Attorney
General Alberto Gonzalez is the top law enforcement officer in the
United
States.
Since
Mr. Gonzalez is the nation’s top law enforcement
officer, he is bound by the Law Enforcement Code of Conduct, passed by
the
International Association of Chiefs of Police. It reads in part: “A
police
officer shall perform all duties impartially, without favor or
affection or ill
will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political
belief or
aspiration … Officers will never allow personal feelings, animosities
or
friendships to influence official conduct. … They will conduct
themselves in
appearance and deportment in such a manner as to inspire confidence and
respect
for the position of public trust they hold.”
Further,
the document states: “A police officer will not
engage in acts of corruption or bribery… The public demands that the
integrity
of police officers be above reproach. Police officers must, therefore,
avoid
any conduct that might compromise integrity and thus undercut the
public
confidence in a law enforcement agency … Respect from the public cannot
be
bought; it can only be earned and cultivated.”
Finally,
the document says: “Police officers will behave in
a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or themselves.”
There
is clear and convincing evidence that Gonzalez has
violated these standards. As such, he should resign for the sake of
justice.