We've collected the following mission statements for public safety communications centers and police departments. Please e-mail us with your comm center's mission statement so we can add it here for the review of others.

Phoenix Police Department

The Communications Bureau strives to provide efficient support services intra-departmentally, effectively liaison with other City departments and serve the needs of the public by supplying helpful information, referrals and facilitating the delivery of emergency and routine police services.

Minnesosta State Patrol Communications Section

The mission of the Minnesota State Patrol Communications Section is to provide service to all people in the state as a public safety answering point (PSAP) by answering 911 calls from wireless devices and dispatching the needed assistance. In addition, the Communications Section provides dispatch service to the users of the ARMER statewide radio system and provides support to allied agencies. The Minnesota State Patrol Communications Sections excels in the service provided to the citizens that dial 911 from a wireless device by using the technology and the training provided. We strive for distinction by offering superior customer service to Minnesota residents, visitors, and allied agencies.

Rutherford County EMS Communications Center (TN)

It is our goal as professional communications officers to provide the public with an appropriate response to their calls for assistance. We are dedicated to serving as the vital link between the public and public safety organizations through responsiveness and technical excellence while in partnership with our users and employees. We will be lifelong learners, accepting our responsibilities, challenges and necessary changes with a willing attitude as required by our profession.

This is what our mission is.

DEPARTMENT GOALS

1. Provide the most effective Emergency Communications possible for the citizens and visitors of Rutherford County.
2. Provide County Public Safety field personnel with professional communication services with emphasis on safety, accuracy and cooperation.
3. Provide good jobs to competent people.
4. Establish a relevant and effective training program.
5. Maintain professional standards.
6. Assist other County Departments and outside Agencies whenever possible.
7. Be innovative.

Grady Health Systems EMS (GA)

Our mission is to meet the demand for unsurpassed professional, consistent, and prompt emergency medical services, thereby enhancing the quality of life of every person in the City of Atlanta through our professional communications support and coordination of Grady Health System Emergency Medical Service.

We provide the most expedient and appropriate response to calls for service; which allows us to become an exemplary high performance EMS operation with patient care as our pinnacle priority.

Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications (VA)

We at the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications are the first of the first responders. We are committed to answering all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls with professionalism, integrity and compassion while efficiently dispatching police, fire and emergency medical services. Customer service is essential to our success, so we treat each caller with empathy and respect. Our dedicated and highly trained professionals routinely offer life-saving medical instructions in addition to providing accurate public safety information. Fairfax County 9-1-1: always there, always ready.

University of Pennsylvania Police Department

The University of Pennsylvania PennComm strives to provide the most effective emergency communications possible. To attain effective emergency communications, we must establish professional standards, and attract, train, and retain the most qualified employees necessary to provide this service.

PennComm will carry out all tasks with an eye to the future. Innovation, cost effectiveness, accuracy, exemplary customer service, civility and cooperation will be the standard for PennComm.

Phoenix Fire Department (Ariz.)

The Phoenix Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services for our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical and transportation services, disaster management, fire prevention, and public education.

Our members will:

• Prevent harm
• Survive
• Be nice

Bentonville Police Department (Ark.)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Bentonville City Government is to preserve, promote ans sustain an excellent quality of life within our city. In partership with the communite, we pledge to deliver municipal services in a prefessional, personal, responsive manner.

Values

• Citizens as customers, deserving the highest quality of services delivered by a local government.
• An open, accessible government, where citizen involvement, individually and collectiveley, is vital.
• People as our most important resource.
• Public safety for all citizens
• A community that strives for beauty and cleanliness
• Fairness, integrity and trust as essential qualities of ethical governance.
• Responsibility and accountability.
• Taking pride and achieving the hightest quality in all we do.
• Encouragement of progressive thinking through employee involvement and teamwork.
• Positive liaisons with local government organizations.
• Achievement of a positive solution to every problem.

Tri-Com Central Dispatch (St. Charles, IL)

It is the mission of Tri-Com Central Dispatch to provide the best quality, most cost effective, public safety communications services available to the men and women of the police, fire, and ambulance services which we serve, as well as to all the citizens who rely on us each and everyday, at any hour, to quickly and courteously answer their 9-1-1 calls for emergency assistance.

Indian River County (Fla.)

We, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office 911 Public Safety Dispatch Unit, are dedicated to the community we serve and will continually strive to provide the highest level of professional service to all we serve. We recognize the need for human compassion and will treat each individual with equality, respect and dignity. We will continue to grow as a unit in finding innovative ways in which to serve our community and our co-workers.

