Mission Statement & Code of Ethics

Mission Statement

Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, the Hopewell Township Police Department serves as guardians to the Hopewell Valley community by enforcing the law, maintaining order and protecting the lives, property and rights of all people. We shall carry out our duties with reverence for human life and with compassion and respect for everyone. 


Vision

Our vision is to create an environment, through a partnership with our community, where people are free to live their lives safe from fear of crime, and confident in the fact that we will be there when they need us. 


Core Values

We Value:

1.    Integrity - We recognize integrity is the foundation of Community trust. We will

       demonstrate ethical and honest behavior, which is a critical requirement for each member

       of this department. Do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.

2.    Empathy - We value our relationships and respect the differences, opinions, perspectives

       and beliefs of others. By our ability to see a situation from another’s perspective, we are

       able to reduce conflict and find solutions.

3.    Accountability - We are accountable to each other and to the people we serve. This will be

       achieved through oversight and transparency. We understand the importance of

       accountability in maintaining public trust and confidence in our department.

4.    Respect - We will treat all people with dignity and respect. In order to get respect, we must

       give respect. We must give in order to receive.

5.    Service - This profession is one of service. Service to others and the community for which

       we took an oath to guard and protect. One we do not take lightly.


Code of Ethics

All employees shall read and abide by the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.


As a law enforcement employee, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.


I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.


I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.


I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession...law enforcement.