The Ministry of Internal Affairs has developed a code of ethics for police officers

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has developed a code of ethics and professional conduct for police officers. The draft order approving the new rules was published on the portal of draft regulatory legal acts.

According to the document, police officers must “be courageous and decisive, avoid fear and panic in the face of danger when suppressing offenses” and respect “national customs and religious feelings of citizens.”

Police officers are required to “control their emotional state” and “demonstrate confidence and calm” during conflict situations. They must give explanations to the offender “without moralizing, in a friendly manner,” and during interrogation they should treat him “with sympathy.” You cannot speak harshly in front of children, women and pensioners and swear. You need to convey your thoughts “competently”, “observe the culture of speech”.

The authors of the bill are confident that the appearance of police officers “forms a respectful attitude towards him from citizens and colleagues” - they must “be smart” and follow the rules of hygiene. The Ministry of Internal Affairs does not recommend that employees go to markets, restaurants and casinos in uniform. You should not keep your hands in your pockets and wear worn-out shoes - this rule was also in the previous code.

While on duty, a male police officer must have a short haircut, “carefully shaven,” and if he has a mustache or beard, keep it “neat.” Men in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are not recommended to wear jewelry other than a wedding ring and “excessively” use perfume. Policewomen are required to "maintain modesty" when wearing makeup.

The office must be decorated “modestly, without luxury,” the order says. It is necessary to build relationships with colleagues on the “principles of friendly partnership,” and while driving a car, “be a model of compliance with traffic rules.”

In addition, the code defines the behavior of Ministry of Internal Affairs employees on the Internet. They cannot criticize the authorities, members of political parties, religious organizations, “social groups” and citizens. Moreover, police officers do not have the right to post information “that may cause a negative reaction in society,” the code says. It is prohibited to post photos and videos on personal pages on social networks that could be used to determine their place of work.

As stated in the text of the document, the code, among other things, is needed to develop among police officers “moral motivation to conscientiously perform their official duties” and “increase citizens’ trust in them.” The new rules are based on generally accepted Russian values, the document states.

The previous code of ethics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was in force from 2008 to 2013. After its abolition, police officers were required to use the code for civil servants for a time until a new set of rules was developed. It was supposed to be presented by July 2014, but this never happened.