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Quality of Service
A review of the investigation of complaints against the police in Scotland
APPENDIX 'A'
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS)
Statement of Ethical Principles
All officers of the Scottish Police Service observe and support the following principles:
Integrity - will discharge their duties with fairness and honesty and will ensure that they do not place themselves under any financial or other obligation which might influence the performance of their duties. They will declare any private interests which may conflict with their duties and take steps to avoid such conflict.
Transparency - will perform their duties in an open and transparent manner, submit their decisions and actions to appropriate scrutiny and will respond positively to criticism. They will give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest demands. They will be open and truthful about their actions while maintaining the confidentiality of information entrusted to them in accordance with the law.
Accountability - will remain accountable before the law and accept responsibility for their decisions and actions. They will guard against the abuse of the powers which their office affords them and will oppose and draw attention to malpractice and wrongdoing by others.
Responsibility - will accept personal responsibility for their own actions and omissions and act with resolve, tolerance and restraint in the discharge of their duties. They will ensure that their actions are at all times lawful, reasonable and proportionate and take ownership of those actions and decisions made in the course of their duties. They will take responsibility for observance of these principles and promote them through leadership and personal example.
Impartiality - will act fairly and impartially, without prejudice and solely in terms of the public interest. They will discharge their duties with objectivity and without favour or malice.
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