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.
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.