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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOATH & CANON 1.1 G.O. 1.1 TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER TITLE: OATH AND CANON OF ETHICS GENERAL ORDER: 1.1 EFFECTIVE: October 1, 1998 RESCINDS: PO 100.01 (October 1, 1997) PAGES: 3 CONTENTS: This order consists of the following numbered sections: I. STATE OF FLORIDA OATH OF OFFICE II. LOYALTY OATH III. LAW ENFORCEMENT CANON OF ETHICS IV. GLOSSARY PURPOSE: To establish a standard of conduct and ethics for members of the Tequesta Police Department; to ensure that members are aware of the actions and attitudes expected of them; and to provide the public with a standard by which they can measure the performance of the agency. SCOPE: This order applies to all Police Department members. DISCUSSION: Florida Statutes mandate that law enforcement officers subscribe to an Oath of Office before appointment and before performing the duties of office. In addition, all sworn, certified, and civilian members must sign a loyalty oath as a condition of employment. Officers are also required to adhere to the principles set forth in the agency’s Law Enforcement Canon of Ethics. POLICY: It is the policy of the Police Department to comply with all state and federal laws, and to preserve and protect the constitutional rights of all citizens. In so doing, members shall abide by their oath of office and the Law Enforcement Canon of Ethics. PROCEDURE: I. STATE OF FLORIDA OATH OF OFFICE: The oath of office for police officers is mandated by Section 30.09 (1), FS before they can be assigned to any law enforcement duties. The language is set forth in Article II, Section 5 (b) of the Florida Constitution. A. I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution and Laws of the State of Florida, and the Laws and Ordinances of the Village of Tequesta, and the Rules and Regulations of the Village of Tequesta and the Tequesta Police Department; and that I will well and 1 G.O. 1.1 faithfully discharge the Duties of police officer of the Tequesta Police Department, to which I have been appointed, according to law and to the best of my ability. B. The oath of office will be administered by the Village Clerk and then filed in the member’s personnel file. II. LOYALTY OATH: Before assignment to agency duties, all members are required by FS 876.05 to take and sign a loyalty oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Florida. The oath will be administered by the Village Clerk and then filed in the member’s personnel file. III. LAW ENFORCEMENT CANON OF ETHICS: Sworn law enforcement members of the agency shall abide by the following Canon 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, and the peaceful against violence or 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 agency. 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 the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession -- law enforcement. IV. GLOSSARY: CANON OF ETHICS - The rules or standards governing the conduct of members of a profession. OATH - A solemn, formal declaration or promise to fulfill a pledge. 2 G.O. 1.1 INDEXING: CANON OF ETHICS CODE OF ETHICS ETHICS LAW ENFORCEMENT CANON OF ETHICS LOYALTY OATH OATH OF OFFICE DRAFTED : RLG December 1997/FILED: OATH1.1 APPROVED: Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011 Tequesta, Florida 3