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Value-Based Rules: Practicing What You Preach

NCJ Number
158154
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 62 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1995) Pages: 120-122,125-129
Author(s)
T Guequierre
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents and explains the rules and codes of conduct of the Whitewater, Wisc., Police Department, which has divided its 71 rules among the nine values stated in the agency's mission and values statement.
Abstract
The agency developed its mission and values statement in late 1992 and early 1993. The document was framed and hung in the agency, released to the local newspaper, and inserted in the front of the departmental policy books. However, the agency believed that more needed to be done to give the document the desired significance and impact. Therefore, it incorporated the mission and values statements into the document presenting its rules, regulation, and codes of conduct. This document was issued in May 1994. Its format and wording emphasize that rules and regulations and codes of conduct are a natural extension of the mission and values statement. Each value explains why the agency has the rule, and the rule shows that the agency will honor its value. Like all its policies, this document went through a departmental review process. The rules are listed under the following nine values: (1) preserve and advance democratic values, (2) improve the quality of community life, (3) compassion, (4) professionalism, (5) pride, (6) teamwork, (7) commitment, (8) excellence, and (9) quality service.