When we have a sense of our own basic commitments, stick to them as well as stick up for them, this is what integrity is all about. To have integrity is to be honest and maintain the public's trust and therefore gain their respect. In doing such, and only then can law enforcement begin to build a partnership to work together as a team, striving for a safer world. The demands upon our profession are many and varied. One needs to be able to be firm, but not rude or oppressive, one must be knowledgeable about many things in life without being arrogant, and finally it is important that one be professional, acting with dignity, but not snobbish or pompous.
Integrity is a virtue, much like courage.
If we have integrity is because it has become a habit of our character over a long period of time. Integrity is not something we have occassionally, but lasting. Integrity is not an end in itself, but a strength of character that allows us to maintain our basic commitments even in the face of adversity. Integrity has to do with our response to temptation and pressure. No one can take your integrity away, but you can give it can all be gone in an instant.