California Code of Regulations
Last updated on this website on November 7, 2019
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Purpose of Code of Ethics: To ensure that all peace officers are fully aware of their individual responsibilities to maintain their own integrity and that of their agency, every peace officer, during basic training, or at the time of appointment, shall be administered the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, as prescribed in Regulation 1013. MaiVERIC Users in California, and in any other jurisdiction where it does not conflict with applicable laws, are expected to follow this Code of Ethics.
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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; 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 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, 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 God¹ to my chosen profession… law enforcement.
FOOTNOTE:
¹Reference to religious affirmation may be omitted where objected to by the officer.
https://post.ca.gov/commission-procedure-c-3-law-enforcement-code-of-ethics#c-3-2