R13-4-202. Uniform Minimum Standards

A. To be admitted to the academy for training as a state correctional officer, an individual shall: 1. Be a citizen of the United States or eligible to work in the United States; 2. Be at least 18 years of age by the date of graduation from the academy; 3. Be a high school graduate or have successfully completed a General Education Development (G.E.D.) examination or equivalent as specified in R13-4-203(C)(3); 4. Have a valid Arizona driver’s license by the date of graduation from the academy; 5. Undergo a complete background investigation that meets the standards of R13-4-203; 6. Undergo a physical examination (within 12 months before appointment) as prescribed by the Director by a licensed physician designated by the Director; 7. Not have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces; 8. Not have used a dangerous drug or narcotic, as defined at A.R.S. § 13-3401, within the past five years; 9. Not have a pattern of abuse of prescription medication; and 10. Not have committed a felony or a misdemeanor of a nature that the Director determines has a reasonable relationship to the functions of the position, in accordance with A.R.S. § 13-904(E). B. Code of Ethics. To enhance the quality of performance and the conduct and the behavior of correctional officers, an individual appointed to be a correctional officer shall commit to the following Code of Ethics and shall affirm the commitment by signing the Code: “I shall maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, and impartiality, free from any personal considerations, favoritism, or partisan demands. I shall be courteous, considerate, and prompt when dealing with the public, realizing that I serve the public. I shall maintain mutual respect and professional cooperation in my relationships with other staff members. I shall be firm, fair, and consistent in the performance of my duties. I shall treat others with dignity, respect, and compassion, and provide humane custody and care, void of all retribution, harassment, or abuse. I shall uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Arizona, and all federal and state laws. Whether on or off duty, in uniform or not, I shall conduct myself in a manner that will not bring discredit or embarrassment to my agency or the state of Arizona. I shall report without reservation any corrupt or unethical behavior that could affect either inmates, employees, or the integrity of my agency. I shall not use my official position for personal gain. I shall maintain confidentiality of information that has been entrusted to me and designated as such. I shall not permit myself to be placed under any kind of personal obligation that could lead any person to expect official favors. I shall not accept or solicit from anyone, either directly or indirectly, anything of economic value such as a gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, or loan, that is or may appear to be, designed to influence my official conduct. I will not discriminate against any inmate, employee, or any member of the public on the basis of race, gender, creed, or national origin. I will not sexually harass or condone sexual harassment of any person. I shall maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene, grooming, and neatness while on duty or otherwise representing the state of Arizona.”