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Police operational policies

Last edited: December 30, 2011

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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’).