Matagorda County (Tex.) Sheriffs Office - Communication Division

The Emergency Communications Department serves as the vital link between the citizens and public safety agencies of the County of Matagorda. We strive to collect and disseminate all requests for service in a prompt, courteous, and efficient manner for all our citizens. Through our actions, we help save lives, protect property and assist the public in their time of need

Noblesville (Ind.) Communications Department

'Through understanding, courtesy and respect, the Noblesville Communications Department provides superior public safety dispatch service in a timely, precise, and skilled manner, maintaining a calm, professional, and compassionate attitude. With continued educations and commitment to excellence, we can help save lives, protect property, and proudly know that we made a difference, serving as the vital link to emergency services.

Prospect Communications Center (Whatcom County, Wash.)

Prospect Communications Center (PCC) provides the vital communication link for fire and emergency services to the citizens and visitors of Whatcom County.  As our community’s first responder, PCC dispatches resources efficiently and delivers life saving instructions.  PCC strives for excellence through integrity, leadership and teamwork.

Fairfax County (Virg.) Department of Public Safety Communications

We at the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications are the first of the first responders. We are committed to answering all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls with professionalism, integrity and compassion while efficiently dispatching police, fire and emergency medical services. Customer service is essential to our success, so we treat each caller with empathy and respect. Our dedicated and highly trained professionals routinely offer life-saving medical instructions in addition to providing accurate public safety information. Fairfax County 9-1-1: always there, always ready.

Coral Springs (Fla.) Police Department

To dedicate ourselves to deliver the vital link between the community and emergency services while maintaining professionalism and quality. 

Franklin County (Kan.) Sheriff's Office

The mission of the Franklin County "9-1-1 Emergency Operation's Dispatch Center" is to provide the highest level of public safety communication service, within available resources, for the protection of the public in need of help. We will ensure fair, impartial and courteous treatment toward all employees, citizens, and public safety agencies and personnel. We will receive emergency and non-emergency calls for help, and dispatch appropriate resources in a timely manner. We will monitor activities and provide the best support possible for maintaining the safety of our public safety personnel. We will train and learn new each day, accepting challenges and necessary changes with a willing attitude. We accept our responsibilities and strive to maintain the professionalism required by our code of ethics.

Warrenton Fauquier Joint Communications Center

To provide 9-1-1 services and public safety radio communications with a professional, courteous, and well trained staff  that consistently does the right thing at the right time for the right reason.

Covington-Newton County (Geo.) 911 Center

The Covington-Newton County 911 Center, as public safety servants is comprised of people dedicated to preserving the value of life of all citizens of, and visitors to, our diverse community. We respond to emergency and non-emergency situations with professionalism, empathy, and accuracy to provide the vital link between public safety and the citizens who need assistance. Our goal is to increase public awareness through community involvement and public education. We strive to continuously improve through training, public feedback, and team work. By utilizing technology and experience, we will continue to grow to fulfill the needs of our expanding community and all who pass through it.

Tucson (Ariz.) Communications

The mission of the City of Tucson Communications Division is to provide the public with a vital link to emergency services. We are committed to serving with integrity, cooperation, and concern for the welfare of others. Our goal is to provide expedient, courteous, and quality service to the community. Our standard is excellence and our model of success is teamwork.

Deschutes County (Ore.) 9-1-1 Service District

To provide prompt assistance in a caring, resourceful, and professional manner to those we serve.

Naples (Fla.) Police & Emergency Services Department

The Naples Police and Emergency Services Department (PESD) Communications Division receives, records, collates, and disseminates information on a 24-hour, 7-day per week (24/7) basis to respond to the public safety needs of the City of Naples.

Routt County (Colo.) Communications Department

The Routt County Communications Center serves as the County’s Public Safety Answering Point and exists as the vital link between the residents and visitors of Routt County and all public agency emergency and non-emergency responders. We are committed to serve as that critical link with the highest standards of integrity and sustain an efficient, effective, and courteous manner to acquire and disseminate information needed to protect life, property, and the environment.

Santa Cruz (N. Calif.) Consolidated Communications (SCCECC)

We are dedicated to serving as the vital link between the public and public safety organizations through responsiveness and technical excellence while in partnership with our Users and employees.

South Portland (Maine) Public Safety

The mission of the South Portland Public Safety Dispatch Center is to work collaboratively with Fire, Police and Medical personnel in order to provide quality service to the citizens and visitors of South Portland in an expedient and professional manner.

