Probation Officers Association of Ontario, Inc.  |     home

Code of Ethics
To assist Probation Officers in maintaining the integrity of their profession by upholding and advancing the purpose, knowledge, ethics and values of the probation field at all times. This Code of Ethics will thereby provide a standard of practice to enable all probation officers to fulfill their goals and objectives to the Offender, the Courts, the Community and the Criminal Justice System.

RESPONSIBILITY

TO THE PROFESSION

Probation Officers Shall:

Encourage ethical conduct by all members of the profession.
Have a responsibility to colleagues to develop a working relationship of mutual respect and cooperation.
Promote the philosophy and ethics of the profession with new colleagues.
Seek advice and utilize the expertise of colleagues and supervisors.
Contribute their expertise in order to promote the integrity and competence of the profession to the public.
Keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to the probation field and shall contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.

TO COURTS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND COMMUNITY

Probation Officers Shall:
Strive to provide the highest caliber of service to the Courts and Judiciary through the preparation of quality reports, testimony and investigations. Probation Officers shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity of the Court.
As an integral part of the total Criminal Justice System uphold and respect the tenets, rules and functions of that System.
Promote awareness among other members of the Criminal Justice System, of the philosophies, functions and roles of Probation Officers.
Be aware of their role in protecting the community from criminal activity and in the promotion of programs for the prevention of crime.


TO THE OFFENDER

Probation Officers Shall:

Provide service to the offender to the maximum of their professional skill, ability and competence.
Maintain a professional relationship at all times to avoid conflict of interest.
Promote equality in every respect thereby preserving the dignity and rights of offenders.
Create a positive atmosphere for change that will encourage offenders to realize their goals and potentials by taking advantage of training, treatment and services provided.
Inform the offender of legal rights to and his responsibilities in the Criminal Justice System.
Make the offender aware of the responsibilities and duties of the Probation Officer within the Criminal Justice System.
Respect the privacy of the offender and the confidentiality of information subject to legal and policy parameters.


Back to the top