Mission Statement and Core Values
The mission of the Dover Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the Town of Dover by working in partnership with our diverse community to enforce the law, preserve peace, and maintain order.
The Dover Police Department’s Core Values are;
INTEGRITY * RESPECT * PROFESSIONALISM
Integrity
Integrity, the adherence to moral and ethical principles and the consistency of actions which are value-based, is our standard. We will conduct ourselves in a manner that gains the trust and respect of those whom we serve.
Respect
We treat all persons in a dignified and courteous manner, and exhibit understanding of ethnic and cultural diversity, in both our professional and personal endeavors. We guarantee to uphold the principles and values embodied in the constitutions of the United States and the State of New Jersey.
Professionalism
Our conduct and demeanor display the highest standard of personal and organizational excellence. As a professional organization, we are guided by our "Code of Ethics."
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.