Policy Text
Blythe Police Department
Blythe Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Blythe Police DepartmentLaw Enforcement Code of Ethics - 1LAW 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.
Blythe Police Department
Blythe Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Blythe Police DepartmentChief's Preface - 2CHIEF'S PREFACE
The Purpose of the Operations Manual is to guide the employees of the Blythe Police Department
in carrying out in the most professional, ethical and legal manner.
The manual is critically important to our overall success as a Police Department. The contents of
this manual reflect the standards of professionalism we expect from the members of the Blythe
Police Department.
This Manual is essential to our organization and it is imperative that the manual be read,
understood and accepted as an indispensable key component to a quality organization.
Joshua Coe
Interim Chief of Police
Blythe Police Department
Blythe Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Blythe Police DepartmentMISSION STATEMENT - 3MISSION STATEMENT
PURPOSE
To acquaint employees with the philosophy and goals of the Blythe Police Department
POLICY
The Blythe Police Department will commit its resources in partnership with the community to:
•Promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime.
•Maintain order and provide for the safe and expeditious flow of traffic.
•Practice our core values of integrity, respect, service and fairness.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the hallmark of the Department and we are committed to the highest performance
standards, ethical conduct, and truthfulness in all relationships.
We hold ourselves accountable for our actions and take pride in a professional level of service
and fairness to all.
RESPECT
We treat all persons in a dignified and courteous manner, and exhibit understanding of ethnic and
cultural diversity, both in our professional and personal endeavors.
We guarantee to uphold the principles and values embodied in the constitutions of the United
States and the State of California
SERVICE
We provide quality service in a courteous, efficient, and accessible manner.
FAIRNESS
We treat all people impartially, with consideration and compassion.
Blythe Police Department
Blythe Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/08/15, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Blythe Police DepartmentTable of Contents - 4Table of Contents
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics .................. 1
Chief's Preface ........................ 2
MISSION STATEMENT ..................... 3
Chapter 1 - Law Enforcement Role and Authority ............ 8
100 - Law Enforcement Authority .................. 9
102 - Chief Executive Officer ................... 12
104 - Oath of Office ..................... 13
106 - Policy Manual ..................... 14
Chapter 2 - Organization and Administration ............. 17
200 - Organizational Structure and Responsibility ............ 18
204 - Departmental Directive ................... 20
206 - Emergency Management Plan ................ 21
212 - Electronic Mail ..................... 22
214 - Administrative Communications ................ 24
216 - Staffing Levels ..................... 25
218 - License to Carry a Firearm ................. 26
220 - Retiree Concealed Firearms ................. 34
Chapter 3 - General Operations ..................