Statement of Purpose

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We, the members of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, are committed to excellence in law enforcement and are dedicated to the people, traditions and diversity of our County. In order to protect life and property, prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime, we will provide service with understanding, response with compassion, performance with integrity and law enforcement with vision.

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Our Statement of Values

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These values guide the operation of the Patrol Division and the conduct of its members. These are our fundamental beliefs from which our agency sets policy, delivers services and implements programs. Values set standards for our members in executing their public safety duties. These values guide our actions.

• Our highest priority is the protection of human life. There is no more important priority to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division than the protection of human life. This belief is reflected in every aspect of police conduct. Our highest priority will always be the protection of human life. In violent situations, we are committed in using all reasonable means to prevent injury to the public.

• We believe that, while crime prevention is our principal goal, we should vigorously pursue those who commit serious crimes. The Patrol Division’s primary focus must be crime prevention. However, when crimes do occur, the Patrol Division must react with vigorous law enforcement, moving aggressively toward arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator. Vigorous law enforcement is an important deterrent to serious crime.

• We treat members of the public with respect and dignity. We maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in all actions. We will treat all those we serve in a compassionate, sensitive, courteous and professional manner, regardless of sex, race, lifestyle or reason for police contact. The integrity of the Patrol Division must not be compromised. There can be no question or suspicion among the citizenry regarding Patrol Division ethics. Professionalism requires impeccable conduct, careful protection of all citizens' rights and the maintenance of high levels of accountability from all members of the Patrol Division.

• We are committed to solving neighborhood problems. We care about the quality of life in the county’s neighborhoods and believe that our services must answer their needs. The Patrol Division will provide a rapid and effective response to life-threatening situations and other public safety emergencies. Yet, we must seek new ways to address the contemporary neighborhood problems of crime, fear of crime, disorder, and physical and social decay. We are committed to providing a highly visible presence in all the County’s neighborhoods.