NCJ Number
192427
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 1, 2 Dated: Spring/Fall 2001 Pages: 93-102
Date Published
2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that a professional understanding of and commitment to the U.S. Bill of Rights and the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials will allow the police to develop more humane relationships with the citizens they serve.
Abstract
Although particular incidents of abusive behavior by U.S. police have received national and international publicity, these are apparently the relatively rare acts of individual officers or groups of officers rather than evidence of a national pattern of police behavior. The problem is that there is no systematic means of documenting police abuses of power. Consequently, the extent of violations of citizens' rights by police is unknown. The police themselves should take the initiative in correcting this circumstance. Further, police departments and police training academies should support the U.S. Bill of Rights and adopt the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials. The Code of Conduct includes instruments and guidelines for incorporating standards. In addition, it prescribes methods for monitoring abuses of human rights by the police and suggests suitable remedial measures for officer violations. If police officers generally adhere to the Bill of Rights and the United Nations Code of Conduct, their performance of their duties will protect the human rights of citizens, defend the rule of law, and contribute to a better quality of life for citizens. 16 references