Values
This Mission Statement is built on values inherent to the Department. We believe in:

• Human Life
  We value human life and dignity above all else. Therefore:
  • We give first priority to situations which threaten life.
  • We use force only when necessary.
  • We treat all persons with courtesy and respect.
  • We are compassionate and caring.

• Integrity
  We believe integrity is the basis for community trust. Therefore:
  • We are honest and truthful.
  • We are consistent in our beliefs and actions.
  • We hold ourselves to high standards of moral and ethical conduct.
  • We are role models for the community.

• Laws and Constitution
  We believe in the principles embodied in our Constitution. We recognize the authority of Federal, State and local laws. Therefore:
  • We respect and protect the rights of all citizens.
  • We treat all persons fairly and without favoritism.
  • We are knowledgeable of the law.
  • We enforce the law.
  • We obey the law.

• Accountability
  We are accountable to each other and to the citizens we serve, who are the source of our authority. Therefore:
  • We communicate openly and honestly among ourselves and with the community.
  • We understand the importance of community values and expectations.
  • We are responsive to community concerns.
  • We acknowledge our mistakes and are open to constructive criticism.
  • We manage our resources effectively.
  • We thoroughly investigate complaints against our employees.

• Cooperation
  . Therefore:
  • We work as a team.
  • We understand our role in achieving Department and community goals and objectives.
  • We share our responsibility to serve the citizens of Keego Harbor with the many other agencies and organizations that make up the City.
  • We strive to understand those who disagree with us.
  • We seek the help and cooperation of others.
  • We seek to resolve conflicts.
  • We rely on community support and involvement.
  • We work toward realistic, mutually agreed upon goals.

• Problem Solving
  We are most effective when we help identify and solve community problems. Therefore:
  • We work to anticipate and prevent problems.
  • We give a high priority to preventing crime and helping citizens feel safe.
  • We actively seek opinions and ideas from others.
  • We plan, analyze, and evaluate.
  • We recognize that crime is a community problem.
  • We listen to problems and complaints with understanding and sensitivity.
  • We seek innovative solutions.

• Employees (Us)
  We are capable, caring people who are doing important and satisfying work for the citizens of Keego Harbor. Therefore:
  • We respect, care about, trust and support each other.
  • We enjoy our work and take pride in our accomplishments.
  • We are disciplined and reliable.
  • We keep our perspective and sense of humor.
  • We balance our professional and personal lives.
  • We consult the people who will be affected by our decisions.
  • We have a positive, 'can do' attitude.
  • We cultivate our best characteristics: Initiative, Enthusiasm, Creativity, Patience, Competence, Judgment.

• Excellence
  We strive for personal and professional excellence. Therefore:
  • We do our best.
  • We have a vision of the future.
  • We seek adequate resources: staffing, facilities, equipment, training, salaries and benefits.
  • We recruit and hire only the best people.
  • We train and develop our employees to their highest potential.
  • We are committed to fair and equitable personnel practices.
  • We provide organizational mobility.
  • We recognize and reward good performance.
  • We support reasonable risk-taking and are tolerant of honest mistakes.
  • We are receptive to new ideas and to change.

We Lead By Example.

The Keego Harbor Police Department also uses the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics (revised, 1991).

This code is used by:

• Keego Harbor Police Department
  Archived 9/16/2000