Police operational policies

Examples of police operational policies and codes of conduct:

Model Policy on Domestic Violence by Police Officers

The International Association of Chiefs of Police ‘Domestic Violence by Police Officers Model Policy’ (2003) establishes a framework for ensuring zero tolerance of violence perpetrated by police personnel, and provides leaders and staff of all ranks with comprehensive guidance for preventing and responding to domestic violence perpetrated by officers around the following areas:

Prevention and training
Prevention through collaboration
Training topics
Ongoing training
Early warning and intervention
Pre-hire screening and investigation
Post-conditional offer of employment
Post-hire intervention
Departmental response
Supervisor responsibilities
Police officer responsibilities
Incident response protocols
Department wide response
Communications response
Patrol response
On-scene supervisor response
Additional considerations
Department follow-up
Victim safety and protection
Post-incident administrative and criminal decisions
Administrative investigation and decisions
Criminal investigation and decisions
Termination procedure

Source: International Association of Chiefs of Police. 2003, ‘Domestic Violence by Police Officers Model Policy’, International Association of Chiefs of Police. Virginia.

The Northern Ireland Police Service produced a directive in 2004 outlining its Bullying and Harassment Policy, which sets out both the informal and formal mechanisms for police to report any incidents of bullying, sexual or other harassment encountered during their employment. The directive includes a clear policy statement, gives definitions and types of bullying and harassment; and lists the duties of managers, supervisors and officers. It details both the formal and informal complaints procedures, including how to report a complaint, how they should be handled, what interviews and investigations need to be undertaken, how decisions should be reached and communicated and what disciplinary action should be taken (Police Service Northern Ireland. 2005. ‘Policy Directive – Bullying and Harassment Policy’).

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