The Code of Ethics sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone who works in policing in England and Wales. It is built around principles and standards that officers are accountable to — and that you can reasonably expect when you deal with the police.
The standards of professional behaviour include: honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; equality and diversity (treating people fairly and without discrimination); using force only when necessary and proportionate; exercising their duties and powers lawfully; behaving in a way that does not discredit the police or undermine public confidence; challenging and reporting improper conduct; and being accountable for their decisions and actions.
In plain terms, the Code expects officers to be honest, to treat people with respect, to be fair, to use only the force that is genuinely needed, to act within the law, and to own their decisions.
This site lets the public rate police leadership against these same ethical themes — accountability, fairness, honesty, integrity, leadership, objectivity, openness, selflessness, respect and conduct — so the standards are not just words on a page.
This is a plain-English summary. For the exact wording, read the official Code of Ethics.