Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Duty, and Empowerment
P R I D E
Our department motto is "Serving with P.R.I.D.E.", which stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Duty, and Empowerment.
Professionalism involves high standards of character and competency, and a heightened level of commitment. We expect all employees to "look smart" and show their pride in being a part of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Professionalism means having policies and procedures that are current, accurate, and reflect our goals. It means having hiring standards that ensure we are recruiting and employing the best qualified and most competent staff members we can. Professionalism means having high levels of specialized training. Most importantly, professionalism means high standards of conduct and ethical behavior.
Respect means to treat everyone with courtesy and esteem. This just does not relate to our dealings with the public, but with everyone with whom we come in contact during the course of our work, including co-workers, neighbors, other county employees, citizens, suspects, and even inmates. Inmates are called "Mr." or "Ms." and --perhaps-- given a degree of respect they have never experienced before. In return, we expect them to show respect to us in a way that encourages cooperative behavior. If showing a modicum of respect to inmates helps build rapport and promotes a smoother work environment, it stands to reason that showing more respect to citizens and co-workers would make our work environment more pleasant.
Integrity means uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. People of true integrity reflect these qualities in all phases of their lives, not just at work. Without integrity as an agency, we have no credibility. Integrity is the most important dimension of a law enforcement officer. We are, and should be, held to higher standards of conduct than the general public. Integrity means more than just honesty. Integrity is a strict, self-imposed code of behavior associated with moral excellence. Honest mistakes can be tolerated and dealt with through additional training or corrective discipline. However, untruthfulness will not be tolerated and will lead to dismissal.
Duty, obligations, and responsibility denote an action that one is bound to perform. Duty is that which is owed or due. Obligation, that by which one is bound. Responsibility, that for which one must answer. What is our duty? To "Serve and Protect". Sure, it's is cliché, but one worth thinking about because that is exactly what we are charged to do. To serve the public at large, to serve our community, and to protect the lives and properties of our constituents. Duty to whom? To the taxpayers, to the organization, and to each other. That duty takes precedence over personal needs, desires, and friendships.
A good supervisor empowers his/her subordinates to solve problems and gives the employee the tools they need to do the job, enabling the employee to manage themselves. It is the opposite of micromanaging, but doesn't mean laisse-faire. A primary responsibility of a supervisor is to train, mentor, and enable subordinates to make good, sensible decisions on their own.
Character First
Our goal is to strengthen the officers and staff, their families and Larimer County by promoting excellence in character.
Essential Character Qualities
The following ten character qualities are viewed as essential to employment with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office:
- Thoroughness v. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words
if neglected
- Truthfulness v. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
- Self-control v. Self-indulgence
Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.
- Enthusiasm v. Apathy
Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.
- Benevolence v. Selfishness
Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.
- Responsibility v. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me.
- Decisiveness v. Procrastination
The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
- Discernment v. Shortsightedness
Understanding the deeper reasons as to why things happen.
- Dependability v. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
- Creativity v. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.
Possessing these qualities in increasing measure will keep us from being
unproductive and ineffective in the performance of our duties.