64900136.pdf

\n\n--- Page 1 ---\n\nFFOORRTT MMYYEERRSS PPOOLLIICCEE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT GGEENNEERRAALL OORRDDEERR 11..22 TITLE: Mission, Philosophy and Goals INDEXING: Mission Statement, Our Values, Our Purpose, Strategic Goals, Code of Ethics, Oath of Honor, Oath of Office, Standard of Conduct ISSUED: 09/01/95 REVISED: 04/17/2024 RESCINDS: 02/22/2019 C.A.L.E.A. STANDARDS: 1 & 12 PAGES: 4 CONTENTS This order contains the following numbered sections: I. Mission/Purpose/Value Statements II. Departmental Strategic Plan Goals III. Oath of Office IV. Oath of Honor V. Law Enforcement Code of Ethics VI. Civilian Employee Code of Ethics VII. Standard of Conduct PURPOSE The purpose of this general order is to establish the mission and philosophy of the Fort Myers Police Department, and commitment to professionalism by members of the department. SCOPE This order shall apply to all Fort Myers Police Department personnel unless otherwise marked. SECTION I: MISSION/PURPOSE/VALUES (C.A.L.E.A. 12.2.1a) Our Mission: The mission of the Fort Myers Police Department is to create a safer city by reducing crime & the fear of crime, while ensuring the safety of our citizens and visitors. The Police Department is committed to building trust and partnerships with our Community. Our Values: TRUE BLUE TRUE to Our Community TRUE to Our Commitment TRUE to Our City SECTION II: DEPARTMENTAL STRATEGIC GOALS The Police Department will develop and maintain a comprehensive Strategic Plan detailing the Goals and Objectives of the agency. The plan is both directive and agile, affording police leadership the ability to effectively manage the department, while ensuring the highest level of service is provided to residents and visitors of the City of Fort Myers, currently and into the future. The Strategic Plan is made available to all agency personnel and the public. G.O. 1.2 Mission, Philosophy and Goals 1 o f 4 04/17/2024\n\n--- Page 2 ---\n\nSECTION III: OATH OF OFFICE (C.A.L.E.A. 1.1.1) Upon appointment to the position of police officer with the City of Fort Myers Police Department, officers shall be required to swear to an Oath of Office. The Oath of Office shall be administered verbally by the City Clerk’s Office and shall read as follows: A. “I, _______________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and government of the United States of America, and of the State of Florida, against all enemies, domestic and foreign; that I will bear true faith, loyalty, and allegiance to the same; that I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution of the State of Florida and the Charter of the City of Fort Myers; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of a _______________ with the City of Fort Myers, Florida, on which I am about to enter.” B. The newly sworn officer shall be required to sign a copy of the Oath of Office. C. The signed copy will be notarized and maintained as permanent record in the member’s personnel file. SECTION IV: OATH OF HONOR The Oath of Honor is a symbolic statement of commitment to ethical behavior. It is mutually supportive of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and reflects the same values and expectations. All sworn personnel shall be responsible for adherence to the Oath of Honor: On my honor, I will never betray my badge my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the law, my community and the agency I serve. SECTION V: LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS (C.A.L.E.A. 1.1.2) All sworn personnel shall be responsible for adherence to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics: "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, to protect the peaceful against violence or disorder, and to respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality, and justice." "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 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, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce G.O. 1.2 Mission, Philosophy and Goals 2 o f 4 04/17/2024\n\n--- Page 3 ---\n\nthe 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 constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession ...law enforcement." SECTION VI: CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE CODE OF ETHICS (C.A.L.E.A. 1.1.2) Upon being hired, all civilian employees will subscribe to the following Code of Ethics: “As an employee of the Fort Myers Police Department, my fundamental duty is to serve the community. I will 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. I will perform my duties courteously and appropriately, without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing inappropriate methods and never accepting gratuities. I recognize the importance of my position 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 government service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other employees. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of their lawful duties. 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 to my chosen profession.” The new employee will sign a copy of the Code of Ethics. The signed copy will be maintained as a permanent record in the employee’s personnel file. SECTION VII: STANDARD OF CONDUCT (C.A.L.E.A. 1.1.2) Sworn members of the police department shall maintain the highest standard of integrity by strictly adhering to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. This level of conduct will preserve and increase the trust that the community has placed in the Fort Myers Police Department and the law enforcement profession. Each sworn member of the department must recognize that they are held to a higher standard than the residents and citizens. In addition to representing the department, members also represent the law enforcement profession, an