Fort Worth (Tex.) Police Department Communications Division

The Communications Division provides effective, efficient service to all citizens in their time of need; ensures a safe environment for officers while maintaining professional conduct and is committed to perform to the best of our abilities at all times.

Concord (Mass.) Public Safety Communications

To affirmatively promote, preserve and protect the public safety and security of all members of the community.

To support the delivery of quality Police, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical services through the application of industry-best public safety communications standards, operational guidelines and administrative practices.

To deliver customer satisfaction and quality services to all members of the community with compassion and a commitment to excellence.

Roscommon County (Mich.) Central Dispatch

To provide professional services to the citizens and public safety agencies of (your city/county/area); utilizing team-oriented, professional, courteous and trained telecommunicators.

Rockland County Sheriff's Communications

The Sheriff's Communications Division will continue to serve the public and assist public safety agencies by use of modern communications equipment and techniques to enhance the delivery of Emergency Services. As a participant playing a key role in the County's E-911 Network, we will strive to meet the demand for professional promptness and efficiency which the system requires to function. Efforts to continue training and secure funding through grants will be pursued vigorously.

Clinton County (Mich.) Central Dispatch

The Mission of Clinton County Central Dispatch is to contribute to the safety and quality of life of our community by linking the citizens of our community, our neighboring communities and our associated public safety agencies with efficient, reliable, responsive and professional public safety communications services.

Westmoreland County (Penn.) Dept. of Public Safety 9-1-1 Center

Our mission is to support the direction, management, and employment of emergency services and resources in Westmoreland County to ensure the public safety of everyone in the county, 24 hours a day every day.

Covington (Ken.) Communications

To insure the safety of the public, police, fire, and EMS personnel by making diligence, speed, accuracy, and professionalism a priority when gathering information and dispatching calls.

To greet those who call us for assistance with courtesy and compassion, keeping in mind that they are often under stress and completely unaware of what information we need from them, why we need it, and how busy we may be when they call.

To never forget that we represent to the majority of the public, the city of Covington, especially it’s police and fire fighters, and that their opinion of the city’s entire emergency service may hinge on how they are treated by our Telecommunicators

To always remember that what may seem routine for emergency service professionals, may be an emergency to them, at that moment of their lives.

[they also have a more succinct version...]

To Receive And Relay Information In The Shortest, Most Accurate Form.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Communications Division--Vision Statement--Our technical and operational excellence and innovative spirit makes us leaders and the first choice in the field of public safety communications. We are a cohesive team of highly motivated professionals, attentive to each others needs and committed to being the best.

St. Joseph County (IN) Fire Dispatch

The mission of the St. Joseph County Fire Dispatch is to provide fire and emergency medical dispatch service to all users and responders within' it's jurisdiction. Furthermore it's efforts will be to attempt to protect it's users from further harm by quick and thourough interrogation techniques and medical instruction via telephone as necessary. Our goal is to provide the highest degree of professionalism throughout our entire delivery of service. These efforts will be accomplished via training, quality improvement and continuing dispatcher education.

Motto: "Communications-First on the scene....."

Atlanta Police Communications (GA)

The personnel of the communications section will strive to deliver the highest level of professional service to the public, external agencies and internal units, and carry out this function by providing courteous and immediate responses, accurate records, timely service and quality training with the highest standards of integrity and performance.

Atlanta Fire-Rescue Communications (GA)

To serve the public as the primary point of contact with the Fire Department: to ensure the proper collection and distribution of information, to ensure the proper distribution of resources, and to ensure the appropriate response of resources to mitigate emergency incidents in order to provide the maximum protection possible for the citizens of Atlanta.

Motto: "Quality Customer Service Starts Here"

Delaware County Emergency Communications Center (Muncie, IN)

Delaware County Regional Communciations Center is committed to serve as the critical link between the citizen and responding public safety agencies while efficiently collecting and disseminating information needed to protect life, property, and the enviroment.

San Francisco Combined Emergency Communications Center

We, the members of the San Francisco Emergency Communications Department, are committed to excellence in public safety, providing the linkage between the residents and visitors of San Francisco's diverse city and its emergency services resources. We take pride in dedicating ourselves to professionalism and public service.

Lubbock Emergency Communications District (TX)

The mission of the Lubbock Emergency Communication District is to provide the best possible, trouble free network for the citizens we serve to access emergency services by dialing 9-1-1; to provide the best tools (equipment and information) to each service provider agency that will enhance their ability to provide public safety services; and to educate the public on the effective and appropriate use of the 9-1-1 network.

