International Association of Chiefs of Police. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Reprinted at the University of Maine: http://www.ume.maine.edu/~pubsafe/txt/ethics.htm
The International Association of Chiefs of Police
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.
