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.