NIGERIAN ARMY UNIVERSITY, BIU
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES
COURSE:
COMPARATIVE POLICE AND POLICING SYSTEM
COURSE CODE:
CSS 203
GROUP ASSIGNMENT:
GROUP H
ASSIGNMENT QUESTION:
1. Explain in details the major principles of human rights in policing systems
GROUP MEMBERS:
S/N NAME MAT. NUMBER
1 SUNDAY ALFRED CSS/24U/4396
2 IFERI VICTOR BASSEY CSS/25D/5501
3 ODEH BENJAMIN PETER CSS/24U/4343
4 MUSTAPHA JIBRIN HASSAN CSS/24U/4345
5 MUNIRAT TORIOLA WALE CSS/24U/4516
6 ABUBAKAR ALIYU USMAN CSS/24U/4266
7 GIDEON NONTOM PEACE CSS/24U/4330
8 PETER YOSY NATHERNIEL CSS/23U/3403
9 BETTY DANJUMA CSS/25D/5555
Major Principles of Human Rights in the Policing System
Introduction
Human rights are fundamental to the functioning of any democratic society and are
especially critical within the policing system. The police, as agents of the state, are tasked with
maintaining public order, protecting life and property, and enforcing the law. However, in
carrying out these responsibilities, they must ensure that the rights and freedoms of individuals
are respected and protected. International human rights law provides a clear framework to guide
policing practices. These laws and principles ensure that the use of police powers does not result
in abuse, discrimination, or oppression. This paper explores the key principles of human rights in
policing, based on international legal standards and best practices.
Policing Through Human Rights:
This publication discusses the integration of human rights into policing strategies, emphasizing
the role of police in protecting human rights through ethical practices.
Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Police:
This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into human rights considerations in various
aspects of policing, including arrest, detention, and the use of force.
Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (OHCHR):
Adopted by the United Nations, this code provides a framework for ethical policing, mandating
respect for human dignity and the upholding of human rights in all law enforcement activities.
1. Legality
Definition: All actions by the police must be conducted within the bounds of national and
international law.
Explanation: The legality principle ensures that police officers are held to clear legal standards
in their operations. Any action that is not legally sanctioned is considered a violation of the rule
of law. Police must understand and respect the legal framework that governs arrests, searches,
detention, and use of force.
2. Necessity
Definition: Police force or action should only be used when absolutely necessary to achieve a
legitimate objective.
Explanation: Necessity limits the use of force or other restrictive measures to situations where it
is there only option available. For instance, using physical restraint or crowd control tactics is
justifiable only when there is no less intrusive way to ensure public safety or law enforcement.
3. Proportionality
Definition: The degree of force used by the police must be proportionate to the seriousness of
the situation.
Explanation: Police must evaluate the context before using force. Excessive force—even in a
lawful situation—can constitute a human rights violation. For example, it is disproportionate to
use deadly force in response to a minor offense that poses no threat to life.
4. Accountability
Definition: Police must be answerable for their actions and subject to oversight.
Explanation: Accountability mechanisms are vital for ensuring that misconduct, abuse, or
corruption is investigated and penalized. These include internal disciplinary processes,
independent oversight bodies, judicial review, and access to complaints systems for the public.
5. Equality and Non-Discrimination
Definition: Police must apply the law equally and without bias or discrimination.
Explanation: All individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or political
opinion, have equal protection under the law. Discriminatory practices such as racial profiling
undermine justice and violate human rights principles.
6. Human Dignity
Definition: Every person must be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
Explanation: Police must avoid any treatment that degrades, humiliates, or tortures individuals,
even during lawful arrests or detention. Respect for dignity includes appropriate language,
humane detention conditions, and sensitivity to vulnerable populations.
7. Transparency
Definition: Police procedures and actions must be open to public scrutiny.
Explanation: Transparency builds trust between the police and the community. It involves
providing public access to information, documenting incidents properly, and cooperating with
independent monitoring bodies. Transparency also helps prevent abuse of power.
8. Right to Remedy
Definition: Victims of police misconduct must have access to effective remedies.
Explanation: Where there is a breach of rights, individuals must be able to seek justice through
fair and accessible mechanisms. Remedies may include compensation, formal apologies, or
disciplinary action against the offending officer.
9. Policing Through Human Rights
This publication discusses the integration of human rights into policing strategies, emphasizing
the role of police in protecting human rights through ethical practices.
10. Human Rights Standards and Practice for the Policing
This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into human rights considerations in various
aspects of policing, including arrest, detention, and the use of force.
Conclusion
Human rights are the foundation of ethical and effective policing. These principles ensure
that the powers granted to law enforcement are not misused or abused. Upholding the rule of
law, respecting individual freedoms, and maintaining public trust depend on the consistent
application of these human rights standards. A policing system grounded in legality, necessity,
proportionality, accountability, non-discrimination, dignity, transparency, and access to remedy
not only protects citizens but also strengthens democratic institutions.
Reference
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 6
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 14
UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms (1990), Principle 4
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Articles 2 and 3
UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979), Article 3
European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Articles 2 and 3
UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979), Article 3
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)
