The peace officer shall assiduously 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, seeking aid from their superiors in maters of
technicality or principle when these are not clear to them; 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.
| ARTICLE 4. |
UTILIZATION OF PROPER MEANS
TO GAIN PROPER ENDS |
The peace officer shall be mindful of the 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 a like disposition. The employment
of 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.
| ARTICLE 5. |
COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS
IN
THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR AUTHORIZED DUTIES |
The peace 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 of illegal action. In any situation
open to question, they shall seek authority from their superior officer,
giving them a full report of the proposed service or action.
| ARTICLE 6. |
PRIVATE CONDUCT |
The peace officer 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 privilege, cannot but reflect upon the police officer
and the police service. The community and the service require that
the peace officer lead the life of a decent and honorable person.
Following the career of a peace officer give no person spec perquisites.
It does give the satisfaction and pride of following and furthering
an unbroken tradition of safeguarding the American republic. The officer
who reflects upon this tradition will not degrade it. Rather, they
will so conduct their private life that the public will regard them
as an example of stability, fidelity and morality.