Court Officer Academy Student Court Officer Manual: Massachusetts Trial Court Academy Honor Code

Student Court Officers are required to abide by the Honor Code at all times during the Academy in order to become a Massachusetts Trial Court Officer. The purpose of the Honor Code is to reinforce the fundamental qualities Student Court Officers will need in order to service the public safely, effectively, and with great honor.

“Student Court Officers are persons of rectitude. They lead by example. They do not lie, cheat, or steal, and have no tolerance for those who do.”

The qualities essential to Court Officers include:

Integrity, Honor, Competency, Courage, Pride, Leadership, Truthfulness, Discipline, Professionalism, Fairness, Just, and Commitment to Ethical Conduct.

• A key objective to the educational process at the Massachusetts Trial Court Officer Academy is to instill the ideals of integrity, honor, and courage in all Student Court Officers. A challenging environment will be provided to Student Court Officers where they are given opportunities to develop the highest standards of public safety professionalism there is.
• Integrity is defined as the quality of being honest and fair. Student Court Officers must maintain their integrity when faced with challenges of adversity or temptation.
• Honor is defined as someone having good quality or character as judged by other people, high moral standards of behavior. Student Court Officers will be expected to always carry themselves as professionals to gain the respect of the public as well as their peers.
• Courage is defined as having the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Student Court Officers will find moments in their careers when they are required to act in dangerous situations. Courage will lead them to make the correct decisions, as opposed to the easy ones.

Any violations of the Honor Code and failure to take appropriate action are considered serious offenses under the Massachusetts Trial Court Academy Disciplinary Code. Any Student Court Officer, instructor, or staff person becoming aware of any violation of the Honor Code, is required to bring forth information of the incident. Student Court Officers in violation of the Honor Code are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the academy and termination of employment.

Date published:	January 2, 2023