Policy Text
La Mesa Police Department
Policy Manual
CHIEF’S PREFACE
This policy manual serves as one of the leading sources of information for members of the
Department in the conduct of their duties and the Department's operations. It is designed to
promote effectiveness and efficiency, to bring order to operations and administrative tasks, and
to promote the highest degree of professionalism among the members of our Department.
Special orders in deviation from this manual may be issued by ranking officers as may be
necessary for temporary or emergency purposes. Such orders shall remain in effect only for the
duration of the need or emergency, or until reviewed and approved or modified by the Chief of
Police or applicable chain of command. Previous orders, memoranda or other written instruments
in conflict with subjects covered in the Manual are rescinded.
Law enforcement is a complex and ever evolving profession. It is accepted that no set of written
rules will address every conceivable circumstance. Members of the Department are expected to
address all issues and problems they encounter in a manner in keeping with the spirit of the law,
our Mission Statement, and these rules and regulations. Whenever practical, guidance should be
sought from the member's supervisor on questionable or unusual circumstances.
The responsibilities inherent in the law enforcement profession require the utmost commitment
to our community and to public service. As law enforcement professionals, we are challenged on
a continuing basis by complex issues and limited resources. While we may struggle in meeting
the daily demands of our profession, we must strive for a community that is safe, secure, and
thriving. That is the task and challenge we have accepted as members of the Department and
the law enforcement profession.
Ray Sweeney
Chief of Police
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Published with permission by La Mesa Police DepartmentChief’s Preface - 1
La Mesa Police Department
Policy Manual
MISSION STATEMENT
The La Mesa Police Department is dedicated to protecting life and property while promoting
community involvement through professional service, honor, trust and integrity.
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Published with permission by La Mesa Police DepartmentMission Statement - 2
La Mesa Police Department
Policy Manual
CANONS OF POLICE ETHICS
Primary Responsibilities of a Job - The primary responsibility of the police service and of the
individual officer is the protection of the people of the United States through the upholding of their
laws; chief among these is the Constitution of the United States and its amendments. The law
enforcement officer always represents the whole of the community and its legally expressed will
and is never the arm of any political party or clique.
Limitations of Authority - The first duty of a law enforcement officer, as upholder of the law, is
to know its bounds upon the officer enforcing it. Because officers represent the legal will of the
community, be it local, state or federal, they must be aware of the limitations and proscriptions
which the people, through law, have placed upon them. Officers must recognize the genius of
the American system of government which gives absolute power to no one person, groups or
institution; and the officer must insure that, as a prime defender of that system, does not pervert
its character.
Duty to be Familiar With the Law, With One's Responsibilities, and Responsibilities of Other
Public Officials - Law enforcement officers shall diligently apply themselves to the study of the
principles of the laws which they are sworn to uphold. They will make certain of their responsibilities
in the particulars of their enforcement, when these are not clear; they will make special effort to fully
understand their relationship to other public officials, including other law enforcement agencies,
particularly on matters of jurisdiction, both geographically and substantively.
Utilization of Proper Means to Gain Proper Ends - The law enforcement officers shall be mindful
of their responsibility to pay strict heed to the selection of means in discharging the duties of their
office. Violations of law or disregard for public safety and property on the part of an officer are
intrinsically wrong; they are self-defeating in that they instill in the public mind illegal means, no
matter how worthy the end, is certain to encourage disrespect for the law and its officers. If the
law is to be honored, it must first be honored by those who enforce it.
Cooperation with Public Officials in the Discharge of Their Authorized Duties - The law
enforcement officer shall cooperate fully with other public officials in the discharge of authorized
duties, regardless of party affiliation or personal prejudice. They shall be meticulous, however, in
assuring themselves of the propriety, under the law, of such actions and shall guard against the
use of their office or person, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in any improper or illegal action.
In any situation open to question, they shall seek authority from a superior officer, giving a full
report of the proposed service or action.
Private Conduct - Law enforcement officers shall be mindful of their special identification by the
public as an upholder of the law. Laxity of conduct or manner in private life, expressing either
disrespect for the law or seeking to gain special privileges, cannot but reflect upon the police officer
and the police service. The community and the service require that the law enforcement officer
lead the life of a decent and honorable person. Following the career of a police officer gives no
one special privileges. It does however, give the satisfaction and pride of following and furthering
an unbroken tradition of safeguarding the American republic. The officer who reflects upon this
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/02/04, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by La Mesa Police DepartmentCanons of Police Ethics - 3