3.1 Department Values & Code of Ethics

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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