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River Forest Police Department
Mission Statement
More than 150 years ago, Sir Robert Peel declared
nine principles of modern policing - principles that remain unsurpassed in
describing the essence of "community policing":
The basic mission for which the police exist is to
prevent crime and disorder.
The ability of the police to perform their duties
is dependent upon public approval of police actions.
Police must secure the willing cooperation of the
public in voluntary observance of the law to be able to secure and maintain
the respect of the public.
The degree of cooperation of the public that can
be secured diminishes proportionally to the necessity of the use of force.
Police seek and preserve public favor not by
catering to public opinion but by constantly demonstrating absolute impartial
service to the law.
Police use physical force to the extent necessary
to secure observance of the law or to restore order only when exercise of
persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient.
Police at all times should maintain a relationship
with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition: the police are
the public and the public are the police. The police being only full-time
individuals charged with the duties that are incumbent on all of the citizens.
Police should always direct their actions strictly
towards their functions and never appear to usurp the powers of the judiciary.
The test of police efficiency is the absence of
crime and disorder, not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with
it.
Mission
The mission of the River Forest Police Department is
to provide professional, high quality and effective police service in
partnership with the community. We, the members of the River Forest Police
Department, believe that our work has a vital impact on the quality of life in
our community. To demonstrate our commitment to our profession, we subscribe to
the following values:
- Integrity
Firm adherence to a code of moral values; behavior characterized by honesty,
uprightness and sincerity. Public trust can only exist with our integrity and
respect for one another. The foundation of the River Forest Police Department is
the high level of integrity of its employees.
- Commitment to Employees
The department recognizes that its employees are vital to the successful
delivery of police services. We believe we can achieve our highest potential by
actively involving our employees in solving problems and improving police
services. We support an organizational climate of mutual trust and respect.
- Community Partnership
Recognizing that police agencies were established as a result of society's
voluntary limitation of personal freedoms, we encourage and expect the
participation of the community in facilitating solutions to problems of mutual
concern. We therefore solicit and support contributions from all members of
this community regardless of their race, sex, creed, national origin or social
status.
- Community Sensitive Policing
Department members shall uphold laws in an ethical, impartial, courteous, and
professional manner while respecting the rights and dignity of all persons. We
shall strive to achieve a balance between enforcement and community needs which
reflects both the spirit and the letter of the law.
- Professionalism
Recognizing the changing and diverse needs of the community, the Department
promotes and encourages a policy of professional and individual excellence which
is delivered and enhanced by continuing education and training.
We realize fully that the expression of ideas is
meaningless unless actively practiced. The integrity and professionalism
demanded of members of the River Forest Police Department shall ensure the
proper, lawful, and unbiased application of police powers.
This code is used by:
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