Understanding discipline in the uniformed public services
Self Discipline
Self Discipline
Self discipline is another form of discipline which is essential to personnel in any service. It could be defined as
knowing how to present oneself in the correct manner. There are seven key factors that are examples of self
discipline, and they are described below.
Personal grooming and presentation: It is extremely important that members of the public services always
look smart and well groomed. Having high standards when it comes to appearance ensures not only that an
individual feels good about themselves and holds their head a little higher, but it also demonstrates to the
public that this individual really cares about their job and the duties it carries, and that they are taking pride in
themselves. This earns them a lot of respect from the public, something that is crucial to the services as they
must have the public on side if they are going to be able to serve them well, protect them and work with them.
Most people form their first impressions based upon what a person looks like, and so to create the right first
impression it is important a member of the services is well presented.
Punctuality and time management: Punctuality is key to ensure that organisations run efficiently. This is due
to the fact they have tight schedules to stick to, especially within the public services. In addition, punctuality in
the services makes it possible to do a quick count of how many personnel are working and where or how many
are on duty. Furthermore, important briefings are often given out to public service members at the beginning
of their shifts. If some members were to be late, they would miss the brief and jeopardise a whole operation
by preventing the task force from operating at full efficiency. Failing to be punctual can lead to disciplinary
action. Time management is to do with a steady pace of work and ensuring all tasks are completed within a
time frame to a good standard. You have to put aside the right amount of time for each task, especially when
attending an incident in the public services or when producing important documents.
Reliability: Reliability is depended upon to ensure an entire service is not brought into disrepute, being
dishonest or forgetful, not being tactful or continually being late or making mistakes can destroy all the
confidence the public has in a service. An organisation is only ever as reliable as its members.
Composure: Composure means to keep calm in a crisis, and to be able to separate personal issues from work
issues, especially when working in a stressful environment. Personnel still have to remain professional at all
times and be able to fulfil their duties while keeping a level head and a calm disposition.
Attitude: Having the correct attitude is crucial for service personnel. They must remain unbiased, sympathetic,
understanding and courteous even when they may be angry or irritated on the inside. Having a professional
attitude means ensuring personal problems do not interfere with work. The public must be able to turn to the
services for help and support, and if the services made the public feel like an annoyance or burden they would
turn to other places for help and the service may be brought into disrepute. Attitude also takes a part in
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Self Discipline
Self Discipline
Self discipline is another form of discipline which is essential to personnel in any service. It could be defined as
knowing how to present oneself in the correct manner. There are seven key factors that are examples of self
discipline, and they are described below.
Personal grooming and presentation: It is extremely important that members of the public services always
look smart and well groomed. Having high standards when it comes to appearance ensures not only that an
individual feels good about themselves and holds their head a little higher, but it also demonstrates to the
public that this individual really cares about their job and the duties it carries, and that they are taking pride in
themselves. This earns them a lot of respect from the public, something that is crucial to the services as they
must have the public on side if they are going to be able to serve them well, protect them and work with them.
Most people form their first impressions based upon what a person looks like, and so to create the right first
impression it is important a member of the services is well presented.
Punctuality and time management: Punctuality is key to ensure that organisations run efficiently. This is due
to the fact they have tight schedules to stick to, especially within the public services. In addition, punctuality in
the services makes it possible to do a quick count of how many personnel are working and where or how many
are on duty. Furthermore, important briefings are often given out to public service members at the beginning
of their shifts. If some members were to be late, they would miss the brief and jeopardise a whole operation
by preventing the task force from operating at full efficiency. Failing to be punctual can lead to disciplinary
action. Time management is to do with a steady pace of work and ensuring all tasks are completed within a
time frame to a good standard. You have to put aside the right amount of time for each task, especially when
attending an incident in the public services or when producing important documents.
Reliability: Reliability is depended upon to ensure an entire service is not brought into disrepute, being
dishonest or forgetful, not being tactful or continually being late or making mistakes can destroy all the
confidence the public has in a service. An organisation is only ever as reliable as its members.
Composure: Composure means to keep calm in a crisis, and to be able to separate personal issues from work
issues, especially when working in a stressful environment. Personnel still have to remain professional at all
times and be able to fulfil their duties while keeping a level head and a calm disposition.
Attitude: Having the correct attitude is crucial for service personnel. They must remain unbiased, sympathetic,
understanding and courteous even when they may be angry or irritated on the inside. Having a professional
attitude means ensuring personal problems do not interfere with work. The public must be able to turn to the
services for help and support, and if the services made the public feel like an annoyance or burden they would
turn to other places for help and the service may be brought into disrepute. Attitude also takes a part in
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