27 Miss. Code. R. 1-6-201
Public employment is a public trust. It is the policy of the State of Mississippi to promote and balance the objective of protecting government integrity and the objective of facilitating the recruitment and retention of personnel needed by the State. Such policy is implemented by prescribing essential standards of ethical conduct without creating unnecessary obstacles to entering public service. Public employees must discharge their duties impartially so as to assure fair competitive access to governmental procurement by responsible contractors. Moreover, they should conduct themselves in such a manner as to foster public confidence in the integrity of the state procurement organization. Additionally, Mississippi Code Annotated § 25-4-101 (1972, as amended) states:
The Legislature declares that elective and public office and employment is a public trust and any effort to realize personal gain through official conduct, other than as provided by law, or as a natural consequence of the employment or position, is a violation of that trust. Therefore, public servants shall endeavor to pursue a course of conduct which will not raise suspicion among the public that they are likely to be engaged in acts that are in violation of this trust and which will not reflect unfavorably upon the state and local governments.
To achieve the purpose of this chapter, it is essential that those doing business with the State of Mississippi also observe the ethical standards prescribed herein.
27 Miss. Code. R. 1-6-201