2. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this code of conduct is to provide all members of the Queensland Police Service with a set of guiding principles and standards to assist them determine acceptable standards of conduct.

• This code is intended to be used by members of the Service in determining what is right and proper in their actions.

This code outlines the "Standards of Conduct" that apply to all members of the Service.

All members of the Service are "Public Officials" as defined in the Public Sector Ethics Act and are employed at public expense for the benefit of the community. As such, in the delivery of policing services to the community, the Service and its members must strive to achieve the highest standards of conduct and accountability. In the provision of these policing services, the public are entitled to expect that all members will:

• conduct themselves and discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity;
  


• observe fairness and equity in their official dealings with the public and other public sector staff;
  


• comply with, and be seen to act within the spirit and letter of the law; and
  


• act in the public interest and give priority to official duties and obligations.

Whilst it is not possible to provide a comprehensive set of rules that outline how members should behave in every conceivable circumstance, this code seeks to:

• inform all members of the Service of the standards of conduct expected of them, consistent with the ethics obligations outlined in the Public Sector Ethics Act;
  
  
• ensure that embarrassment is not brought upon the Service or its membership because of a lack of understanding of the Service's standards of conduct; and
  
  
• promote a positive image of the Queensland Police Service and its members.

At all times under the provisions of this code members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not discredit:

• The individual member, having regard to their official position held within the Service; or
  
  
• the reputation of the Queensland Police Service.

The absence of any specific reference by the code in relation to any act or omission that tends to bring discredit upon the Service or its members does not mean that such an act or omission is condoned or permitted.