Code of Ethics & Philosophy

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to:

• Serve mankind
• Safeguard lives and property
• Protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder
• Respect the constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice

Tenets

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 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 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 constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession; law enforcement.

Philosophy of the Department

The philosophy, "To Protect and to Serve," states the essential purpose of the West Goshen Police Department. The Department protects the right of all persons within its jurisdiction to be free from criminal attack, to be secure in their possessions, and to live in peace. The Department serves the people of West Goshen by performing the law enforcement function in a professional manner, and it is to these people that the Department is ultimately responsible.