2014JANFEB

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www.fbinaa.org

J A N 2 0 1 4 F E B

J A N 2 0 1 4 F E B

The Importance of Core Values in the Law Enforcement Profession

Matthew May

Law enforcement is a profession in which many ethical, motivated, and amicable officers often devolve into hypercritical, disgruntled, nonproductive employees. Why are some able to work an entire career with an upbeat, positive attitude while others stumble through their careers making life miserable for everyone else, “job hop” from department to department, or get terminated long be- fore retirement? Are the stresses and dangers of law enforcement solely to blame or is there something else going on? This article will examine the importance of having core values guide thinking and performance in the law enforcement profession. M ost police and sheriff’s departments include some type of core value in their mission state- ment, purpose, or departmental objectives. These core values vary from department to de- partment based on the leading principals and expectations set forth by the department head. While some departments provide a short list of core values (Courage, Honor, Integrity), others utilize a succinct description of values. For example, the Los Angeles Police Department’s core values are: • Service to Our Communities • Reverence for the Law • Commitment to Leadership • Integrity in All We Say and Do • Respect for People • Quality Through Continuous Improvement [1] continued on page 18

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