Morgan County (AL)

Moving into the 21st Century--Morgan County 9-1-1 has made a commitment to provide the citizens of Morgan County with the fastest and most efficient response to emergency calls possible.  In our centralized call taking facility highly skilled individuals using the most advanced communication technology available will accomplish this goal. It is our promise to constantly evolve with the ever-changing arena of emergency communications, never resting on our laurels or allowing ourselves to become complacent where human life is concerned.

Cumberland County (TN) 911

The primary mission of Cumberland County Central Communications is to provide Dispatch and Emergency Communications functions for all Emergency Response Agencies of the City of Crossville and Cumberland County. All dispatch communication will be based upon information received from a myriad of sources; i.e., personal input, radio traffic, or telephone calls (to include 911 wire-line or cellular calls). Central Communications will provide the personnel, training, and equipment necessary to ensure the most rapid response possible to any threat to life, limb, or property to the citizenry of Cumberland County. In addition, Central Communications will provide necessary National Crime Institute Computer (NCIC) information to all officers requesting such assistance, and possessing the statutory authority to receive it. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, Central Communications will perform as the Emergency Communications Network for disaster response, relief, and recovery. The first and foremost priority for Central Communications will always be Emergency Responder Safety. Additionally, we will never lose sight of the fact that the citizens of Cumberland County entrust their safety and well being to our care.

Rochester (NY) Emergency Communications Department

The Emergency Communications Department serves as the vital link between the citizens and public safety agencies of the City of Rochester and the County of Monroe. We strive to collect and disseminate all requests for service in a prompt, courteous, and efficient manner for all our customers. Through our actions, we help save lives, protect property and assist the public in their time of need.

Onondaga County 911 (NY)

The mission of the Department of Emergency Communications is to provide timely and appropriate response to requests for assistance in case of emergency throughout Onondaga County by:

• Providing high quality, efficient and cost effective communications support for public safety agencies and the residents of Onondaga County;
• Facilitating the development of highly trained, proficient, dedicated and self-motivated personnel;
• Constantly seeking ways to improve the quality of services we provide to the community;
• Accomplishing the above within all legal and constitutional requirements through cooperation with governmental and community agencies and the public.

Pennington County (SD) 911

To serve as the public safety answering point for 911 and non-emergency calls for service from Pennington County and the surrounding area and to dispatch the appropriate response to those calls.

Moore (OK) Emergency Management & Communications

To provide timely and accurate emergency telecommunications services to and between the general public and the City's public safety responders."

Plano (TX) Public Safety Communications

The Public Safety Communications Department is to provide the vital connection between citizen requests for Police, Fire or Medical assistance and the appropriate agency, and to satisfy the immediate information needs of Police, Fire and Medical personnel in the course of normal daily activities and during emergencies.

Multi-Agency Comm Center (MAC) Moses Lake (Wash.)

"Distinguished 9-1-1 Communications"

• Provide the highest level of public safety communication service, within available resources, for the protection of the public in need of help.
• Receive 9-1-1 calls for help, and dispatch appropriate resources in a timely manner.
• Provide consolidated, centralized public safety radio communications.
• Ensure fair and impartial treatment toward all employees, citizens, and public safety agencies.
• Actively encourage input from employees, citizens, and users in 9-1-1 service delivery.
• Remain fiscally accountable.

Shelby County (AL) 911

To provide the citizens of Shelby County with a quick and efficient method for accessing emergency services using 9-1-1 and to support the emergency service providers through superior dispatch and communications services.

Bexar County (TX) Sheriff's Public Safety Communications Center

To serve as the critical communications link between the citizen and public safety services. In carrying out our mission, we recognize that service is our one and only product and we share a common, ongoing goal to provide it at the most superior level possible. We also recognize that our strength and success are tied directly to the individual and the unique contributions of each of us working in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork.

Vision Statement: Public Safety Communications = Teamwork, Technology and Excellence. [thanks to Robert M. Adelman, Communications Manager]

Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department Communications Bureau

The Communications Bureau of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is committed to the delivery of effective police services by utilizing teamwork, training, and technology, while remaining sensitive to the needs of the Department as well as the Community.

Lincoln (NE)

To provide organized and/or protective communication services to any public or private agency by utilizing staff involvement and operating our integrated systems at the highest quality of service possible. The Center and Technical Services will be operated in a professional, courteous, cost-effective manner, accepting accountability for all actions.

