IF YOU CAN'T OBEY THE LAWS OR YOU DON'T RESPECT THE LAWS, YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS IN THE PROFESSION OF LAW - Ronald Reagan, NYC 1986 (referring to lawyers.. applies to Law Enforcement Officers too!)

 

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER,
my fundamental duty is to serve the
community; 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 to liberty, equality, and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example
to all and will behave in a manner that
does not bring discredit to me or my agency.
I will 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 law
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, political beliefs, aspirations, 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 never engage
in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone
such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate
with all legally authorized agencies and their
representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own
standard of professional performance and will take every
reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve
my level of knowledge and competence.
I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives
and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession -
Law Enforcement.