What term describes the fundamental beliefs and actions taken by a police department?

The term that describes the fundamental beliefs and actions taken by a police department is "values." Values represent the core principles and guiding philosophies that shape the culture and behavior of an organization. In a police department, these values typically encompass concepts such as integrity, accountability, fairness, and service to the community. They influence how officers conduct themselves in the line of duty and establish the expected norms for interactions with the public and within the department itself.

While policies serve as specific guidelines for operational procedures, and goals outline the objectives the department aims to achieve, it is the underlying values that drive those policies and goals. Standards refer to the benchmarks or criteria for performance but do not encapsulate the essence of the beliefs that motivate actions. Therefore, values are central to the identity and mission of a police department, shaping everything from decision-making to community relations.