Ethics, The Oath & Principles

Once elected as Police and Crime Commissioner, the candidate must take the oath of office, and agree to follow the Nolan Principles of public life.

Oath of Office

“I, Dan Price of Warrington, do hereby declare that I accept the office of Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire police area.

In making this declaration, I solemnly and sincerely promise that during my term in office:

I will serve all the people of the Cheshire police area in the office of Police & Crime Commissioner
I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public
I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime, and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice
I will take steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public
I will not interfere with the operational independence of police officers.”

Nolan Principles

The Nolan Principles, also known as the seven principles of public life are a set of ethical guidelines for individuals in public life, aiming to ensure that their decisions and actions are taken in the public interest.

Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example

Read more about the powers and duties of the Police and Crime Commissioner which are set out in the policing protocol.

Ethical standards and transparency

The Police and Crime Commissioner has adopted a local Ethical Framework and Code of Conduct and follows Cheshire Constabulary’s Transparency Policy, and is committed to demonstrating the highest levels of transparency.

The Code of Ethics for the Police Service in England and Wales has been published by the College of Policing and aims to support all those working in policing to deliver the highest professional standards in their service to the public.

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News

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