ecdd1156 - Professionalism

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Client - Ethics, Professionalism and Integrity [Mission, Vision & Values]

We are Canada's national police force providing service to the public. Our professionalism as individuals and as a group is constantly under scrutiny. Professionalism is reflected in the attitude and abilities displayed in dealing with employees, clients and communities. Professionalism is a value that is intertwined with every other value.

Professionalism is also the manner in which we interact with one another by maintaining a positive attitude when dealing with the needs of the community. It is providing a quality service -- a service which is skilful, reliable, competent, and courteous. Professionalism is the ability to demonstrate the qualities and competencies of one's profession with commitment and skill. Professionalism implies the highest calibre of work. For example, being able to shoot a gun is not enough -- knowing when deadly force is appropriate reveals high quality professional conduct.

A professional also has great knowledge of resources available and is educated in the field in which he or she is working. Professionalism also involves access to ongoing training, to leading edge technology and to sufficient resources to meet the needs of the communities. A professional is knowledgeable about how people fit in to the organization and what they represent.

"A professional public service implies three things: a body of knowledge, skills and expertise that those outside the profession are unlikely to posess; a set of values and attitudes that determine the culture of the profession; and a set of standards for both of these."

John Tait, A Strong Foundation:CCMD Study Team on Public Service Values and Ethics. Dec. 1996. p.28.

A professional employee sees the big picture, not just his or her part of it, is adaptable, flexible and has sound judgement. A professional is responsible for the job being done and the outcome. Open-mindedness and fairness are also key -- RCMP employees are often seen as respected role models. Employees of the RCMP are expected by society to have high moral standards and to portray the best qualities of the communities they serve. They must be impartial and equitable, honest, fair and frank. Physical and metal fitness as well as maintaining a positive attitude are also considered attributes that make up a professional employee in the RCMP.

To show we are professional we must be articulate, dedicated and thorough. It is a commitment to developing knowledge in the service of our clients and to a set of ethical principles by which the employees dedicate themselves. Professionalism also implies internal self correction, respect, and being non-judgmental. It means conducting ourselves in a manner which demonstrates our dedication to skillfully deliver a reliable, courteous and unbiased police service.

Leadership is a key element in professionalism. The leadership styles of a professional include recognizing the contribution by all employees, working with systems to support alignment and using discretion when voicing criticism. He or she can control emotions, impulses and words. Innovation and motivation -- getting others' input and listening carefully to their concerns -- is another facet. A professional is fair, knows how to delegate, is honest in his or her beliefs, and in control.

Image and manner -- including dress and deportment -- are also crucial. Perception is extremely important -- what is seen to exist is just as important as what actually exists.

Respect for experience, knowledge, new ideas and abilities as well as respect for ability and input regardless of rank also make up a professional employee. A professional follows the golden rule -- doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.

As RCMP employees, we must live up to the standards expected of us. We are a team, and the actions of one -- good or bad -- reflect on us all. By being professional we will serve ourselves and our communities in the best possible manner.

PROFESSIONALISM