A civilized society requires wise and
principled leadership. The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics below is an able
guide for those entrusted to "protect and serve" justice. By
demanding that officials conduct
themselves by the high standards of this Code of Ethics, we will build police and
prosecutorial agencies that enhance safety, responsibility, and liberty
for law-abiding citizens--and which hold accountable those
who violate laws and others' rights.
You be the conscientious judge of whether those in your local
police and prosecutorial agencies comply with its tenets. Give active
support to those who live up to these standards; and raise merry hell about
those who don't!
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
friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and the 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 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 ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen
profession, law enforcement."
