Nine Principles of Policing

Principles of Policing

• 1. Preventing Crime and Disorder:

  • The foundational and primary objective for the existence of any police force is the proactive prevention of crime and the maintenance of public order. This fundamental mission underscores their very purpose in society.

• 2. Public Approval as the Basis of Authority:

  • The effective functioning of the police in performing their assigned duties is entirely dependent upon the acquisition and retention of public approval for their actions. Without the consent and endorsement of the populace, their authority and ability to operate are significantly diminished.

• 3. Securing Willing Public Cooperation and Respect:

  • For the police to be truly effective, they must actively strive to gain the willing cooperation of the public in the voluntary observance of the law. This voluntary adherence is crucial, as it is the primary means by which police can secure and sustain the respect of the community they serve.

• 4. Inverse Relationship Between Force and Cooperation:

  • There is a direct correlation between the necessity of employing physical force by the police and the degree of public cooperation they can secure. As the use of physical force becomes more necessary, the level of cooperation from the public diminishes proportionately. This implies that minimal force leads to greater public engagement and trust.

• 5. Gaining Public Favor Through Impartial Service, Not Opinion:

  • Police are instructed to seek and preserve public favor, not by appeasing or "catering to" public opinion or popular sentiment. Instead, their favor is earned and maintained by consistently demonstrating an absolute, unwavering, and impartial commitment to serving and enforcing the law, applying it equally to all.

• 6. Judicious and Limited Use of Physical Force:

  • The application of physical force by the police is strictly limited to the extent necessary to ensure observance of the law or to restore order. This ultimate measure is to be employed only when all other means, specifically the exercise of persuasion, the provision of advice, and the issuance of warnings, have been found to be insufficient or ineffective.

• 7. The Police are the Public and Vice-Versa:

  • At all times, police officers are expected to maintain a relationship with the public that fully embodies the historic tradition and principle: "the police are the public and the public are the police." This concept highlights that police officers are merely members of the wider public who are specially compensated to dedicate full-time attention to duties and responsibilities that are, in essence, incumbent upon every citizen for the overall welfare and existence of the community.

• 8. Strict Adherence to Functions and Non-Usurpation of Judicial Powers:

  • Police actions must consistently and strictly be directed toward their defined functions and responsibilities. They must never, under any circumstances, take actions that would give the appearance of usurping or overstepping the powers and authority rightfully belonging to the judiciary. This principle emphasizes the separation of powers and the importance of police operating within their legal mandate.