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Core Values

The following core values are the principles and beliefs that guide our actions to fulfill our mission. They also guide the establishment of the long-range goals and strategies and the way they will be implemented.

Equal Justice Under the Law

Upholding the laws of the United States is the solemn responsibility entrusted to us by the American people. We enforce these laws fairly and uniformly to ensure that all Americans receive equal protection and justice under the law.

Access to Justice

We are dedicated to ensuring that the Federal justice system is accessible and fair to all and that court proceedings take place free of intimidation or fear of violence.

Honesty and Integrity

We adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior.

Pursuit of Excellence

We are committed to the highest possible levels of achievement and service. We design our everyday activities to provide the most effective legal, investigative, prosecutorial, correctional, and other services to, and on behalf of, the people of the United States.

Accountability to the Taxpayer

We are committed to serving as effective and responsible stewards of the taxpayers' dollars that are entrusted to us. We are efficient and results-oriented. We measure and report on our progress in achieving goals.

Cooperation and Partnership

We respect the independence of the judiciary, and the inter-dependence of all other components of the justice system. To achieve mutual goals, we seek partnerships wherever appropriate to attain justice.

Importance of the Individual

We recognize that people are our most important resource for accomplishing our mission. We are committed to the personal well-being and professional development of all employees. We encourage creativity and reward superior performance.

Openness in Government

We communicate with the public in an open and candid way. We actively seek outside views and are responsive to requests for information.

Public Safety

We are committed to public safety. To achieve community safety goals, we seek partnership with local law enforcement and other community agencies and businesses, wherever appropriate, in order to help make our community a safer place to live.

Department of Justice Diversity

The Department of Justice recognizes that its employees are its most important asset.  DOJ employees are the vital link that ensures that the ideals, mission, and values of the Department are fully realized.  To this end, the Department strives to ensure that its workforce is drawn from the broadest segments of society so that it is poised to meet the present and future needs of our Nation. Please click here to the the department's official diversity statement.

Updated April 22, 2015