Embracing Authentic Integrity

Sep 16

To act authentically means to be genuine and without question.

Upholding integrity means embodying honesty and adhering to strong moral principles.

Together, these qualities define authentic integrity: a strong and unwavering dedication to truthfulness.

Strengthening a department’s culture of trust starts with individuals who embody and uphold authentic integrity in their choices and actions. For leaders, this means aligning actions with words and values. Demonstrating honesty in all interactions and decisions fosters trust and respect, both within the department and in the broader community.

Serving in law enforcement requires upholding integrity without exception, as it forms the foundation for earning respect, building trust, and creating partnerships with the public. Accountability requires courage, fairness, and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s challenging. For the Decatur Police Department, this unwavering dedication to integrity and accountability ensures that trust remains central to every mission and decision.

Self-Assessment:
Embracing Authentic Integrity

Please take a few moments to think about the following self-reflection questions. Where can you identify opportunities for personal growth in your leadership approach?

Do I consistently follow through on my promises and commitments to my colleagues, supervisors, and the community?
Can my department rely on me to be dependable and trustworthy in all situations, including under pressure?
Am I honest and transparent in my communications, even when it involves delivering difficult messages?
Do I admit my mistakes and take responsibility for my actions when things go wrong?
Are my actions and decisions aligned with my personal values and the department’s code of ethics?
Do I serve as a role model for integrity and ethical behavior for my fellow officers?
Do I regularly seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to improve my integrity and leadership?
Do I maintain integrity in high-stress or morally complex situations?

This self-assessment is a starting point for evaluating your capacity for authentic integrity. Reflect on your responses, identify areas for growth, and seek feedback from your ECFL coach or a trusted mentor to strengthen your leadership on and off duty.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Policing Code of Ethics is a guide for law enforcement professionals, highlighting the importance of integrity, accountability, and respect for others. It sets clear expectations for protecting communities, upholding rights, and ensuring fairness in every action. For leaders, this code serves as a reminder that ethical decision-making isn’t just about personal conduct—it’s also about setting an example and guiding others to do the same. Let’s take a closer look at the Code of Ethics, explore steps for leading with integrity, and reflect on some key questions about how these principles apply in your daily work.

IACP Policing Code of Ethics

As a sworn officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community by safeguarding lives and property against threats that could take advantage of or harm members of my community or otherwise impact peace and order. I will uphold the Constitution and honor the rights of all to life, liberty, equality, and justice. I will never employ unnecessary force. I will respect the privacy of people and communities that I serve, and I will fully obey the laws that I am sworn to enforce.

I will live by example, remembering that my character and conduct, on-duty and off, directly influence the legitimacy of the policing profession. I will exercise self-restraint and maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, and ridicule and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others as well as my own well-being.

I will never act officiously or permit bias or personal gain to influence my decisions. I will strive to protect the vulnerable from harm. If this fails, I will seek to identify and apprehend offenders, professionally and appropriately holding them to account. I will not solicit or accept any gifts, bribes, or anything of value from any person or entity that may create a perception of benefit or influence my performance as a public servant.

I recognize my shield of 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 not engage in or condone acts of corruption, take advantage of circumstances for personal gain, or accept gratuities, and I promise to intervene when met with any unjustifiable acts by members of my profession. 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 professional performance and conduct and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.

I will constantly strive to achieve these principles, dedicating myself to my chosen profession… policing.

“They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

— Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

What Would You Do?

Acting with integrity as a leader often involves navigating nuanced situations where the best course of action isn’t immediately clear. Below are three scenarios that illustrate common challenges your department might face. As you read each scenario, consider the potential responses, review the likely outcomes, and reflect on how the situation might have turned out had you chosen differently.

Scenario 1: Addressing Misconduct Within the Department

You receive a report that a well-respected officer may have been cutting corners on paperwork, potentially compromising the accuracy of case documentation.

