HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

104.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all peace officers are aware of their individual responsibilities to maintain their integrity and that of their office at all times.

104.2 POLICY

The Law Enforcement Code of Ethics shall be administered to all peace officer trainees during the Basic Academy course and to all other persons at the time of appointment (11 CCR 1013).

104.3 LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against abuse 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; 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 office. 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, 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.

104.3.1 OBJECTION TO RELIGIOUS AFFIRMATION

Reference to religious affirmation in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics may be omitted where objected to by the deputy.