If there is one point the residents of any community must know about their law enforcement officers, it is that the entire department exists to be of service to them one hundred percent of the time. Officers who deal with difficult, antagonistic, and dangerous situations sometimes forget the real reason for the existence of a police agency.
Each individual with whom the department deals must be made to feel he or she is receiving the utmost in personal attention and service, no matter the circumstances. We create a satisfied citizen because our actions are made with intelligence and professionalism.
When we are fair but firm, we earn respect and understanding. We need not apologize for crime fighting activities. However, we must realize even those we arrest must be treated fairly. When we are clear and concise in our words and actions, we can promote police conduct that is responsive and sensitive to the needs of the community.
Getting the job done right is dictated by all of the aforementioned points. By serving the community with a fair but firm personal touch, we are able to complete any and all tasks in a highly professional, reasonable, and effective manner.
Law enforcement officers wear uniforms and badges, carry firearms, nightsticks, radios, and respond to emergencies with red lights and sirens. But society does not entrust us with this equipment and strong legal powers to be over-reactive, impolite, arrogant, or emotional. We must perform these awesome tasks with traditional standards of civility and an orderliness in the performance of our duties which sometimes contrasts to our ever-changing world.