Associate Jan/Feb 2014

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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.

Matthew May

The Importance of

Core Values

in the Law Enforcement

Profession

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

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