The Gladstone Police Department exists for the purpose of protecting and serving the citizens of Gladstone. Vital to this purpose are the values which reflect what the Department believes in as an organization. These beliefs are reflected in the Department's recruiting and selection practices, policies and procedures, training and development and, ultimately, in the actions of its Police Officers in delivering services. Values reflect what the Department considers important and determine the way Police Officers view not only their role, but also the people they serve. Moreover, our values serve as a linkage between the ongoing operations of the Department and the community's ability not only to participate in, but also understand the reason for Police Department strategies.

The Police Department is not an entity unto itself. Rather, it is a part of government empowered by, and existing for the purpose of serving the public, to which it must be accountable. Accountability is a primary consideration in our development of policies and procedures. Accountability also means being open and requires responsiveness to the problems and needs of citizens. In addition, accountability requires the management of police resources in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

The role of the professional organization is serving its clients; our role is serving the citizens of Gladstone. The manner in which the Police Department conducts business, operationally as well as administratively, must be consistent with professionally accepted practices and ideals. The public demands and is entitled to a professional department. It is for this very reason that we have voluntarily sought accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc (CALEA).

Accreditation is a method to ensure that the Gladstone Police Department is in compliance with nationwide standards covering all aspects of law enforcement policies, procedures, practices, and operations. Accreditation makes a statement to other law enforcement agencies, professions and the community, reflecting that the Gladstone Police Department meets the highest standards of professionalism.

The CALEA was organized through the combined efforts of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NOBLE), National Sheriffs Association (NSA) and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).