Ethics are one's moral principles, expectations and conduct towards society. Members of the police force take an oath of honor affirming that they will protect and serve the public, uphold the constitution and maintain the public trust. This oath clarifies to the public the values and morals the officers hold true.
A state's ethic board maintains the conduct of employees at the state level. In the state of Michigan, for example, the employees controlled by the Board of Ethics are governor-appointed executive state employees. Each of the 50 states has its own standard code of conduct.
The Office of Government Ethics supervises government employees, preventing and regulating ethical conflicts. Issues of war, disclosure, sexuality and contractor behavior are examples that mandate a code of conduct be maintained and followed.