Current through Register Vol. 6, March 22, 2024
(1) All public
safety officers who have been appointed by any appointing authority in Montana,
or who have been certified by POST, or who have attended an MLEA basic class
must abide by the code of ethics contained herein.
(2) All public safety officers hired or sworn
before this rule's effective date are also bound by the code of ethics
contained in this rule. Continued service as a public safety officer in Montana
constitutes an agreement to be bound by this code of ethics. Failure to comply
with or violation of any part of the code of ethics may be grounds for denial,
suspension, sanction, or revocation of any POST certificate.
(3) The public safety officers' code of
ethics is:
(a) "My fundamental responsibility
as a public safety officer is to serve the community, safeguard lives and
property, protect the innocent, keep the peace, and ensure the constitutional
rights of all are not abridged;
(b)
"I will perform all duties impartially, without favor or ill will and without
regard to status, sex, race, religion, creed, political belief or aspiration. I
will treat all citizens equally and with courtesy, consideration, and dignity.
I will never allow personal feelings, animosities, or friendships to influence
my official conduct;
(c) "I will
enforce or apply all laws and regulations appropriately, courteously, and
responsibly;
(d) "I will never
employ unnecessary force or violence, and will use only such force in the
discharge of my duties as is objectively reasonable in all circumstances. I
will refrain from applying unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will
never engage in cruel, degrading, or inhuman treatment of any person;
(e) "Whatever I see, hear, or learn, which is
of a confidential nature, I will keep in confidence unless the performance of
duty or legal provision requires otherwise;
(f) "I will not engage in nor will I condone
any acts of corruption, bribery, or criminal activity; and will disclose to the
appropriate authorities all such acts. I will refuse to accept any gifts,
favors, gratuities, or promises that could be interpreted as favor or cause me
to refrain from performing my official duties;
(g) "I will strive to work in unison with all
legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of
justice;
(h) "I will be responsible
for my professional development and will take reasonable steps to improve my
level of knowledge and competence;
(i) "I will at all times ensure that my
character and conduct is admirable and will not bring discredit to my
community, my agency, or my chosen profession."
