from performing official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Officers must not receive private or special advantages from their official status. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be earned and cultivated.
Cooperation with Other Officers and Agencies:
Officers cooperate with all legally authorised agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. An officer or his department may be one among many organizations that may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. It is essential that officers help colleagues fully and completely and with respect and consideration.
Personal/Professional Capabilities:
Officers are responsible for maintaining a high standard of professionalism and take every reasonable opportunity to enhance, capacitate and improve their level of knowledge and competence.
Through study and experience, officers can acquire the high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for efficient and effective performance. The acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process of personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly.
Private Life:
Officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their departments or themselves. Character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serves. Personal behaviour must always be beyond reproach.
NB: This IMPS-SA Code not a replacement for the principles enshrined in the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 Code of Conduct, or the PSIRA Code of Conduct (Act 56 of 2001).
DECLARATION
I, as IMPS-SA Member, hereby declare that I will uphold the Constitution, Code of Ethics & Conduct of IMPS-SA, as well as the Constitution of the RSA.