Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Ethics Playing Cards
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A
How do you cope with situations where there is imbalance of power between individuals?
Case Studies
- You are a new constable being pressured into a sexual relationship by a more senior colleague. You fear that they will allege racial discrimination if you try and raise the issue. What do you do?
- A senior colleague tells you to do something in a way that you believe will be counterproductive. How do you deal with the instruction?
- Some members of the public may have had bad experiences with authority and will be terrified of anyone in uniform. How do you best interact with them?
- Your boss is clearly having a bad day and is blaming team members for their own mistakes. What do you do?
- How do we prevent the misuse of power?
Discussion
Power imbalances are a reality of most social interactions and need to be carefully considered. It is worth remembering that simply being in uniform can create a power imbalance with members of the public who might find themselves intimidated or even threatened by the way you present, even if you are trying to be considerate and sympathetic. They might also be more persuadable to suggestion without any threats having to be made. Understanding and not abusing that power is important. Amongst your colleagues, understand that a suggestion or a passing comment from a senior person can often be heard or taken as an order or direction, meaning that even off-the-cuff remarks can easily result in unintended actions.
Within the organisation, the pressure to fit in can often be overwhelming, particularly for new colleagues, that can be exploited by those who should know better. Challenging such behaviour is essential both to protect individuals and the organisation itself. Are you confident that this is not a genuine misunderstanding? People express themselves differently according to their background and this can cause confusion, however, there is never any excuse for anyone to make somebody else feel intimidated or under pressure to do something that they should not have to do.
- Do you know where to go for help? Is there a staff rep or equivalent? Do you know what to do if someone else asks you for help?
- What might be signs of controlling or coercive behaviour in a colleague?
- What can you and your colleagues do to check in on each other regularly to ensure you and your colleagues have someone to talk to so you all don’t feel alone when these things happen?