Law Enforcement Code of Ethics


As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty 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 persons to liberty, equality, and justice.


I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all, and will conduct myself 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 in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land 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 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