Serve and Protect

• According to the law enforcement code of ethics, as found on the Whatcom County, Washington, Sheriff's Office website and on the St. Louis County, Minnesota, Sheriff's Office website, law enforcement personnel hold the following as fundamental duties: serving humankind; safeguarding people and property; protecting the weak, innocent and peaceful; and respecting the constitutional rights of all. Interrogators must specifically respect and guard the rights of criminals, suspects, interested parties and victims.
  
  

Integrity

• The law enforcement code of ethics adds that law enforcement personnel must maintain personal integrity as an example to others, be models of courage and self-restraint, and be aware of the needs of others. Practical examples include the common courtesy of providing suspects with basic needs and respect.
  
  

Honesty

• The law enforcement code of ethics further elaborates that law enforcement personnel must be honest in all they do, obey all laws and maintain complete confidentiality. For interrogators, this means they must interact with others, including criminal suspects, forthrightly, be law-abiding citizens, and be extremely discreet regarding personal information.
  
  

Non-Discriminatory

• The law enforcement code of ethics also requires officers to perform their duties without bias or prejudice. Despite any personal issues or feelings, interrogators must strive to exhibit fairness in all their dealings. If a situation arises that could appear to be a conflict of interest, the interrogator must inform her supervisor so the situation can be addressed appropriately.
  
  

Uncompromising

• Finally, the code of ethics for law enforcement personnel requires that criminals be prosecuted vigorously yet courteously. It reminds personnel that the public relies on law enforcement to uncompromisingly fulfill the obligations entrusted to it. As such, interrogators must balance the need to establish empathy with suspects and the need to prosecute criminals relentlessly.