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 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 to 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
both in 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 friendship 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 police service. 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.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideas, dedicating myself before God to my chosen
profession . . . law enforcement.
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