Principles of Professional Ethics in Law Enforcement in Israel as Pertaining to the Use of Force (From The Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in Israel, 1990, P 81-86, -- See NCJ-129299)

• NCJ Number: 129304
• Author(s): R Geva
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Israel Ministry of Police
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: Israel

Annotation

An attempt is made to summarize Israel's efforts to ensure that its law enforcement officers exercise a maximum degree of self-control and adopt, in practice, the principle of "the reasonable use of force."

Abstract

The Israel National Police (INP) forbids the use of both lethal and non-lethal force unless circumstances warrant such use. Those police officers who use force irresponsibly and cause injury or death, when the use of such force was not indicated by the prevailing circumstances, will be held liable for their actions and will be subject to the penalties prescribed by law. Supreme Court guidelines permit the use of firearms by law enforcement agents only if the following conditions are present: the firearms are to be used only as long as an immediate threat to the life or physical well-being of an individual is present; and the danger cannot be prevented unless firearms are used. Training police officers to use their authority in an ethical manner should be provided at the recruitment stage and should include refresher courses and workshops.