NCJ Number
140689
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 45-47
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
An agreement emerged from a seminar of senior police officers and civilian staff, staff associations, and trade union representatives from the Humberside Police that quality of service to the public would be adopted as a police force priority.
Abstract
The Association of Police Chiefs (ACOP) has formulated and agreed upon a national Statement of Common Purpose and Values which addresses quality of service in the United Kingdom. Every police force will adopt this Statement. In addition to identifying the purpose of police service, the Statement cites values and discusses use of force and priorities. The Statement specifies that the police must be compassionate, courteous, and patient and act without fear, favor, or prejudice to the rights of others. Further, the Statement reinforces the need for police to be professional, calm, and restrained in the face of violence and to use only that force which is regarded as necessary to accomplish lawful duty. Regarding priorities, the police must strive to reduce the fears of the public and to reflect the priorities of the public to the extent possible. The Statement further notes the need to respond to well-founded criticism with a willingness to change.