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1-2 Code of Ethics

Policy Type: Local

Approved By: Chief of Police, Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department

Initial Policy Approved: 4/01/2013

Current Revision Approved: 4/01/2013

 

General

All employees, both civilian and sworn, of the VCU Department shall adhere to the principals of and display the degree of integrity required by the law enforcement profession. All sworn officers are required to swear to an oath of allegiance upon becoming a member of the VCU Police Department. This oath includes a pledge to lead their lives in accordance with the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. All VCUPD employees shall manage their affairs in such a manner as to maintain this heightened level of integrity in their public, as well as, private lives.

 

Accountability Statement

All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines set forth in this written directive. Failure to comply will result in appropriate corrective action. Responsibility rests with the division commander to ensure that any violations of policy are investigated and appropriate training, counseling and/or disciplinary action is initiated.

 

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; the peaceful against violence and 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 in 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 decision. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law.

courageously 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 those objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my profession – law enforcement.

 

Civilian Code of Ethics

All non-sworn, civilian personnel of the VCUPD shall abide by the following Civilian Code of Ethics.

As an employee of the VCU Police Department, I regard myself as a member of an important and honorable profession. As such, I will not, in the performance of my duties, work for unethical advantage or personal profit and I shall:

  • Enforce institutional polices and support the educational mission of Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Perform my duties with efficiency to the best of my ability.
  • Be truthful at all times. My conduct and performance of duties will be accomplished in an honest manner, and in compliance with the laws; local, county, state and country.
  • Adhere to the confidentiality of the law enforcement profession.
  • Recognize at all times that I am a public safety employee, and that ultimately I am responsible to the community.
  • Give the most efficient and impartial service of which I am capable at all times.
  • Be courteous in all my contacts at all times.
  • Regard my fellow employees with equality, dignity and respect.
  • Be loyal to my fellow employees, my superiors and the VCU Police Department.
  • Accept responsibility for my actions.
  • Strive to do only those things that will reflect honor on my fellow employees, myself and the VCU Police Department.

 

Revision History

None – New Policy