Ethical behavior and community policing of police officers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine which domain of ethical behavior best influences community policing of police officers. The researcher employed quantitative research design utilizing descriptive-correlational technique and an adopted-modified survey questionnaire from the Philippine National Police Manual (PNP Ethical Doctrine) was used as the data collection instrument. The instrument used in the study was validated by experts from the faculty of the Professional Schools. The respondents of this study were 200 randomly selected police officers of Cotabato City Police Office. Findings revealed that the level of ethical behavior of police officers is high, which means that they oftentimes observe and practice ethical behavior as police officers. Moreover, police officers sometimes observe and practice community policing through crime investigation, traffic investigation and patrol operation. Furthermore, the ethical behavior of police officer has a significant bearing to community policing, the domain of ethical behavior that best influences community policing is perseverance.

Keywords: criminal justice, ethical behavior, community policing, police officers, Philippines