Ethical Law Enforcement Behavior

We, the People, have authorized law enforcement officers to exercise certain functions so they can properly enforce ordinances and laws. Because these functions can involve limited and brief suspension of constitutionally guaranteed civil rights, we expect law enforcement officers will perform them lawfully and with reasonable restraint. We also expect that the authority to exercise these special authorities will be used thoughtfully and judiciously. Because we entrust the functions to law enforcement officers, we expect they will not violate our trust by using them unethically.

In its June 2007 issue of The Police Chief magazine, the International Association of Chiefs of Police once again emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior by law enforcement officers. It addresses the potential for abuse in four areas:

• Civil rights and law enforcement intelligence
• Off-duty police misconduct
• Police image and ethics
• Use of confidential informants in drug enforcement