Mission Statement

Our mission, both as a department and as individual officers, is to protect and enhance the quality of life through a Community Policing Operational Philosophy, in partnership with the community. We will strive to promote a safe and secure environment, free from crime and the fear of crime, for all who live, work or visit our community. The members of the Ossian Police Department are dedicated to accomplishing this mission by maintaining public peace and order through fair and impartial enforcement of the law; by fostering an environment of cooperation and trust within our organization and the community; and by challenging the future with a spirit of optimism and innovation. We will provide the community with exemplary professional service by enforcing criminal and traffic laws without prejudice or bias and respecting the rights of all people to assure a safe and secure environment for all.

Philosophy

Crime and public safety are community problems. Therefore, both citizens and law enforcement must work together to solve them. The Community Policing philosophy is based on a partnership between the police and the community whereby, neighborhood problems are reported and solved through a joint effort involving the community, law enforcement and town officials. The implementation and continued practice of this philosophy will promote an enhanced quality of life for all who reside in our community.

Values

The dominant values of the Ossian Police Department are a commitment to employees and a commitment to quality services. As a department and as individuals, we believe in respect for the human dignity of our employees. We mandate that supervisors and peers treat each other fairly, honestly and equally. Through our commitment to quality service, we will meet the public safety needs of the Town of Ossian recognizing the values of fairness, equality and the respect for human dignity.

Code of Ethics

As a law enforcement officer, 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 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 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 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 employ unnecessary force or violence and never accept 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 before God to my chosen profession...law enforcement.

Copyright © 2005 Town of Ossian.  Designed by ThirdWeb Solutions.