"All law enforcement officers must be fully aware of the ethical
                         responsibilities of their position and must strive constantly to live up
                         to the highest possible standards of professional policing."

                         "The International Association of Chiefs of Police believe it is
                         important that police officers have clear advice and counsel available
                         to assist them in performing their duties consistent with their
                         standards, and has adopted the following ethical mandates as
                         guidelines to meet these ends."
 
                          Primary Responsibility of a Police Officer
                         "A police officer acts as an official representative of government who
                         is required and trusted to work within the law. The officer's powers
                         and duties are conferred by statute. The fundamental duties of a
                         police officer include serving the community; safeguarding lives and
                         property; protecting the innocent; keeping the peace; and ensuring
                         the rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice."
 
                           Performance of the Duties of a Police Officer
                         "A police officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favor of
                         affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion,
                         political belief or aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with
                         courtesy, consideration, and dignity."

                         "Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships
                         to influence official conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and
                         courteously and, in carrying out their responsibilities, officers will
                         strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public. They will
                         conduct themselves in appearance and deportment in such a manner
                         as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public trust
                         they hold."
 
                           Discretion
                         "A police officer will use responsibly the discretion vested in the
                         position and exercise it within the law. The principles of
                         reasonableness will guide the officer's determinations and the officer
                         will consider all surrounding circumstances in determining whether
                         any legal action shall be taken."

                         "Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional
                         policing competence, will do much to preserve good relationships and
                         retain the confidence of the public. There can be difficulty in choosing
                         between conflicting courses of action. It is important to remember
                         that a timely word of advice rather than arrest - which may be correct
                         in appropriate circumstances - can be a more effective means of
                         achieving a desired end."
 
                           Confidentiality
                         "Whatever a police officer sees, hears or learns of, which is of a
                         confidential nature, will be kept secret unless the performance of duty
                         or legal provision requires otherwise.

                         Members of the public have a right to security and privacy, and
                         information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged."
 

                         Integrity
                         "A police officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor
                         will an officer condone such acts by other police officers."

                         "The public demands that the integrity of police officers be above
                         reproach. Police officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that
                         might compromise integrity and thus undercut the public confidence
                         in a law enforcement agency. Officers will refuse to accept any gifts,
                         presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities or promises that could be
                         interpreted as seeking to cause the officer to refrain from performing
                         official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Police Officer
                         must not receive private or special advantage from their official status.
                         Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be earned and
                         cultivated."
 
                           Cooperation with Other Officers and Agencies
                         "Police officers will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and
                         their representatives in the pursuit of justice."

                         "Any officer or agency may be one among many organizations that
                         may provide law enforcement services to a jurisdiction. It is
                         imperative that a police officer assist colleagues fully and completely
                         with respect and consideration at all times."
 
                           Personal/Professional Capabilities
                         "Police officers will be responsible for their own standard of
                         professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity
                         to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence."

                         "Through study and experience, a police officer can acquire the high
                         level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient
                         and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a
                         never-ending process of personal and professional development that
                         should be pursued constantly."
 
                           Private Life
                         "Police officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit
                         to their agencies or themselves."

                         "A police officer's character and conduct while off duty must always
                         be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the
                         community in which he or she lives and serves. The officer's personal
                         behavior must be beyond reproach."