The mission of the Visalia Police Department is to provide quality police services, in partnership with our community, through the effective and responsible use of resources.

Organizational Philosophy

As members of the Visalia Police Department, we believe that the protection of life and property is our highest priority. To this end, we are committed to forging an alliance with our citizens and community guests to encourage problem solving, communication, and trust.

We will always strive to attain the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior while committing ourselves to the best interests of the community we serve.

By protecting the rights and dignity of all persons, and recognizing that our employees are our single most important asset, we will meet the mandates of our mission.

We Value

It is sometimes stated that if a person does not stand for something, they stand for nothing! As an organization we stand for, believe in, and value:

• Partnerships: It is extremely important that we develop and maintain partnerships with those we serve. Understanding their needs and employing their assistance is of paramount value to us.

• Team Work: We respect each other as contributing individuals to our mission and, as such, we take the time to demonstrate it. Regardless of each person’s position within the department, all are important and integral to our commitment to deliver proactive and collaborative problem-solving methodologies in our community. We recognize the importance of teamwork as effective and necessary in order to maximize resources and ultimately, to the delivery of high quality service.

• Individual Worth and Dignity: We recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of each member of our organization. We value the contribution made and the synergy created by different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to treating each and every person within our organization and our community with respect and dignity.

• Commitment to Service: We put our citizens, business community and community guests first. Our organization responds to the needs of these individuals because they are our valued customers! We are committed to facilitating change, enabling, and problem-solving.

• Integrity and Trust: We honor our word and keep our commitments. If we say it, we mean it! We are worthy of community trust and each other’s as well.

• Research and Development: We clearly understand that the needs of a dynamic, ever changing community and country are of paramount importance. Within our organization, we foster an environment that encourages enquiry, experimentation and creative problem-solving. Because of our commitment to innovation and constant improvement, our employees are provided with the opportunity to develop and experience personal and professional growth.

• Performance: We value quality performance. Just as in any other customer based operation, performance is important to the professional delivery of services. Our department is proud of the professionalism, competency and dedication that exists throughout the organization.

• Planning: We place great emphasis on our ability to deliver services in a cost efficient and well analyzed manner. We will always plan for the future based upon trends, both social and economical.

• Accountability: We have been entrusted to do the best job possible and are accountable to our citizens, community guests, City Council and City Manager.

  
  
  

What we value as an organization will be reflected through our commitment to a new approach for serving our community, which is most commonly known as Community Oriented Policing.

Our Vision

It is often stated that where there is no vision, the people perish. We are living in a dynamic time where nothing remains static. Change is inevitable! There is absolutely no question why an organization that is not prepared to service the needs of a diverse community is an organization that is not representing the best interests of those it serves.

We choose to be an organization that recognizes and embraces change - an organization that takes a leadership role in critically and methodically identifying societal trends at the local, state and federal level - one that other agencies look to as a leader in effective law enforcement, community service and, ultimately, Community Policing.

We envision a community where its citizens feel free to enjoy their lives in an environment that is free from the concerns of crime. Visalia will be a community that works collaboratively with our agency by identifying and addressing concerns that, left unattended, would otherwise adversely affect our neighborhoods and business districts. Our citizens and community guests deserve and should expect nothing but the very best service from our department. By empowering officers at the lowest level possible in the organization, we envision a community where our citizens are comfortable in their relationships with the police. This relationship will ultimately translate into reduced crime and an enhanced relationship between our department and our customer, the community.

As part of our vision for the future of this department and our relationship with those we serve, there are several other considerations.

In an era of shrinking revenues and increased demands for service, we must streamline our operation and make it more efficient. We must maximize our existing resources and, in fact, identify those that we have yet to consider.

Roles and responsibilities of department managers, supervisors and employees must be clear. Effective, open and courteous communication between our community, other city departments and each other is, and will continue to be, of utmost importance. It is through this type of communication that our best product can be realized. As we move through the change process, it will become extremely important to include all the stakeholders, inclusive of department staff, citizens, resource holders, city employees and other governmental agencies, in the change process.

Our department clearly understands that our employees are our single most important asset. An asset that is crucial if we are to realize our vision of an organization that is community centered and focused on collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, management and staff of our department place significant emphasis on the importance of maintaining an organization that reflects, at all levels, the community it serves. Our demographics are representative of a changing nation and everyone will have a place at the table.

Our plan for meeting this vision will always be predicated on the fact that our citizens and community guests are our end users. Through the implementation of a sound and well-grounded community oriented policing program, it is anticipated that we will realize a productive relationship with those we serve and, ultimately, a better, safer community.

This vision is based on a value system from which we conduct our business and is the foundation for our commitment to our community.

This code is used by:

• Visalia Police Department
  Archived 8/13/2000