We were delighted to facilitate the launch of the ETHICARDS initiative for Cambridgeshire Constabulary last week.
The first Police Service to adapt the methodology from a proven military ethics pedagogic tool, and apply it to policing in the UK.
Physical ethics cards – familiar and non- threatening – are combined with a bespoke APP and other online resources to provide a disruptive, effective intervention that has been integrated into existing training and education packages to enrich current practices, the College of Policing Code of Ethics and as a standalone tool for the socialising of key values, attitudes and mental health approaches across Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
Nick Dean, Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire was keen to find a practical method of supporting his officers and staff when they are experiencing difficult ethical decisions. This is particularly useful with inexperienced new officers and staff, where sometimes resourcing is limited.
Here is an example:
“How do you cope with a situation where there is an imbalance of power between individuals?”
Four real case studies are available to read through on the APP.
There follows a discussion and advice and directions to information that is supportive of the action to take or the people to talk to and of the behaviours expected by the Code of Ethics.
This is a progressive and practical tool to help individuals when they have a ‘difficult’ issue to deal with or make a judgment on. They have the APP on their mobile phones, so it is an instant available solution.
From some of those new recruits on the front line, they see this as an innovative and immediate solution to some of their questions. To those with less than two years’ service, they see it as ‘a hot water bottle’ – in time of stress or anxiety it is a welcome support.
We look to National Policing to take notice of what Cambridgeshire is doing and support the initiative UK wide. If you haven’t seen it yet – You MUST.