so_20230420_sheriffpolicymanual

Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement MESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF Any organization is only as good as the personnel that are a part of it. I truly believe our employees and volunteers are our most valuable resource. For us to be effective, we must provide guidance, direction and leadership, in the form of policies and procedures, in order to accomplish our mission. Employee safety, the welfare of the citizens we serve and the "public trust" that we have an obligation to uphold are but a few of the important reasons why understanding and supporting our carefully enacted policies and procedures are vital to the health and future of this great department. This policy manual is a living document that is subject to constant change. New laws, court decisions, County policies, new methodologies and other factors dictate the need for a continual review of these policies, initiating revisions where necessary and appropriate. Everyone in this organization will have the ability to influence our policies and procedures, and are encouraged to provide feedback at anytime. It must be kept in mind that no set of policies, no matter how complete, can hope to address all the situations we may encounter in performing our duties. There will be situations that occur that must be left to the good judgment and discretion of the person(s) involved. This judgment and discretion must be employed with sound reason and promote the interests of the citizens we serve, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office, our partners and the fine people who make-up our organization. It is every employee's responsibility and duty to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this manual. Employees are further responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their individual copy, including keeping current as updates are made. Upon distribution of this manual, all other existing manuals, orders and regulations that are in conflict are hereby revoked. Any policies not covered in this manual remain valid. Should you have any questions, please contact your supervisor or the department manager. Jeremiah LaRue, Sheriff-Coroner Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Siskiyou County Sheriff's OfficeMESSAGE FROM THE SHERIFF - 1 Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement LAW 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. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/10, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Siskiyou County Sheriff's OfficeLAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS - 2 Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement MISSION, VISION, AND VALUE STATEMENTS OUR MISSION We, the members of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office, are committed to providing competent, effective, and responsive public safety services to the citizens and guests of Siskiyou County; recognizing our responsibility to maintain order while affording dignity and respect to all persons, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. OUR VISION Our vision is to enhance our status as a quality public safety agency, valued by our community and respected by our peers. As such, we will be recognized as an inclusive organization in which everyone is encouraged to contribute their energies, talents and skills to create strategies to meet new challenges and achieve our mission. OUR VALUES We value, as our highest priorities, the sanctity and protection of human life and the equitable, fair and impartial application of laws and ordinances regardless of race, color, creed, sex or station in life. We value a safe work environment that is free of discrimination and/or harassment in any form. We value honest and ethical personal and professional conduct; we value and respect the rights and dignity of all persons. We value employee opportunities for advancement, specialized