Code of Conduct

An Advanced Protection Officer acts as an official representative who is required and trusted to work within the law. The Officer’s powers and duties are conferred by statute. The fundamental duties of the officer include serving the community, safeguarding lives and property, and protecting the innocent.

An Advanced Protection Officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favor of affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration and dignity.

An Advanced Protection Officer will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence his or her conduct. Laws will be enforced appropriately and courteously and, in carrying out their responsibilities, officers will strive to obtain maximum cooperation from the public. They will conduct themselves in appearance and department in such a manner as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of trust they hold.

An Advanced Protection Officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such forces in discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. The use of force should be used only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every APS Officer will refrain from unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment of any person. Whatever an APS Officer sees, hears or learns of that is of a confidential nature will be kept secret unless the performance of duty or legal provision requires otherwise. Members of the public have a right to security and privacy, and information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged.

An Advanced Protection Officer will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will an Officer condone such acts by other APS Officers. Advanced Protection Services demands that the integrity of APS Officers be above reproach. APS Officers must, therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise integrity and that undercut the public confidence. APS Officers will refuse to accept any gifts, presents, subscriptions, favors, gratuities or promises that could be interpreted as seeking to cause the Officer to refrain from performing official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Advanced Protection Officers must not receive private or special advantage from the official status. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be earned and cultivated.

Advanced Protection Services Officers will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice. It is imperative that an APS Officer assist Police fully and completely with respect and consideration at all times.

APS Officers will be responsible for their own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence.

Through study and experience, an APS Officer can acquire the high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never ending process of personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly.

Advanced Protection Services Officers will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or themselves. An APS Officer's character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the community in which he or she lives and serves. The Officer’s personal behavior must be beyond reproach.