Policy Text
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
CODE OF CONDUCT
GENERAL ORDER: 01.01 CREATED: January 1, 2017 ISSUE DATE: December 10, 2025
CALEA STANDARD: 1.1.2
NCLEA STANDARD: 1.22 EFFECTIVE DATE: December 10, 2025
ACTION: Amends general order dated October 1, 2022. REVIEW DATE:
01.01.0 PREAMBLE
The Concord Police Department hereby establishes a Code of Conduct comprised of our
Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Core Values and Guiding Principles, and Standard
Operating Procedures. This Code establishes fundamental standards of conduct and
performance consistent with the highest professional standards of policing.
Our vision statement describes what we, as coworkers of the Concord Police Department,
seek to achieve. Our mission statement describes how we will achieve that vision. Our core
values and guiding principles shape our conduct and performance both on and off duty.
Our policies and procedures guide our standards of practice for situations most likely to be
encountered in the course of our duties.
The Concord Police Department recognizes the inherent complexity of policing and the use
of legitimate discretion by coworkers to confront that complexity. Discretion is, however,
limited. Discretion cannot be arbitrary nor used as an excuse for personal inclination when
coworkers fail to perform properly. When coworkers confront situations that are so unique
that no policy or procedure can guide them, their decisions and interventions must always
be consistent with our core values and guiding principles.
Coworkers shall at all times conduct themselves – to the extent their position requires – in
accordance with the provisions of this Code. Any conduct, whether on or off duty, which
brings or is likely to bring discredit upon the Concord Police Department may be
investigated in order to establish whether or not a breach of the Code has occurred. A
breach of the Code may result, in appropriate circumstances, in a criminal or administrative
investigation as directe d by the Chief of Police.
When coworkers are investigated for a breach of this Code the investigation will be
conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially. This Code shall be applied in any
investigation, hearing, or decision relating to misconduct in a reasonable and objective
manner. Due regard shall be given to the degree of negligence or deliberate fault of a
coworker and the nature and circumstances of the coworker’s misconduct. The Chief of
Police reserves the right to impose discipl ine up to and including dismissal from the
department if, after a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation has been conducted,
it is determined that a breach of the Code has occurred.
01.01.1 VISION STATEMENT
A community where citizens and police work together, in harmony, to achieve the highest
standards of public safety.
General Order 01.01 Code of Conduct Page 2 of 8
01.01.2 MISSION STATEMENT
In partnership with the community, we will reduce the levels of crime, fear, and disorder
through evidence -based community policing strategies. We embrace transparency and
accountability, provide exceptional service, and are committed to a culture of excellen ce.
01.01.3 CORE VALUES
A. Core Value - COMPETENCE
We are prudent stewards of the public’s grant of authority and resources. We are
accountable for the quality of our performance and the standards of our conduct.
Guiding Principles :
1. Coworkers within their probationary period shall be evaluated on their conduct and
fitness for the performance of their duties. If a coworker’s conduct or performance
of duties is not satisfactory for continued service to the department, the coworker
shall be dismissed.
2. Coworkers shall be familiar with city policy; department policy, procedures and
training; and, they shall conduct themselves accordingly.
3. We cooperate with our colleagues, other agencies, and citizens to ensure public
safety, improve the quality of life, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and
enforce the law.
4. Coworkers shall render service to the community promptly and efficiently; and, shall
use their on -duty time to accomplish the department’s vision and mission.
5. Police investigations shall at a minimum be based upon reasonable suspicion or an
actual or possible offense or crime. Investigations shall be conducted and reports
shall be prepared in a prompt, thorough, impartial and careful manner so as to
ensure accountabili ty and responsibility in accordance with the law.
6. Coworkers shall report to work fit for duty, and not be impaired as a result of
drinking alcohol, using a drug for non -medical purposes, intentionally misusing a
prescription drug, or substance abuse. When controlled substances are prescribed,
coworkers shall notify their supervisor before their next scheduled shift if the use of
such substance may reasonably be expected to negatively affect the performance
or safety of the coworker.
7. No coworker shall consume, purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage while on
duty or in uniform except with the approval of the Chief of Police.