Code of Ethics of the Office of Sheriff

As a constitutionally/statutorily elected sheriff, I recognize and accept that I am given a special trust and confidence by the citizens whom I have been elected to serve, represent, and by the employees I manage. This trust and confidence is my bond to ensure that I shall behave and act according to the highest personal and professional standards. In furtherance of this pledge, I will abide by the following Code of Ethics.

I shall ensure that I and my employees, in the performance of our duties, will enforce and administer the law according to the standards of the U.S. Constitution and applicable state constitutions and statutes so that equal protection of the law is guaranteed to everyone. To that end I shall not permit personal opinion, party affiliations, or consideration of the status of others to alter or lessen this standard of treatment of equal protection under the law.

I shall establish, promulgate, and enforce a set of standards of behavior of my employees which will govern the overall management and operation of the law enforcement functions, court related activities, and corrections operations of my agency.

I shall not tolerate nor condone brutal or inhumane treatment of others by my employees nor shall I permit or condone inhumane or brutal treatment of inmates in my care and custody.

I strictly adhere to standards of fairness and integrity in the conduct of campaigns for election to the Office of Sheriff and I shall conform to all applicable statutory standards of election financing and reporting so that the Office of Sheriff is not harmed by the actions of myself or others.

I shall routinely conduct or have conducted an internal and external audit of the public funds entrusted to my care and publish this information so that citizens can be informed about my stewardship of these funds.

I shall follow the accepted principles of efficient and effective administration and management as the principal criteria for my judgments and decisions in the allocation of resources and services in law enforcement, court related, and corrections functions of my office.

I shall hire and promote only those employees or others who are the very best candidates for a position according to accepted standards of objectivity and merit. I shall not permit other factors to influence my hiring or promotion practice of the Office of Sheriff.

I shall ensure that all employees are granted and receive relevant training supervision in the performance of their duties so that competent and excellent service is provided by the Office of Sheriff.

I shall ensure that during my tenure as sheriff, I shall not use the Office of Sheriff for private gain.

I accept and adhere to this code of ethics. In so doing, I also accept responsibility for encouraging others in my profession to abide by this Code.