Which sequence best represents the five steps of the Police Code of Ethics?

• A. Gather information and intelligence; Assess threat and risk and develop a work strategy; Consider powers and policy; Identify options and contingencies; Take action and review what happened.
• B. Gather data; Evaluate risk; Act; Review; Report.
• C. Collect information; Assess risk; Apply policy; Decide; Document.
• D. Gather intelligence; Plan; Execute; Monitor; Reflect.

Answer: (A)

The five-step sequence emphasizes ethical decision-making in policing by guiding you from gathering facts to reviewing outcomes. Start with gathering information and intelligence to understand the situation accurately before acting. Then move to assessing threat and risk and developing a work strategy; this pairs careful risk appraisal with planning so actions are proportionate and targeted, not impulsive. Next, consider powers and policy to ensure any action stays within legal authority and organizational rules, which is essential for legitimacy and accountability. After that, identify options and contingencies, weighing different courses of action and planning for different developments, so you’re prepared for twists rather than rigidly sticking to a single plan. Finally, take action and review what happened, implementing the chosen course and then reflecting on the results to learn and improve.

This sequence best fits the ethical framework because it strings together information gathering, risk-informed planning, lawful and policy compliance, consideration of alternatives, and post-action reflection, all of which underpin responsible and accountable policing. The other options either shift or combine steps in ways that blur the necessary progression (for example, separating planning from risk in a way that weakens the link between assessment and action) or omit the explicit emphasis on policy, review, or the full progression from information to accountability.