Broward County Sheriff's Policy Manual PDF

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2.2 OATHS AND ETHICS: A. All personnel employed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), regardless of assignment, have the fundamental duty to maintain the public trust and to provide accurate, effective and efficient service to all membe...

SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2.2 OATHS AND ETHICS: A. All personnel employed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), regardless of assignment, have the fundamental duty to maintain the public trust and to provide accurate, effective and efficient service to all members of the general public, all governmental representatives and to other BSO employees. Employees are expected to treat others with respect, dignity and consideration and to: 1. Uphold all requirements of their respective positions as regulated by legislative mandates. 2. Promote an organizational culture that encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with legislation governing ethics and the Sheriff’s policy on standards of conduct. B. Violation of this section may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Sheriff’s Policy Manual. C. Ethics training will be provided to all employees at least biennially. 2.2.1 Employee Oath: A. All employees before assuming their BSO duties will be required to sign an oath in accordance with Florida Statutes 876.05 as follows: "I, ____, a citizen of the State of Florida and of the United States of America, and being employed by or an officer of BSO and a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida." B. If a non-citizen takes the oath, that portion of the oath that pertains to citizenry may be deleted by the employee by substituting appropriate words. 2.2.2 Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff Oath: Before assuming a sworn status, all law enforcement deputy sheriffs will be required to take the following oath of office: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the state; and that I will 2.2 09/12/2013  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL well and faithfully perform the duties of deputy sheriff of Broward County, on which I am about to enter. So help me God." 2.2.3 Detention Deputy/Cross-Certified Detention Deputy Oaths: Before assuming a sworn detention deputy status or sworn cross-certified detention deputy status, all detention deputies or cross-certified detention deputies will be required to take the following applicable oath of office: A. Detention Deputy: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the state; and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of detention deputy of Broward County, on which I am about to enter. So help me God." B. Cross-Certified Detention Deputy: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the state; and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties, pursuant to my job description, of detention deputy of Broward County, on which I am about to enter. So help me God." 2.2.4 Civilian Code of Ethics: Civilian employees will adopt this Civilian Code of Ethics as their general standard of conduct observing the general precepts of honesty and integrity. As an employee, I will: A. Perform assigned duties with professionalism, striving for the highest standards of excellence in the performance of such duties. B. Provide prompt, accurate, courteous service to members of the general public, governmental representatives and to other agency employees within the scope of my assigned duties. C. Recognize that as an employee, it is my duty to ensure that my actions maintain the public’s faith in the Broward Sheriff's Office. D. Not permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities, or friendships to influence decisions made or actions taken within the scope of my position. E. Uphold all other mandated legislative requirements of my position as a governmental employee and that of my chosen profession. 2.2 09/12/2013  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL 2.2.5 Law Enforcement Code of Ethics: Law enforcement deputy sheriffs will adopt the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as their general standard of conduct, to wit: A. As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve humanity; safeguard lives and property; protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and respect the constitutional rights of all people to liberty, equality, and justice. B. I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my office. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty. C. I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence my decision. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence, and never accepting gratuities. D. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession, law enforcement. 2.2.6 Detention Code of Ethics: The Department of Detention and Community Programs expects of its deputies, staff, contractors, and volunteers unfailing honesty, respect for the dignity and individuality of persons, and commitment to professional and compassionate service. To comply with this, detention deputies will adhere to the following: A. Respect and protect the civil and legal rights of all people; treat each professional situation with concern for the person's welfare, with no intent of personal gain; respect the importance of all criminal justice system disciplines and work to improve cooperation with each segment; respect and protect the public's right to be safeguarded from criminal activity; report to appropriate authorities any corrupt or unethical behavior where there is sufficient cause to initiate a review; in public statements, clearly distinguish between personal views and statements or positions made on behalf of BSO; subject to a person's right to privacy, honor 2.2 09/12/2013  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL the public's right to know and share information with the public to the extent permitted by law; and preserve the integrity of private information and not seek data on persons beyond that needed to perform responsibilities or reveal nonpublic data unless expressly authorized to do so. B. Not use their positions to secure personal privileges or advantages; while acting in an official capacity, not allow personal interest to impair objectivity in the performance of duty; not enter into any activity or agreement (formal or informal) presenting a conflict of interest or inconsistent with the conscientious performance of duties; not accept any gift, service, or favor that is or appears to be improper or implies an obligation inconsistent with the free and objective exercise of professional duties; and not discriminate against any person because of race, gender, creed, national origin, religious affiliation, age, or any type of prohibited discrimination. C. Relationships with colleagues will be such that they promote mutual respect within the profession and improve the quality of service. Public criticism of colleagues or their agencies will be made only when warranted, verifiable, and constructive. D. Detention deputies responsible for personnel actions will make all appointments, promotions, or dismissals per established rules, applicable contract agreements, individual merit, and not in the furtherance of partisan interest. 2.2.7 Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Code of Ethics: A. Firefighters/paramedics fundamental duty is to serve humanity; safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster; and maintain a proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering and emergency medical service. B. Firefighters/paramedics will uphold the standards of their profession, continually search for new and improved methods, and share their knowledge and skills with contemporaries and descendants. C. Firefighters/paramedics will never allow personal feelings, nor danger to themselves, deter them from responsibilities as a firefighter/ paramedic. D. Firefighters/paramedics will at all times, respect the property and rights of all people, laws of their community and country, and chosen way of life of fellow citizens. 2.2 09/12/2013  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL E. Firefighters/paramedics will recognize the badge of their office as a symbol of public faith and accept it as a public trust to be held so long as they are true to the ethics of the fire service. F. Firefighters/paramedics will constantly strive to achieve the objectives and ideals, dedicating themselves to their chosen profession - saving of life, fire prevention, and fire suppression. G. Firefighters/paramedics as members of the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services will accept this self-imposed and self-enforced obligation as their responsibility. 2.2 09/12/2013  SHERIFF’S POLICY MANUAL THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK 2.2 09/12/2013