Los Angeles Police Department

Our mission is to advance an understanding of the objective and capabilities of the Los Angeles 9-1-1 Emergency Response System in order to enhance operations, and provide effective and efficient service to the people of our city and members of our Department. We will accomplish this mission by education people of all ages, in public forums, through the media, and the distribution and display of printed material. At every opportunity our best and brightest will represent Communications Division and the Department in a manner that is above reproach. Our commitment to this mission will mirror our commitment and dedication to the Department and our constituents.

Boothbay Harbor (ME)

The Boothbay Harbor Police Department's Communications Center seeks to provide the most effective emergency communications possible for the citizens and visitors of the communities of Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Boothbay; to provide rapid and convenient access to public safety for all who are in need.

Spartanburg (SC) Communications/911

Our mission is to: serve as the communications link between the citizen and public safety agencies; accurate identification of the citizen's location and public safety response needs; quick and accurate activation of public safety services; to provide communications support and coordination for all city/county public safety and applicable support agencies. In carrying out our mission, we recognize that service is our one and only product and we share a common, ongoing goal to provide it at the most superior level possible. We also recognize that our strength and success are tied directly to the individual and unique contributions of each of us working in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork with our public safety associates both within and outside the Communications/911 Department.

Cambridge (MA) Emergency Communications and 911 Center

To serve and protect residents, visitors and city workers. We strive to provide efficient and courteous service to all callers and radio users. We also serve to provide high-quality, responsive technical support to the many radio, computer and special electronic systems used by the ECC, Police, and Fire Departments. We perform this mission by operating a state-of-the-art, combined Police, Fire, and EMS Emergency Communications Center which serves to receive emergency calls to 911 and dispatch the appropriate response to provide assistance. In addition, the Center receives many non-emergency calls and manages a large volume of business calls directed to the Police and Fire Departments.

Chino Valley Police Comm Center (CA)

To professionally excel in the ability to communicate with the Public, within the Chino Valley Police Department, and other agencies by accurately, rapidly, recording and relaying pertinent information. To vigilantly maintain Officer safety and to prioritize calls for service.

Riverside Police Department (IL)

We ran this story in 1998 with the agency's mission statement.

Village Fire Department Communications (TX)

To Provide the Residents, Employees and all who pass through the Villages the highest level of care in the most expedient manner. To provide appropriate, life saving, pre-arrival instructions in a competent and conscientious manner.

Washington County 911 (MD)

The mission of Fire and Rescue Communications is to receive all 911 calls and other emergency  calls for help, transfer emergency  police calls to the proper agency,  dispatch appropriate EMS &/or Fire apparatus with the least possible delay,  once a request is received or a requirement is known to exist. The nearest available equipment shall always be dispatched to the scene of any emergency or incident; ("Nearest to be defined by the criteria as set fourth by the Board of Washington County Commissioners and the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association").

Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MN)

This mission statement is for the College's Public Safety Communications 911 dispatch/operator training program:

The Public Safety Communications: 911 program at Minneapolis Community & Technical College is a one-year (2 semester) program serving a diverse population that desire to enter the field of public safety communications. This is a pre-entry level training program that prepares the student for the rigors of a fast paced challenging career in public safety through a comprehensive program of knowledge and skills. The commitment of the program has been and will continue to match the needs of the industry to the needs of the student. This commitment includes encouraging student achievement, self-assessment, and promoting lifelong learning through participation in continuing education, professional organizations and training workshops.

Lowndes County 911 (GA)

Provide the citizens of Greater Lowndes County with "timely and accurate communications link to emergency response services (law enforcement, fire, and ambulance)" and when appropriate, assist with resolution of the citizen's emergency. Answer wireline 911 calls for Echols County and dispatch Echols County emergency services. Provide the participating Lowndes County and Echols County emergency response services with "complete, accurate, timely and quality" dispatch services. Coordinate all components of the emergency management within Greater Lowndes County in a way that:

• "Mitigates" the potential of a disaster,
• "Prepares" systems to respond.
• "Responds" effectively and efficiently, and
• "Recovers" quickly.

McHenry County 911 Board (IL)

To oversee operations of the McHenry County Enhanced 911 Emergency Telephone System. The mission of the McHenry County Emergency Telephone System Board is to plan, implement, control, maintain, and upgrade to meet current and future demands of the E-911 telephone system for the entire County of McHenry.

