Police, and those in law enforcement involved in election security, hold a position of public trust.
Their fundamental duties are to protect lives and property and to ensure that laws are enforced.
In most countries operating under the rule of law, the public expects the police to be impartial,
fair and responsible in the enforcement of public order and the laws of the country.
These principles should be reflected in the institutional values of the law enforcement agencies,
such as this one from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation:
Rigorous obedience to constitutional principles ensures that individually and
institutionally we always remember that constitutional guarantees are more important than
the outcome of any single interview, search for evidence or investigation. Respect for the
dignity of all whom we protect reminds us to wield law enforcement powers with restraint
and to recognize the natural human tendency to be corrupted by power and to become
callous in its exercise. Fairness and compassion ensure that we treat everyone with the
highest regard for constitution, civil and human rights. Personal and institutional integrity
reinforce each other and are owed to the Nation in exchange for the sacred trust and great
authority conferred upon us.
We who enforce the law must not merely obey it. We have an obligation to set a moral
example which those whom we protect can follow.199
Most police systems use a code of ethics for the conduct of the police officers and
others involved in law enforcement. These codes are usually binding and include:
- respect for the constitutional and civil rights of all persons;
- obeying the laws of the country and the regulations of the police department;
- impartial and professional behaviour and action; not allowing personal feelings, prejudices,
animosities or friendship to influence a decision;
- being honest and not using the office for personal or partisan benefit, refusing personal
rewards and gratuities for official conduct;
- respecting the confidentiality of the office and the information gathered on citizens;
- enforcing the law courteously and appropriately;
- not intimidating citizens or suspects, using self-restraint and watching out for the welfare
of others;
- never using excessive force or violence;
- compassion and fairness; and
- cooperating with all legal agencies in the pursuit of justice.
For more on ethics in policing, see Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police.
