The mission of the Winter Haven Police Department is to work in cooperative partnership with the community to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life for all the citizens.
 

Core Values

TRUST

We understand that trust is essential to out effectiveness in the community and we must maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and competency in order to maintain that trust.

COOPERATION

In order to be successful and provide the level of service the community desires and expects, we must work cooperatively and with the support of individual citizens, businesses, churches, civic organizations and other government service providers.

FAIRNESS

We have an obligation to provide quality customer service without malice, prejudice or favor; treating every individual with courtesy, dignity and respect.

PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTY 

The protection of lives and property is our primary responsibility and it is for that purpose that we exist. We must protect all persons against those elements in society which seek to harm and/or deprive our citizens of their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We will apply all our resources to the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminals. 

We have an obligation to provide the perception of a safe environment and secure neighborhoods, streets, parks, schools, businesses and homes.

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; 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 men to liberty, equality and justice.

I WILL keep my private life 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 my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in observing the laws of the land and the regulations of my department.  Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I WILL never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions.  With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I RECOGNIZE the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service.  I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession....Law Enforcement.