MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Houston Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Houston by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.

• Preserve and Advance Democratic Values
  
  We shall uphold this country's democratic values as embodied in the Constitution and shall dedicate ourselves to the preservation of liberty and justice for all.
  
  
• Improve the Quality of Community Life
  
  We shall strive to improve the quality of community life through the provision of quality and equitable services.
  
  
• Improve the Quality of Work Life
  
  We shall strive to improve the working environment for the department's employees by engaging in open and honest communication and demonstrating a genuine concern for one another.
  
  
• Demonstrate Professionalism
  
  We shall always engage in behavior that is beyond ethical reproach and reflects the integrity of police professionals.
  
  
• Principles
  
  Life and individual freedoms are sacred.
  
  All persons should be treated fairly and equitably.
  
  The role of the police is to resolve problems through the enforcement of laws - not through the imposition of judgement or punishment.
  
  The neighborhood is the basic segment of the community.
  
  Because law enforcement and public safety reflect community wide concern, the police must actively seek the involvement of citizens in all aspects of policing.
  
  The fundamental responsibility of the police is provision of quality services.
  
  The department's employees are its most valuable asset.
  
  Employee involvement in departmental activities is essential for maintaining a productive working environment.
  
  Employees should be treated fairly and equitably in recognition of basic human dignity and as a means of enriching their work life.