LAW ENFORCEMENT
CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement officer, my
fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and
property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against
oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or
disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to
liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life
unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not
bring discredit to me or my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in
the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be
constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed
in both my personal and official life. I will be exemplary in obeying
the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of
a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity
will be kept ever-secret unless revelation is necessary in the
performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or
permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise
for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce
the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or
ill-will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never
accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my
office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to
be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service.
I will constantly strive to
achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my
chosen profession... law enforcement. I will never engage in acts of
corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police
officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and
their representatives in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am
responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will
take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of
knowledge and competence.
