|
The Swatara
Township Police Department is committed to serving the community while protecting the rights of all persons.
Consistent with this commitment, the Department's
Vision, Mission and
Core Values, in concert with the Law
Enforcement Code of Ethics and the Department's
Management Principles, reflect the guiding philosophy of
the Swatara Township Police Department.
It is the vision
of the Swatara Township Police Department to, as closely
as possible, achieve a Township free from crime and
public disorder.
The Swatara
Township Police Department provides protection to an
area of about 14.6 square miles between Harrisburg and
Hershey, Pennsylvania. Approximately 24,000 people
call Swatara Township home.
At full
complement, the Department has 43 full time police
officers. The Patrol Division is comprised of
three platoons having a Sergeant, a Corporal and eight
Patrol Officers. There are seven full time
detectives, including a Sergeant, a Juvenile Officer, a
Forensics Technician, and a drug task force
investigator.
Swatara Police Officers participate in several county
and regional teams. To find out more
click here.
To view an organizational chart of
the Department click here.
To view a list of officers, past and present, who serve
the community of Swatara Township
click here.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission for every member of the Swatara Township
Police Department is to affirmatively promote, within
available resources and engaging in lawful police
functions, a feeling of security and safety for every
member of our community. The department endeavors
to reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime
through prevention strategies and the identification,
apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders.
This mission is a
commitment to quality performance from all members.
It is critical that all members understand, accept and
be aligned with the responsibilities established by this
mission. It provides the foundation upon which all
decisions and organizational directives will be based.
Directives include rules, regulations, operating
policies, procedures, customs and practices.
This mission represents
the commitment of this administration to the concepts of
quality performance management. In other words,
members are expected to work consistently in a quality
manner in the daily performance of those duties, job
responsibilities and work tasks associated with this
mission. Quality manner means that performance
outcomes comply with the performance standards
established for the Swatara Township Police Department
and for each associated member. Examples of
performance standards include the oath of office, code
of ethics rules, policies, procedures, directives,
general and supervisory orders, work productivity and
behavior.
Members are required to
accept the responsibility for the achievement of this
mission and publicly register their commitment to it and
to the concept of quality service.
VALUE STATEMENT
Duty and Honor:
Enhancing our professionalism by continuously improving
our service through teamwork, loyalty, and a positive
and approachable attitude.
Professionalism:
We owe to ourselves a positive work atmosphere by
promoting teamwork, training, and safety while
encouraging personal and professional development.
Integrity:
Soundness, the firm adherence to a code of moral values,
incorruptibility, and completeness. We demonstrate
personal integrity and the courage of our convictions.
We will not sacrifice principle for expediency, be
hypocritical or act in an unscrupulous manner.
Trust: Is
a result of honest behavior between each other and
acceptance of others' judgments and abilities. To
be a fair and respectful partner in solving the problems
and issues that affects our community.
Caring: To
be sensitive to the needs of others and demonstrate
compassion for all people.
Respect:
To consider ALL people worthy of high regard. We
demonstrate respect for human dignity and appreciation
for the privacy rights of all. We manifest
commitment to justice, equal treatment of individuals
tolerance for and acceptance of diversity.
Loyalty:
Proactively supporting the organization, its membership
and its goals, and being held accountable for our
conduct as well as for the conduct of our peers and /or
subordinates.
CODE OF ETHICS
As a law enforcement
officer, my fundamental obligation is to serve the
public's needs. While I consider the way I choose
to conduct my private affairs, a personal freedom, I
accept the responsibilities for my actions, as well as
inactions, while on or off duty, when those actions
bring disrepute on the public image of the Swatara
Township Police Department, my fellow workers and the
law enforcement profession.
I vow to perform all my
duties in a professional and competent manner. I
consider the abilities to be courageous in the face of
danger and to exercise restraint in the use of my powers
and authority to be the ultimate public trust. I
accept that I must consistently strive to achieve
excellence in learning the necessary knowledge and
skills associated with my duties. I will keep
myself physically fit and mentally alert so that I am
capable of performing my duties according to the
standards of quality expected of my position.
I vow to be fully
truthful and honest in my dealings with others. I
deplore lies and half-truths that mislead or do not
fully inform those who must depend on my honesty.
I will obey the very laws that members of my police
department are sworn to uphold. I will seek
affirmative ways to comply with the standards of my
agency and the lawful directions of my superiors.
I vow to treat others
with courtesy at all times. I consider it a
professional weakness to allow another's behavior to
dictate my response. I will not allow others'
actions or failings to be my excuse for not performing
my duties in a responsible, professional and expected
manner.
I vow to empathize with
the problems of people with whom I come into daily
contact. However, I cannot allow my personal
feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to
influence the discretionary authorities entrusted to my
job. I will affirmatively seek ways to avoid
conflicts and potential conflicts of interest that could
compromise my official authority or public image.
I hold the authority
inherent in my position to be affirmative of the
public's trust in me as a public servant. I do not
take this trust lightly. As long as I remain in
this position, I will dedicate myself to maintaining
this trust and upholding all the ideals of my
profession.
 |
