Victoria Police is an organisation made up of personnel such as Police Officers, Protective Service Officers, Police Reservists and Victorian Public Service (VPS) employees, as defined as in the Victoria Police Act 2013. Victoria Police personnel will encounter varied and complex situations. Whatever the circumstances,
decisions made must be lawful, informed, professional and ethical.
Whilst legislation and organisational policies direct or inform Victoria Police personnel on how to deal with certain matters, they cannot prescribe a response to every situation or experience. Existing frameworks for ethical decision making, including our Values, the S.E.L.F. test and the obligations under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 can guide personnel to make decisions that reflect expectations of the community and Victoria Police.
The eight standards within the Victoria Police Code of Conduct are intended to set minimum standards for the conduct and behaviour of our personnel. Victoria Police personnel are required to comply with this Code of Conduct in conjunction with organisational policies. Failure by Police Officers and Protective Services Officers to comply with the standards within the Code of Conduct may constitute a breach of discipline under section 125(1)(ca) of the Victoria Police Act 2013.
Whilst this Code of Conduct specifically outlines eight standards for Victoria Police personnel, the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Service employees of special bodies also prescribes the conduct expected of VPS employees employed in accordance with the Public Administration Act 2004. A failure by VPS employees to comply with that Code of Conduct may constitute misconduct under s 61(6) of the Public Administration Act 2004.
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