Dedham Police Update Mission Statement, Core Values

The Dedham Police Department this month updated its mission statement and development of core values, according to an announcement by the department Tuesday. 

The project, which was endorsed by the Dedham Board of Selectmen on March 20, was undertaken based on recommendations made as part of a Public Safety Study conducted by municipal resources, according to the department. 

"Members of the Dedham Police Department look forward to working in partnership with all members of the community with the objective of fulfilling our mission," police said in a statement. 

The following organizations participated in the effort:

• Dedham Police Patrol Officers Association
• Dedham Police Association
• Board of Selectman
• Oakdale Square Alliance
• Dedham High School (Principal and student)
• Oakdale School PTO
• Dedham Youth Commission
• Dedham Council on Aging
• Dedham Retired Men’s Club
• Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Manor Neighborhood Association
• Dedham Rotary
• Office of Senator Mike Rush

Below is the official Mission Statement and Core Values:

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dedham Police Department is to protect and serve the citizens of Dedham through collaboration, preventative programs and the judicious enforcement of the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the by-laws of the Town of Dedham.

Core Values

The work done by members of the Dedham Police Department in support of our mission shall be guided by our core values. Members of the Dedham Police 

Communication and Cooperation

We will be accessible to community members and interact in an open and friendly manner. We believe all members of the community must work together and share information in support of our mission. We will seek to understand and work with all members of the community and other agencies in furtherance of our responsibilities. 

Community Service

We believe our role is to serve the community in emergency and non-emergency situations. We will respond to deal with criminal matters. We will respond to work with law abiding citizens to address quality of life issues and other situations deemed in need of a police response by members of the community.

Concern for Employees

Our employees are our greatest asset. We will strive to assist our employees with their personal and professional development. The wellbeing of our employees is of utmost concern. 

Partnerships

We will work with all members of the community, public agencies and private organizations in order to improve the quality of life and address crime in Dedham. By combining the skills and abilities of all community members, we believe we can most effectively pursue our mission.

Problem Solving

We understand that crime is community problem. We will work with community members to identify and solve problems which impact the community. We will listen and seek to understand issues. We recognize the value of crime prevention measures. We will proactively seek to suppress crime and conditions that foster crime. 

Professionalism

We will conduct ourselves in a professional manner consistent with our training at all times. We hold ourselves to the highest level of integrity and ethical standards. It is our responsibility to earn and build on the trust of the community. We will be honest and truthful at all times. We are committed to and will persistently strive for excellence.

Respect for all Citizens

We will treat all citizens as we would like to be treated. We maintain respect for individual civil and constitutional rights, human dignity, cultural diversity and community values.

Training

We recognize that training is the foundation that supports the actions taken by employees in the community. We strive to recruit and develop exceptional employees. We seek to provide all employees with the necessary training to effectively serve the community. Procedures, equipment and tactics consistently evolve. We will continuously train employees to stay current with contemporary policing practices.

Visibility

We believe that officer visibility in the community reduces fear of crime. We will maintain a uniformed presence in the community. The presence of uniformed officers will help to deter crime. We will be accessible and approachable for members of the community.