This approach avoids conflict and keeps the officer’s reputation intact. However, it may send a message to the department that accountability is negotiable, potentially undermining trust and encouraging similar behavior in the future.
Although this approach may be uncomfortable initially, it reinforces the department’s commitment to integrity. It also shows that mistakes are addressed constructively, maintaining fairness and trust across the department.

Scenario 2: Responding to a Community Complaint

During a community meeting, a resident accuses an officer of being dismissive and rude during a recent interaction. The officer is present and appears visibly upset by the claim, stating it’s untrue. The room grows tense as attendees watch to see how you’ll handle the situation.

While this may appear transparent, it risks escalating emotions on both sides, especially if the officer feels cornered or the resident feels invalidated. The meeting may lose focus, and neither side is likely to feel satisfied with the resolution.
This approach allows emotions to settle and ensures that the complaint is taken seriously without embarrassing or alienating anyone in the moment. By resolving the issue thoughtfully and transparently, trust is preserved both within the department and with the community.

Scenario 3: Disagreement with a Partner on a Call

You and a partner respond to a call involving a minor dispute between neighbors. Your partner suggests letting the involved parties “figure it out themselves” instead of filing a formal report, citing how trivial the incident seems and the unnecessary paperwork it would create.

While this saves time, if the dispute escalates or one of the neighbors later claims the police didn’t take their concerns seriously, it could reflect poorly on both you and the department. The lack of documentation also makes it harder to address future incidents involving the same parties.
This approach takes slightly more effort but ensures accountability and professionalism. It also prevents potential issues down the line and demonstrates your commitment to doing the job right.

Daily Integrity Practices for Officers

Demonstrating integrity starts with small actions. As you read through the following statements, evaluate your personal level of honesty and ethical behavior. Use a mental scale of always, sometimes, or not very often as you reflect:

Do You:

Give credit to fellow officers and colleagues for their contributions?
Establish honest two-way communication with supervisors, peers, and community members?
Uphold a strong sense of right and wrong, consistently striving to do what’s right?
Set high personal standards of integrity, even in high-pressure scenarios?
Arrive at work prepared and remain focused for the entirety of your shift?
Keep your word on all matters, including follow-ups with the public and your team?
Model honesty for fellow officers, recruits, and the community?
Respond to calls, emails, and citizen inquiries in a timely and respectful manner?
Promise only what you know you can deliver?
Show respect for the ideas and input of others, whether from colleagues or community members?
Work collaboratively, recognizing the value of others’ efforts?

Or Do You:

Make commitments you may not be able to fulfill?
Allow ethical standards to slip when trying to meet department goals?
Rationalize questionable behavior by focusing on the outcome rather than the means?
Embellish your contributions to appear more valuable within the department?
Hold different ethical standards than what the department expects?
Show up late, leave early, or misuse time intended for department duties?
Rationalize inappropriate conduct because of external pressures or personal stressors?

How Did You Do?
Honest self-reflection is the first step toward strengthening your integrity as an officer and leader.

In law enforcement, authentic integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership and community trust. At the Decatur Police Department, the core values of dedication, duty, and honor serve as guiding principles for every decision and action. By living these values daily, officers and leaders build a culture of trust and respect that supports their mission to protect and serve with integrity. As you reflect on the lessons in this section, consider how your actions today can continue to uphold these values and strengthen both your department and your community.

“Integrity is what people do when no one else is looking. It is total commitment to honesty in every aspect of a person’s life. Integrity goes to the core of conduct, what people believe in their heart of hearts. It cannot be bought, claimed, or bestowed. It does not come with office, title, or appointment. It simply exists. The person who has integrity rarely claims it. The person who claims it rarely has it. Integrity is best manifested quietly in day-to-day living and in the workplace. It cannot be stolen or taken away; however, it can be lost. Integrity is more valuable than riches, awards, or world acclaim. It should be treasured above all things, for after integrity comes decency, honor, trust, and principle.”

— Mr. Jere Joiner, retired captain, Shreveport, Louisiana, Police Department