, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Question 1: Read story 2 in Lesson 2 in your study material and apply to the following:
1.1. Briefly describe in your own words what ethical and accountable conduct in the workplace
is and motivate whether the performance of some of the police officers at Omicron Police Station
display ethical and accountable conduct. Support your answer by providing practical examples.
Ethical and Accountable Conduct in the Workplace
Ethical conduct in the workplace refers to the adherence to principles of right conduct as guided by
moral values and professional codes of behavior. These ethical principles typically include honesty,
integrity, fairness, respect for others, and accountability. Ethical conduct ensures that employees
perform their duties in a manner that promotes trust and goodwill among colleagues, stakeholders,
and the public. In policing, this includes respecting human rights, demonstrating fairness in the
execution of duties, and treating people with dignity, irrespective of their background.
Accountability in the workplace refers to the obligation of individuals to be answerable for their
actions, decisions, and the outcomes of their work. It means taking responsibility for both successes
and failures, being transparent in decision-making, and ensuring that one’s conduct aligns with
organizational goals and standards. Accountability also involves ensuring that any breaches of
conduct or failures in duty are addressed through appropriate measures, which may include
disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or further training.
When combined, ethical and accountable conduct creates a positive work culture where individuals
are not only expected to act in a morally responsible manner but are also held responsible for their
performance. This synergy ensures the effective functioning of any organization, especially in a
policing environment, where public trust is paramount.
Analysis of Ethical and Accountable Conduct at Omicron Police Station
At Omicron Police Station, ethical and accountable conduct appears to be compromised, based on
the story provided. Brigadier Delta, the station commander, identifies various ethical and
performance-related issues that have tarnished the station’s reputation, including complaints lodged
with the Independent Complaints Directorate (IPID) about police misconduct such as the use of
excessive force, the alleged rape of a woman, and the wrongful detainment of a child and his father.
These complaints suggest a failure of police officers to act ethically and within the bounds of the law
(PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 13-14).
1. Loss of Case Dockets and Sleeping in Vehicles
One significant issue highlighted in the scenario is the loss of case dockets, which suggests a failure
to adhere to basic professional standards of work. The role of a police officer includes the meticulous
handling of evidence and the proper documentation of cases. By losing dockets, officers not only
violate the ethical standards of their profession, but they also contribute to the breakdown of the
justice system. This lapse in duty may be due to a lack of accountability, where officers are not being
held responsible for their actions, or a failure in management to enforce proper filing and tracking
systems (PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 13-14).
Example of ethical breach: If a police officer fails to submit the necessary documentation for an
investigation, resulting in a case being dismissed due to lack of evidence, this would be an ethical
breach. Furthermore, the loss of such critical documents demonstrates negligence and a disregard for
the legal rights of citizens seeking justice (PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 15).
Question 1: Read story 2 in Lesson 2 in your study material and apply to the following:
1.1. Briefly describe in your own words what ethical and accountable conduct in the workplace
is and motivate whether the performance of some of the police officers at Omicron Police Station
display ethical and accountable conduct. Support your answer by providing practical examples.
Ethical and Accountable Conduct in the Workplace
Ethical conduct in the workplace refers to the adherence to principles of right conduct as guided by
moral values and professional codes of behavior. These ethical principles typically include honesty,
integrity, fairness, respect for others, and accountability. Ethical conduct ensures that employees
perform their duties in a manner that promotes trust and goodwill among colleagues, stakeholders,
and the public. In policing, this includes respecting human rights, demonstrating fairness in the
execution of duties, and treating people with dignity, irrespective of their background.
Accountability in the workplace refers to the obligation of individuals to be answerable for their
actions, decisions, and the outcomes of their work. It means taking responsibility for both successes
and failures, being transparent in decision-making, and ensuring that one’s conduct aligns with
organizational goals and standards. Accountability also involves ensuring that any breaches of
conduct or failures in duty are addressed through appropriate measures, which may include
disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or further training.
When combined, ethical and accountable conduct creates a positive work culture where individuals
are not only expected to act in a morally responsible manner but are also held responsible for their
performance. This synergy ensures the effective functioning of any organization, especially in a
policing environment, where public trust is paramount.
Analysis of Ethical and Accountable Conduct at Omicron Police Station
At Omicron Police Station, ethical and accountable conduct appears to be compromised, based on
the story provided. Brigadier Delta, the station commander, identifies various ethical and
performance-related issues that have tarnished the station’s reputation, including complaints lodged
with the Independent Complaints Directorate (IPID) about police misconduct such as the use of
excessive force, the alleged rape of a woman, and the wrongful detainment of a child and his father.
These complaints suggest a failure of police officers to act ethically and within the bounds of the law
(PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 13-14).
1. Loss of Case Dockets and Sleeping in Vehicles
One significant issue highlighted in the scenario is the loss of case dockets, which suggests a failure
to adhere to basic professional standards of work. The role of a police officer includes the meticulous
handling of evidence and the proper documentation of cases. By losing dockets, officers not only
violate the ethical standards of their profession, but they also contribute to the breakdown of the
justice system. This lapse in duty may be due to a lack of accountability, where officers are not being
held responsible for their actions, or a failure in management to enforce proper filing and tracking
systems (PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 13-14).
Example of ethical breach: If a police officer fails to submit the necessary documentation for an
investigation, resulting in a case being dismissed due to lack of evidence, this would be an ethical
breach. Furthermore, the loss of such critical documents demonstrates negligence and a disregard for
the legal rights of citizens seeking justice (PRF3702, Study Guide, p. 15).
