Effective Date: 2023-10-15
Treat All Individuals with Respect and Courtesy:
Law enforcement officers are often the face of the justice system and the government. Treating all individuals, regardless of their role in an interaction, with respect and courtesy is a fundamental aspect of building trust and fostering positive community relationships.
This means addressing individuals politely, using appropriate language, and refraining from derogatory or disrespectful behaviour. It's important to remember that respectful treatment extends to suspects, witnesses, and victims.
Maintain Self-Control:
Policing can involve emotionally charged situations. Officers must remain calm and composed, even when confronted with challenging and potentially volatile circumstances. Self-control is crucial for preventing situations from escalating and ensuring everyone's safety.
Proper training in de-escalation techniques can be beneficial, as it equips officers with the tools to manage difficult interactions effectively.
Provide Your Name and Badge Number Upon Request:
Transparency and accountability are key components of modern policing. When requested, officers should readily provide their name and badge number to individuals they interact with. This practice enhances transparency, allowing individuals to identify the officer involved in the interaction.
Publicly displaying this information fosters trust and accountability. In some jurisdictions, it may be required by departmental policies or even state law.
Activate Body Cameras During All Public Interactions:
Body-worn cameras have become a standard tool for law enforcement agencies to document interactions between officers and the public. The activation of body cameras ensures that an accurate record of the interaction is captured.
Officers should activate their body cameras when engaging with the public, including during traffic stops, arrests, searches, interviews, and interactions involving use of force. Activating the camera helps protect both the officer and the individual involved.
Confirm That Cameras Are Recording and Capturing Video and Audio Correctly:
Simply wearing a body camera is not enough; officers must regularly confirm that the camera is functioning correctly and capturing video and audio as intended.
This may involve performing routine equipment checks to ensure the camera's battery is charged, storage capacity is available, and the camera is free from damage or malfunctions. Officers should also regularly review their camera footage to ensure quality and completeness.
Effective use of body cameras increases accountability, provides valuable evidence, and helps protect the rights and interests of both officers and the public.
These practices collectively contribute to the professional and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers during interactions with the public, supporting the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for individual rights.