Code of Ethics

As Troopers of the Delaware State Police, our 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.

 We swear to keep our 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. We 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 our personal and official life, we will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of the department. Whatever we see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to us in our official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of our duty. 

We will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence our decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, we 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. We recognize the badge of our office as a symbol of public faith, and we accept it as a public trust to be held so long as we are true to the ethics of police service. We will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will we condone such acts by other police officers. We will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. 

We know that us alone are responsible for our own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve our level of knowledge and competence.