Academics who have investigated professional organizations seem to agree that the following characteristics are inherent in any profession: expertise, decisionmaking autonomy, public service orientation, sense of calling, unique culture, code of ethics, special status, organization, and self-regulatory power. Ethics deals with morality and with distinctions between right and wrong. The codes of conduct currently applicable to police officers seem to be oriented towards the following values; integrity, impartiality, dignity and the need to set a standard to be looked-up to; respect for the law and judicial system; and respect for individuals. The concepts of professionalism and ethics can be summed up in two words: social responsibility. Persons who are socially responsible will ensure that they are competent to provide the services being offered, will protect their autonomy, will put their public's interests before their own, and will adhere to superior moral principles. 46 footnotes