How should CPOs handle conflicts of interest or personal bias?

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When a conflict of interest or personal bias could affect a CPO’s judgment, the priority is to maintain impartiality and public trust. The proper approach is to disclose any potential conflicts to the appropriate supervisor or ethics contact, recuse from duties or decisions where impartiality could reasonably be questioned, and rely on policy, procedures, and supervisory guidance to determine the next steps. Following established rules and documenting the process helps ensure decisions are fair and consistent. For example, if you have a close personal relationship with someone involved in a case, declare it and have another officer handle the matter. If you’re unsure, seek guidance rather than proceeding. The goal is to prevent biased enforcement, ensure accountability, and protect the integrity of the process. Ignoring biases or keeping them hidden can lead to biased outcomes and breaches of conduct, while leaving decisions to chance is unacceptable and undermines public trust.