Policy Text
POLICY
124.0CODE OF ETHICS
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
4/2019
A.POLICY
1.Law enforcement effectiveness requires that actions of public employees be
impartial; that government decisions and policies be made in the proper channels
of government structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that
the public have confidence in the integrity of its Police Department. The purpose
of this Code is to establish ethical guidelines of conduct for all Department
employees by setting forth those acts or actions that are compatible with the best
interest of the Village of El Portal and its citizens.
2.The adoption of this Code of Ethics will, with cooperation, improve the attitude
and practices of our employees; minimize injustice or the perception of injustice;
and heighten public confidence in our local government, institutions, positions,
and people. All members of the El Portal Police Department are required to abide
by this Code of Ethics.
B.CODE:
As a law enforcement officer , my fundamental duty is to serve humankind; 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 men and women 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 confidential 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 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 the police service. I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession,
law enforcement.
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