Ethical decision making and policing ‐ the challenge for police leadership

Proposes a framework for increased awareness of ethical issues within the police service, in the context of a society which no longer accepts authority without question. Discusses the problem of ends and means in decision making, and stresses that there must a reference point or ethos, which is to some extent is expressed as the notion of service; the UK police service’s ethos is to be fair, compassionate and honourable. Explores the dimensions that influence ethical issues inside organisations: the environment and external stakeholders, the organisational context and human resources, recruitment and reward/sanction strategies. Moves on to ethical codes, criteria for making ethical decisions, monitoring and control, the role of the individual, and the nature of leadership: its significance, ethical visibility, and organisational strategies.