FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2017
Contact: Kraig Troxell, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 703-771-5278
Kraig.Troxell@loudoun.gov
Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625
Aleksandra.Kowalski@loudoun.gov
Loudoun County, VA – In response to recent articles and national concerns regarding the accountability of law enforcement officers, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman authorized the release of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) standards’ document.
The intent of the document, implemented June 2017, is to remind and reinforce the merits of the Law Enforcement Code of Honor, Code of Ethics and the LCSO Mission Statement; each of which is prominently placed at the beginning of the CPC standards’ document.
The Code of Professional Conduct is a 10 page, condensed compilation of the LCSO’s 1,074 page General Orders which is affirmed and accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. As all LCSO personnel swear an oath to and are held accountable for a position of public trust, they must remain cognizant of and adhere to the high professional standards provided in the CPC document.
These standards are a reminder to all LCSO personnel that the citizens of Loudoun County and the various organizations with which we interact expect a high degree of professionalism and that their behavior, demeanor and appearance should always be appropriate during these interactions. The CPC, which will be addressed annually through dialog and in writing by supervisors with their subordinates during the performance assessment process, will serve as a yearly reminder to LCSO employees of leadership’s expectation for their professional service. All law enforcement personnel, both supervisors and subordinates, are required to read, acknowledge and sign the document (see document at https://sheriff.loudoun.gov/CPC).
The CPC document follows Sheriff Chapman’s initiative enacted last year that requires all newly promoted supervisors to complete a comprehensive leadership course entitled the “Institute of Credible Leadership Development.” This course requires the supervisors to read five renowned leadership books and complete 29 modules, which takes between 40 and 80 hours to complete. It is the first in a continuing series of leadership training that is expected to continue throughout a supervisor’s tenure while at the LCSO.
“Leadership, professionalism and accountability are critical components to law enforcement in serving our communities,” said Sheriff Chapman. He added, “We will do everything in our power at the LCSO to ensure public trust, transparency, and accountability to the citizens we serve.”
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