Member Code of Ethics
| Author | George Kurian |
| Pages | 1101-1104 |
Page 1101
SOURCE IACP Constitution.
INTRODUCTION With some 14,000 members in the United States and 67 other countries, the International Association of Chiefs of Police is the most universally representative police association. Responding to a proposal by a Vice President, Lee Brown, that the IACP develop a code tailored to the professional enhancement of police executives, the IACP Staff and Parliamentarian Francis Looney drafted a code that was extensively discussed before being adopted by the Board of Officers and then ratified by the Executive Committee. It is incorporated in the Association's Rules as Rule XXXIV.
The members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police collectively adhere to the principle that a standard of professional conduct for its membership is desirable and that through vigilant enforcement of these standards, the professionalism and performance of police executives internationally will be enhanced.
The membership of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (hereafter IACP) is dedicated to the principles of effective and democratic government through the appointment of police executives by appropriately constituted elected or appointed officials. Members will maintain a constructive and practical approach to their duties within the parameters of the policies set by the governing body and appropriate statutes and ordinances.
IACP members shall be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity to maintain the respect and confidence of their governmental officials, subordinates, the public, and their fellow police executives.
Members should conduct themselves so as to maintain public confidence in their profession, their department, and in their performance of the public trust.
Members should conduct their official and personal affairs in such a manner so as to give the clear impression they cannot be improperly influenced in the performance of their official duties.
IACP members shall adhere to the highest standards in application and maintenance of employment.
At all times, members shall completely and accurately represent their credentials, including prior employment, education, certifications, and personal history.
Members seeking a police executive position should demonstrate professional respect for incumbents and those seeking the same position. Professional respect does not preclude honest differences of opinion. It does preclude attacking a person's motives or integrity in order to be appointed to a position. Members should not seek employment in a jurisdiction having an incumbent chief law enforcement administrator who has not resigned, retired, or been officially notified of termination.
Members who officially accept an appointment as chief law enforcement administrator should not fail to report to that position. This does not preclude the possibility of a member considering several offers or seeking several positions at the same time; but once a
Page 1102
bona fide offer has been accepted, that commitment should be honored.
Members should commit to at least two years of service in any position, barring any unforeseen actions by the governing body or severe personal problems. This minimum period permits implementation of programs and opportunity for their effectiveness to be realized.
Members of the IACP represent that the primary function of the police executive is to serve the best interests of a respective jurisdiction and the law enforcement profession.
Members of the IACP are committed to fair and impartial enforcement of laws and ordinances and...
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