This is only an example! Take and modify as needed for each unique community: Not every police/ guard force will behave the same!
In times of peace or strife, the Guard is dedicated to the protection of others regardless of station, race or creed. The Guard are the face of [City] and her [Leader] to the citizens and visitors to these great walls, and as such must hold themselves to a higher code of ethics and a stronger moral fiber. The Guard are a representation of the power, stability and security of the kingdom and its hierarchy. If a guard fails in their duty, if a guard's actions result in the loss of faith, trust, honor, etc. in the institution of the Guard, it is a reflection of the failure of their superiors and the ineptitude of the guard.
A guard should understand and exemplify the following moral and ethical guidelines to the best of their ability, regardless of rank, unit or title. A noble in the guard is not above this code, nor is a peasant incapable of rising to the challenge. The General should be the pinnacle of what to strive for, an example for ones subordinates, while a soldier should be an image of what a civilian might strive to attain. No one is above the law, no one is above these moral guidelines.
A guard should hold valor in high regard and have virtue in their hearts.
Their blades defend the helpless, their strength a shield for the weak.
That which they speak is always truth, their deeds to undo the acts of the wicked.
Their blades defend the helpless, their strength a shield for the weak.
That which they speak is always truth, their deeds to undo the acts of the wicked.
Those of the Guard should exemplify the following moral points to the best of their ability
- Valor - Great courage, fearlessness and spirit in the face of danger, regardless of the risk to self.
- Respect - Courtesy, manners, politeness because it is right, not out of fear.
- Hope - Trust in ones self, ones fellows, and ones superiors.
- Diligence - Persistent work ethic.
- Liberality - The ability to be open to new ideas, to be free of bias or prejudice.
- Honesty - To be sincere and truthful, in both word and deed.
- Resolute - Determination, to be firm in ones intent.
- Temperance - Restraint of self, be it food, drink, pleasure or emotion.
- Prudence & Sagacity - The ability to employ common sense, wisdom, to show good judgement, cleverness and sensibility.
- Justice - To be fair and impartial in deciding an appropriate course of action relevant to a situation. Unwavering in ones decisions.
- Charity - To give aid to any in need regardless of status, influence or history.
- Benevolence - Mercy. The ability to show love, magnanimity, sympathy, pity and affection for others.
A guard is to also adhere to the obligations of their duty, the colors they wear, the oath they swear, the people they must protect, and to themselves.
Duties of the Guard
- Provide immediate protection to all citizens, denizens, refugees, and visitors to the [Kingdom].
- Uphold the laws and ensure observance of these laws by all citizens, denizens, refugees, and visitors.
- Not to abuse their station or rank, be it against a fellow guard, a member of the military or against a citizen, denizen, refugee or visitor. Extortion, bullying, coercion or any other sort of abuse of power is a breach of moral code as well as damaging to the image of the kingdom at large and its ruling body.
- Appropriately arrest or detain ne’er-do-wells, law breakers, disruptors of the peace, and any other criminal as outlined in the laws of the land, as determined according to rank; or otherwise to aid in the capture, detainment, and arrest of such persons.
- Report captures, arrests, and detainment's, events or incidents of behavior meriting immediate attention of superiors, unusual or potentially dangerous circumstances, suspicious occurrences, misconduct of any members of the guard, and any other information the Gendarme needs be concerned with. Regardless of ability to read or write, incidents must be documented and kept on record. If one can not read or write, that individual must go to a guard who can and give a verbal report so it can be placed within the records.
- Report for duty and training regularly, and to maintain one’s post or uphold one’s duties with resolute commitment.
- Adopt the appropriate conduct as outlined by the protocol of the guard and as befits their duties and station.
Moderators: Jenn