1. A. To be admitted to the academy for training as a state correctional officer, an individual shall:

   1. 1. Be a citizen of the United States or eligible to work in the United States;
   2. 2. Be at least 18 years of age by the date of graduation from the academy;
   3. 3. Be a high school graduate or have successfully completed a General Education Development (G.E.D.) examination or equivalent as specified in R13-4-203(C)(3);
   4. 4. Have a valid Arizona driver’s license by the date of graduation from the academy;
   5. 5. Undergo a complete background investigation that meets the standards of R13-4-203;
   6. 6. Undergo a physical examination (within 12 months before appointment) as prescribed by the Director by a licensed physician designated by the Director;
   7. 7. Not have been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces;
   8. 8. Not have used a dangerous drug or narcotic, as defined at A.R.S. § 13-3401, within the past five years;
   9. 9. Not have a pattern of abuse of prescription medication; and
   10. 10. Not have committed a felony or a misdemeanor of a nature that the Director determines has a reasonable relationship to the functions of the position, in accordance with A.R.S. § 13-904(E).

2. B. Code of Ethics. To enhance the quality of performance and the conduct and the behavior of correctional officers, an individual appointed to be a correctional officer shall commit to the following Code of Ethics and shall affirm the commitment by signing the Code:

   “I shall maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, and impartiality, free from any personal considerations, favoritism, or partisan demands. I shall be courteous, considerate, and prompt when dealing with the public, realizing that I serve the public. I shall maintain mutual respect and professional cooperation in my relationships with other staff members.

   I shall be firm, fair, and consistent in the performance of my duties. I shall treat others with dignity, respect, and compassion, and provide humane custody and care, void of all retribution, harassment, or abuse. I shall uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Arizona, and all federal and state laws. Whether on or off duty, in uniform or not, I shall conduct myself in a manner that will not bring discredit or embarrassment to my agency or the state of Arizona.

   I shall report without reservation any corrupt or unethical behavior that could affect either inmates, employees, or the integrity of my agency. I shall not use my official position for personal gain. I shall maintain confidentiality of information that has been entrusted to me and designated as such.

   I shall not permit myself to be placed under any kind of personal obligation that could lead any person to expect official favors. I shall not accept or solicit from anyone, either directly or indirectly, anything of economic value such as a gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, or loan, that is or may appear to be, designed to influence my official conduct. I will not discriminate against any inmate, employee, or any member of the public on the basis of race, gender, creed, or national origin. I will not sexually harass or condone sexual harassment of any person. I shall maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene, grooming, and neatness while on duty or otherwise representing the state of Arizona.”

Historical Note

Adopted effective December 16, 1992, filed June 16, 1992 (Supp. 82-2). Reference to “Council” changed to “Board” (Supp. 94-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 3201, effective July 11, 2002 (Supp. 02-3). Amended by final rulemaking a 22 A.A.R. 555, effective April 8, 2016 (Supp. 16-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking, under Laws 2019, Chapter 93, at 25 A.A.R. 1267, with an immediate effective date of April 24, 2019 (Supp. 19-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 1044 (May 20, 2022), effective July 3, 2022 (Supp. 22-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 31 A.A.R. 924 (March 28, 2025), effective May 4, 2025 (Supp. 25-1).