Code Of Ethics

Hopefully, many of you local readers were able to view last week's Inaugural Town Council Meeting held on 12/2/08 and broadcast on Thurs. night. From the perspective of an audience member, there was more going on that definitely did not show up on camera. And speaking of camera, the reason viewers don't see everything that audience members do is simple. It is camera angle and the tight and extended shots on miscued speakers.

Watching from the back of the room one would have to be blind to not observe the note passing, whispering, and eye rolling conduct of councilors. Oh and you didn't see the Chief of Police sitting in the backroom patiently waiting.

Very similar the October 28th vote where he was observed circling the MTM Center on his "black stallion" (note: 4 wheels this date) like a Shark waiting for bodies to jump ship.

We continue our research, compiling data, and providing readers with some information. After viewing and listening to the swearing in of the new and returning elected persons first hand. A question was tossed about the hallways afterwards. Did the interim town manager, Chief of Police, have to be re sworn in? Have they changed the verbiage since he took the oath of office as a Police Officer? Because we take some of these words to heart and in context wonder if they have lost any meaning.

Law Enforcement Code 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.
• 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.
• I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule.
• I will develop self-restraint and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.
• I will be honest in both thought and deed in both my personal and professional 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 that is confided to me in my official capacity will be ever kept 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.

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 believes it is important that police officers have clear advice and counsel available to assist them in performing their duties consistent with these standards, and has adopted the following ethical mandates as guidelines to meet these ends.

You will find more information by going to this website.



"Remember,we have Executive Session"

"Come on Roger, don't be late"