0310.00 Professional Conduct and Courtesy
Refer:
• DIR 0315.00, Laws, Rules and Orders
Definitions:
• Misconduct: Conduct by a member that violates Bureau regulations, orders, directives, or other standards of conduct required of City employees.
• Professional Conduct: The standard by which member behavior that is not specifically addressed in other Bureau directives is evaluated. The Bureau expects member behavior to reflect the highest of law enforcement industry standards. This includes, but is not limited to, member adherence to all applicable laws, rules, and Bureau directives and member application of the law. The Bureau also requires that members fulfill their professional duties, act with the utmost respect for the Constitutional rights of all people, and communicate professionally at all times.
Policy:
1. This directive establishes standards of conduct and courtesy in the performance of member duties.
2. The Portland Police Bureau recognizes that its public safety role requires members to engage and interact with community members and government representatives from diverse backgrounds and experiences. In these interactions, the Bureau expects members to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner that emphasizes respect for all people and cultures. The Bureau expects its members to constantly strive to attain the highest professional standard of conduct.
Procedure:
1. Professional Conduct.
1.1. Members, whether on duty or off duty, shall be governed by the rea¬sonable rules of good conduct and behavior, and shall not commit any act tending to bring reproach or discredit to the Police Bureau or the City of Portland.
1.2. Members will conduct themselves in a professional manner in the discharge of their duties and in relations with the public.
1.3. Members shall not publicly criticize the Police Bureau, its policies, programs, actions, or members, or perform any acts, or make any written or oral statements, which would unduly impair or diminish the orderly and effective operations, supervision, or discipline of the Police Bureau.
1.4. Members shall refrain from conduct that unduly affects Bureau operations or unduly erodes public trust.
1.5. Members who become aware of an act of misconduct shall report the act of misconduct to a supervisor as soon as practicable. Failure to report member misconduct shall lead to possible discipline up to and including termination.
2. Courtesy.
2.1. Members shall, on all occasions, when reasonable, in the performance of their duties or after identifying themselves as a Bureau member, be courteous and considerate toward their supervisors, their subordinates, all other members, and the public. Members shall treat all individuals with dignity and respect, showing consideration for the welfare of all persons with whom they interact.
2.2. Members generally shall not use profanity in the presence of the public except when necessary to quote another person in reports or in testimony.
2.2.1. All other use of profanity in the presence of the public will be judged on the totality of the circumstances in which it was used.
2.3. No member shall use derogatory epithets or terms that tend to denigrate any member of a protected class under applicable law or administrative rules or any other group included in this policy, except when necessary to quote another person in reports or in testimony.
Effective: 11/15/2024
Next Review: 11/15/2026