The EthiCards aim to bridge the gap between official support and real-world professional requirements. The cards have been developed by Compass Ethics, in partnership with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, and Bruck Payne Associates.

This tool was originally developed by Professor David Whetham and the King’s College London Centre for Military Ethics for use with military personnel. It has now been adapted to address the unique ethical challenges faced in policing environments. The aim remains consistent however: to foster ethical awareness and enhance moral decision-making among police personnel.

By equipping police services with the tools to navigate daily challenges, these cards help cultivate an environment where ethical considerations are central to the operations and culture of policing organisations. The deliberately challenging questions and accompanying materials provide a structured approach to addressing these issues in an appropriate manner.

The format is designed to prompt informal discussions and debates among professionals. They should encourage participants to think critically about key issues that may arise in their specific working environments, as well as act as a resource for ethical decision making in policing. The cards have proven effective in normalising the conversation around ethical dilemmas in high-pressure situations.

Through thoughtful engagement with the scenarios and questions posed, police officers and police specialists can better prepare themselves to uphold the ethical standards essential to their role in serving and protecting the community.