3.1 Department Values & Code of Ethics

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This is Centreville Police Department Directive 3.1, “Department Values & Code of Ethics,” issued and revised 10/1/2016 and approved by Chief Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. It states the department adopted a Law Enforcement Code of Ethics (based on the IACP model) and lists six objectives to elevate professionalism, strengthen public confidence, clarify officers’ responsibilities, and promote cooperation internally and with other agencies. The directive sets a four-part Code of Ethics emphasizing duty to serve and protect constitutional rights, personal conduct and confidentiality, impartial enforcement without undue force or gratuities, and the badge as a public trust. It also includes a Values Statement about training, leadership, and an ethical disciplinary process, and defines three Core Values—Integrity, Fairness, and Service—with specific behavioral expectations for employees.

Centreville Police Department Directive 3.1 code of ethics core values integrity fairness service disciplinary process

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Centreville Police Department
Title: Department Values & Code of Ethics Directive #: 3.1
Issued: 10.1.2016 Revised: 10.1.2016
Approved by: Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
Chief of Police
A. Introduction
The Centreville Police Department has adopted a Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, based on that of the
International Association of Chiefs of Police. Its aim is to further true professionalism in law enforcement and
it has as its basic objectives:
1. Elevating the standing of the profession in the public mind, and strengthening public confidence in law
enforcement.
2. Encouraging law enforcement officers to fully appreciate the responsibilities of their office.
3. Developing and maintaining complete support and cooperation of the public in law enforcement.
4. Insuring the effectiveness of the Department by encouraging the complete cooperation of its members for
their mutual benefit.
5. Striving for full coordination of effort in all official relationships with other governmental agencies.
6. Considering police work to be an honorable profession and recognizing in it an opportunity to render a
worthwhile service to society.
B. Code of Ethics - Centreville Police Department
1. As a Law Enforcement Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; 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.
2. 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 the 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.
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3. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence
my decisions. With no compromise with 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.
4. 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.
C. Values Statement
The CPD is committed to creating a dynamic organizational culture wherein training and leadership will foster
Integrity, respect and quality of internal operations. The CPD will inspire and preserve the public’s confidence
and trust in the CPD’s disciplinary process. While training establishes these fundamental values, leadership by
command and supervision is critical in bringing a focus to these moral and ethical standards. All aspects of
the disciplinary process will be performed with integrity, competence and with the highest standards of the
law enforcement community.
D. Core Values
CPD Personnel will be committed to the following core values to guide their conduct:
1. INTEGRITY. Employees shall:
a. Uphold the public trust by being honest.
b. Maintain the highest standards of ethical and moral character.
2. FAIRNESS. Employees shall:
a. Treat everyone with respect and dignity and in an unbiased manner.
b. Refrain from responses of uncontrolled anger when dealing with a citizen or a CPD Employee.
c. Protect constitutional rights through impartial enforcement of the law.
3. SERVICE. Employees shall:
a. Provide dedicated and compassionate assistance to citizens.
b. Promote leadership, cooperation and assistance to the CPD and its employees.
c. Aspire to improve service, the quality of life and partnership with the community.
d. Obey CPD rules, regulations, procedures and directives.
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