The following manual is adopted pursuant to the ordinances of the Town of Belvidere for the government, discipline, administration and operation of the Police Department and its members.
The success of a police force in the performance of its duties is largely measured by the degree of support and cooperation it receives from the people of the community it serves. The Police Department must continuously strive to secure the confidence, respect and approval of the public. Necessarily, the cultivation of such desirable attitudes is dependent upon the proper performance of duty by all the members of the Department.
The Town ordinances and state statutes which are shown here are those which relate to the administration of the Police Department, conditions of employment, or the conduct of members.
A professional responsibility no less grave than that of other administrators of the law is imposed upon members of the Department. Professionalization of police is gaining general recognition, but it can win universal acclaim and permanent status only if the actions of the police are reflected in intelligent, sincere, efficient and courteous service. The police profession must embody the highest attributes of every other profession. Not private profit, nor personal reward, but the service of the community is the hallmark of the professional police officer.
A. 
The rules and regulations portion of the manual is designed to guide members in the areas of conduct which allow very little latitude in their interpretation.
B. 
Any violation of the rules and regulations may become the basis for disciplinary action.
C. 
The standard operating procedures section of the manual is intended to cover broader policies and procedures allowing greater latitude in interpretation. Material that is primarily instructional in nature will also be incorporated as a part of the standard operating procedures.
D. 
These rules and regulations and standard operating procedures must not be construed as final and exhaustive. Periodic written directives in the form of general orders will provide supplementary guides to meet changing conditions. In this respect, the administration of the Department encourages the suggestions and involvement of members.
Above all, the manual must be considered as a means to an end, not as an end in itself. Members of the Department must regard themselves as part of a team dedicated to the safety and protection of the community, and the manual must be used to aid in accomplishing this important task.
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 compromises 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.