As demonstrations and protests continue to take place across America – some in support of police officers and others against them – it’s worth bearing in mind that officers do more than simply write tickets and make arrests. They also are held to a strict code of conduct – professional guidelines that clearly spell out expectations for officers’ behavior and how they approach doing their jobs.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, here are a few of the many ethical principles of conduct expected of police officers:
In the first place, says the code, “Police officers shall conduct themselves, whether on or off duty, in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Florida Constitution, and all applicable laws, ordinances and rules enacted or established pursuant to legal authority.” This is because police officers do their jobs with the understanding that the community has granted them limited authority and that they many only act within those limited powers.
Principle Two states that, “Police officers shall refrain from any conduct in an official capacity that detracts from the public’s faith in the integrity of the criminal justice system.” The community needs to trust that the police will act with impartiality and with fairness. This requires behavior that engenders that level of trust.
The code continues: “Police officers shall perform their duties and apply the law impartially and without prejudice or discrimination.” Because good law enforcement requires confidence from the public, diverse communities must have faith that the police are acting in a fair and impartial manner. They must, says Principal Three, “perform their duties without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation or age.”
There are five other principles listed on the department’s site, as well as several paragraphs that serve as something of a vow or creed for all officers. All of the information proves insightful into the many responsibilities and duties entrusted to police officers.
If you or someone you know is facing serious criminal charges, contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
