The Virginia Western Police Department continually endeavors to improve the quality of life of those we serve, by developing partnerships with the college community so that we can collectively and successfully, address issues and concerns. We believe it is our primary goal and calling, to maintain a safe and secure campus environment with equal protection under the law. We recognize the vast diversity of our community and strive under the authority of our badge to remain fair, nonbiased, and transparent in all that we do and say. We mirror and wholeheartedly support the overall college mission of; Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Success and Teamwork.

Code of Ethics

As law enforcement officers our fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality, and justice.

We will keep our private lives unsullied as an example to all, maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.  Honest in thought and deed in both our personal and official life, we will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of our department.  Whatever we see or hear of a confidential nature, or that is so confided to us in our official capacity will be kept ever secret, unless revelation is necessary in the performance of our duty.

We will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities, or friendships to influence our decisions.  With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, we will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice, or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities. 

We recognize the badge of our office as a symbol of public faith, and we accept it as a public trust to be held so long as we remain true to the ethics of police service.  We will never engage in acts of corruption, abuse, prejudice, or bribery.  We will not condone nor will we permit such acts by our fellow law enforcement officers.  We will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.  We know that individually and collectively we are responsible for our standards of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve our level of knowledge and competence.  We will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating ourselves before God to our chosen profession…law enforcement.

Reviewed: October 15, 2020