 | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
UNCJIN | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Revised: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | |||
Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials
Adopted by the General Assembly, 17 December 1979, All those who exercise police powers shall respect and protect human dignity and uphold the human rights of all persons. Law enforcement officials shall fulfill the duty imposed on them by law by serving the community and protecting all persons against illegal acts. Service to
the community includes in particular assistance to those who by reason of personal, economic, social or other emergencies are in need of immediate aid. Protection against illegal acts extends to the full range of prohibitions under penal statutes and to the conduct of persons not capable of incurring criminal liability. Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and only to the extent required for the performance of their duty. The use of firearms is
considered to be an extreme measure, not to be employed except when a suspected offender offers armed resistance or otherwise jeopardizes the lives of others. Matters of a confidential nature in the possession of law enforcement officials shall be kept confidential, unless the performance of duty or the needs of justice strictly require otherwise. No law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment. Law enforcement officials shall ensure the full protection of the health of persons in their custody and take immediate action to secure medical attention whenever required. Law enforcement officials shall not commit any act of corruption and shall rigorously oppose and combat all such acts. Law enforcement officials shall respect the law and this Code, and to the best of their capabilities prevent and oppose any violations of them. If they believe that a violation of
this Code has occurred or is about to occur, they shall report the matter to their superior authorities and, where necessary, to other appropriate authorities or governmental organs; as a last resort, and in accord with the laws and customs of their own countries, they may bring violations to the attention of the mass media. Law enforcement officials who comply with the provisions of this Code deserve the respect, full support and cooperation of the community and of the law enforcement
agency in which they serve. | |||||
 |
 |  | |||