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SCDPS - Code of Ethics

WHEREAS, the Department of Public Safety is a law enforcement agency: and,

WHEREAS, the citizens of South Carolina have the right to expect ethical conduct from those whose duty it is to enforce the laws of the state and country; and,

WHEREAS, this duty falls upon all the employees of the Department of Public Safety;

THEREFORE the employees subscribe to the following Code of Ethics.

As a public employee, I believe public service is an honorable profession dedicated to bettering the lives of those I serve and requiring at all times that the public interest be placed above any personal concern.

As a public employee I believe that I should demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, courtesy and fortitude in all my public activities in order to inspire public confidence and trust in public institutions. I will confront and challenge any unethical behavior by my fellow employees and report such behavior to the appropriate supervisor.

The public's opinion about the courtesy, honesty, truthfulness, and personal integrity of public officials and public employees is the premier value sought by citizens. Any individual or collective compromise with respect to these character traits can damage the ability of an agency to perform its tasks or accomplish its mission. .

Therefore, I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions nor will I tolerate such behavior by my fellow employees. I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear, favor, malice or ill will.

As a public employee, I will oppose any discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical handicaps, age, or marital status, in all aspects of personnel policy. I pledge to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness, recognizing that service to the public is beyond service to oneself.