Abstract
Following a survey and 3 years of research, the IACP Police Image and Ethics Committee concluded that ethics is their greatest training and leadership need. The image of police has been declining overall since the mid-to-late 1960's. A contributing factor to this decline is misconduct on the part of a few police officers. The latest initiatives of the IACP is the publication of the Ethics Toolkit in 2002, the development of the ethics section on the IACP Web site in 2002, the adoption of the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor in 2000, and the development of the Oath of Honor Videotape in 2001. The Oath of Honor was developed to provide the law enforcement profession with a powerful and universal process by which officers can reaffirm their ethical values and beliefs. It summarizes policing values in a simple statement. The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is displayed in police and sheriff departments, recited at graduation ceremonies, and taken as a solemn oath of office. It stands as a preface to the mission and commitment law enforcement agencies make to the public they serve. The Law Enforcement Code of Conduct establishes the standards of professional policing and addresses the primary responsibilities, performance of duties, discretion, use of force, confidentiality, integrity, cooperation with other agencies, personal-professional capabilities, and private life of a police officer. The Cannon of Police Ethics contains 11 articles of conduct that outline the essential behavior of professional police officers. These tools should be considered as part of a comprehensive program to improve ethical conduct within the law enforcement agency. Ethical mentoring and role modeling should be consistent, frequent, and visible. 1 footnote
The IACP adopted the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at the 64th Annual IACP Conference and Exposition in October 1957. The Code of Ethics stands as a preface to the mission and commitment law enforcement agencies make to the public they serve.
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 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 ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession… law enforcement.
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