NCJ Number
52142
Date Published
1978
Length
29 pages
Annotation
THIS DRAFT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, FORMULATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IS CONCERNED WITH POLICE ETHICS, RIGHTS, AND TORTURE OR PUNISHMENT.
Abstract
THE DRAFT CODE WAS FINALIZED IN 1976 BY THE COMMITTEE ON CRIME PREVENTION AND CONTROL AND DEALS WITH THE RIGHTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. IT EMPHASIZES IN PARTICULAR THE OBLIGATION TO RESPECT AND PROTECT HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE PROHIBITION OF TORTURE AND OTHER INHUMAN OR DEGRADING PUNISHMENT, AND THE INADMISSIBILITY OF ALL ACTS OF CORRUPTION. FIVE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES AND PREREQUISITES FOR THE HUMANE PERFORMANCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS ARE RECOGNIZED: (1) EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SHOULD BE REPRESENTATIVE OF AND ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE; (2) THE EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE OF ETHICAL STANDARDS AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS DEPENDS ON THE EXISTENCE OF A WELL-CONCEIVED, POPULARLY ACCEPTED, AND HUMANE SYSTEM OF LAWS; (3) EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL IS PART OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE AIM OF WHICH IS TO PREVENT AND CONTROL CRIME, AND THE CONDUCT OF EVERY FUNCTIONARY WITHIN THE SYSTEM HAS AN IMPACT ON THE ENTIRE SYSTEM; (4) EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SHOULD BE HELD TO THE DUTY OF DISCIPLINING ITSELF; AND (5) STANDARDS AS SUCH REMAIN MOOT UNLESS THEIR CONTENT AND MEANING, THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND MONITORING, BECOME PART OF THE CREED OF EVERY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL. TEN ARTICLES IN THE CODE ADDRESS THE DUTY OF OFFICIALS TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND INDIVIDUALS IN PARTICULAR, THE RESPECT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, THE USE OF FORCE, MATTERS OF A CONFIDENTIAL NATURE, THE USE OF CRUEL OR INHUMAN PUNISHMENT, THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF PERSONS IN CUSTODY, ACTS OF CORRUPTION, THE REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS, AND PROTECTION AFFORDED BY NATIONAL LAW TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT CODE IS CONTAINED IN ANNEXES. (DEP)