Stamford Department of Emergency Communications (CT)

The Department of Emergency Communications is the fourth component of the public safety response system. D.E.C. provides command, control and informational services which are needed by the three more traditionally recognized public safety services to carry out their respective missions. D.E.C. personnel are the first representatives of local government to interact with citizens in need. Without leaving their workplace, they are the first public safety persons to 'arrive at the scene'. Using all of their acquired skills, D.E.C. personnel gather information concerning a problem or complaint. That information is relayed to public safety personnel who then decide upon appropriate courses of action. D.E.C. personnel track each incident and process updated information as situations continue to unfold. Their goal is to facilitate the flow of information, seamlessly.

Valley Emergency Communications Center (UT)

To enhance the quality of life by handling all 911 and other calls for service; dispatch necessary emergency services in a prompt, courteous, professional and correct manner, thereby saving lives, protecting property, stopping crimes and preventing major fire loss while maintaining accurate information for our user agencies.

Skagit 911 (WA)

To enhance the quality of life of every person in Skagit County, Washington, by receiving and processing 9-1-1 emergency calls and non emergency calls and dispatching Police, Fire, and Medical Services in a prompt, efficient, courteous and professional manner, thereby helping to save lives, protect property, and assist the public; thus making Skagit County a safer community in which to live, work, and visit.

Cortland County (NY) E911 Center

The mission of the Cortland County E9-1-1 Communications Center is to maintain technological, staffing and training levels so as to serve the public living in, traveling through and using the facilities of Cortland County to the highest degree at our disposal.

Arlington County (VA) Emergency Comm Center

To enhance the quality of life of every person in Arlington County, Virginia, by receiving and processing 9-1-1 emergency calls and non-emergency calls and by dispatching Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service units, in a prompt, efficient, courteous and professional manner, to help save lives, protect property, and assist the public; making Arlington County a safer community in which to live, work and visit.

We've included some police department mission statements here for reference.

Fort Worth (TX) Police Department

To provide quality service in partnership with the community to create a safe environment for all.

St. Charles County Emergency Management Agency (MO)

This mission statement is very long...see for yourself.

Boston Police Department (MA)

We dedicate ourselves to work in partnership with the community to fight crime, reduce fear and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Stanford University Police Department (CA)

The Department of Public Safety exists to provide a safe, secure atmosphere, which is conducive to freedom of expression and movement, for people and their property at Stanford University, within constraints of Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is to protect the people and property in Minnesota through prevention, regulation, enforcement, information, and service.

Arizona State University, DPS

To provide parking, police, and other services designed to contribute to a safe and secure University environment.

Houston Police Department

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.

State of Hawaii, Department of Public Safety

To ensure the safety of the public through the administration of correctional facilities and services, the protection of the public and state personnel, and security of designated state facilities, lands, and waters by enforcing laws and preserving the peace.

Albion Police Department (MI)

The primary mission of the Albion Department of Public Safety is to prevent crime and disorder, to identify those persons responsible for violating the laws of the City and State, to ensure the free movement of citizens within this jurisdiction in accordance with the Constitution of the State of Michigan, to promote fire safety and suppress unsafe practices as it relates to fire science, and to promote an understanding of the role of Public Safety in today's society among all segments of the community.

It should also be understood that in working toward this mission, it is imperative that the department have the cooperation of the public in that the citizens of Albion created the department to maintain public safety and it is to these people that the department is ultimately responsible.

Melrose Police Department (MA)

It is essential that police services be administered in a manner that fosters public respect, confidence and acceptance. The Melrose Police Department pledges to maintain the highest standards of integrity, ethics, excellence and teamwork in the performance of their mission while at the same time protecting the Constitutional rights of citizens. Our mission is to strengthen public confidence in the organization, develop and maintain positive relationships with the community and promote the concept of teamwork for the benefit of all, while at the same time promoting a safe and friendly community through enforcement and education.

Resources for Creating a Mission Statement

Mission statements for non-profit organizations - basic information

Franklin Covey on-line "Mission Builder" program - you must enter some identifying information, but it will then guide you through the process of constructing a mission statement tailored to your specific goals.

How to write a mission statement - general information

How to write a mission statement - by a grant-writing organization

How to write a mission statement - on the eHow Web site, slanted towards businesses

How to write a mission statement - by the National Network for Health

How to write a mission statement - from the SuccessNet Web site

How to write a mission statement - from the ABC business Web site

Promo for book "Mission Primer" that explains the process - chapter outlines provide some guidance