Do we need new rules or are we covered

At a seminar over the last day or so I have been engaged in a debate about poise IT issues with poeple from a numb of countries. As part of that debate we have considered how organisations like the police can get the most out of social media yet provide a blanket of protection to utheir staff. In addition what rule set should we apply in establishing the most appropriate guidance for our staff.
The almost overriding conclusion was that the set of principles governing particularly police officer conduct offline should apply online. Why reinvent a set of principles and create a series of random or unnecessary rules when it's already covered
So to test this out here are the police Code of conduct for our officers.

Honesty and integrity

Police officers are honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position.
Authority, respect and courtesy

Police officers act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy.
Police officers do not abuse their powers or authority and respect the rights of all individuals.

Equality and diversity

Police officers act with fairness and impartiality. They do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly.
Use of force

Police officers only use force to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.
Orders and instructions

Police officers only give and carry out lawful orders and instructions.
Police officers abide by police regulations, force policies and lawful orders.

Duties and responsibilities

Police officers are diligent in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities.
Confidentiality

Police officers treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of police duties.
Fitness for duty

Police officers when on duty or presenting themselves for duty are fit to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
Discreditable conduct

Police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.
Police officers report any action taken against them for a criminal offence, conditions imposed by a court or the receipt of any penalty notice.

Challenging and reporting improper conduct

Police officers report, challenge or take action against the conduct of colleagues which has fallen below the standards of professional behaviour expected.


This Code covers most of the behavioural issues that one might want to explore with staff and most importantly provides an ethical context for our staff. It covers situations where for examples officers are rude, disparaging, showing inappropriate images, disclosing information that is sensitive, and just about any other aspect that could take them into the discipline domain. That was the conclusion.

So what are you views on this. Can we just apply the existing doctrine into another context or is the permanence and technology such that it requires both a different mindset and a different set of rules.

Thoughts and comments will be very much appreciated