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PDF - The European Code of Police Ethics - Recommendation CM/Rec(2001)10 and explanatory memorandum (2002)
In a Europe, where national frontiers are becoming blurred, it is natural that police problems are treated from an international perspective. Apart from combating crime the debate concerns what level of police powers are acceptable in a democratic society from the perspective of safeguarding the individual’s fundamental rights and freedoms. A proper balance between these interests must be struck and a means to maintain it must be found.
The European Code of Police Ethics enshrines the basic principles that should apply to police services in democratic societies governed by the rule of law. It is more than a traditional code of ethics; it provides a general organisational framework for the police, their place in the criminal justice system, their objectives, performance and accountability. Some parts of the text are intended to serve as model provisions for national legislation and codes of conduct as well as principles for ethical policing.
The code and the explanatory memorandum provide guidance to governments of Council of Europe member states and is a source of information and inspiration for police practitioners and the public.
In a Europe, where national frontiers are becoming blurred, it is natural that police problems are treated from an international perspective. Apart from combating crime the debate concerns what level of police powers are acceptable in a democratic society from the perspective of safeguarding the individual’s fundamental rights and freedoms. A proper balance between these interests must be struck and a means to maintain it must be found.
The European Code of Police Ethics enshrines the basic principles that should apply to police services in democratic societies governed by the rule of law. It is more than a traditional code of ethics; it provides a general organisational framework for the police, their place in the criminal justice system, their objectives, performance and accountability. Some parts of the text are intended to serve as model provisions for national legislation and codes of conduct as well as principles for ethical policing.
The code and the explanatory memorandum provide guidance to governments of Council of Europe member states and is a source of information and inspiration for police practitioners and the public.