The police respects the public’s constitutional rights and human rights
The police respects the public’s constitutional rights and human rights and bases the exercise of its powers on always choosing from all reasonable options the course of action that best protects these rights. Every action that the police takes must be justified and proportionate to its significance, the inherent danger and level of urgency, the objective, the behaviour, age, health and other characteristics of the person(s) involved as well as other relevant circumstances.
The police primarily maintains public order and safety by giving advice and orders.
Although the powers of the police are based on the law, police work is not just about mechanically enforcing the law but also about keeping people safe and protecting their rights on a daily basis.
The police’s values and code of conduct are enshrined in the ethical oath that every police officer takes.
Every police officer carries a badge that they must present on request or as necessary, as long as this can be done without jeopardising the operation.
How to identify a police officer
