PEOPLE expect the police to have high ethical and moral standards. Personal lives of police officers often come under public scrutiny, with instances where families of officers interfere in police administration, sometimes for personal gain. This interference can lead to feelings of deprivation and disappointment within the force. The involvement of police officers鈥� families in administrative matters for personal gain, coupled with the exposure of scandalous activities on digital platforms in a few cases, poses serious challenges to the integrity and image of the police force. Such actions not only undermine internal morale by fostering frustration and resentment among officers but also erode public trust in law enforcement. Addressing these issues requires a robust code of conduct, stricter oversight, and effective measures to safeguard the professional and ethical standards of the police force.
People expect the police to uphold good conduct, but misconduct such as acrimonious behaviour, abusive language and general unprofessionalism undermines public trust and the integrity of law enforcement. Whether stemming from arrogance, disappointment or inadequate training, such actions escalate conflicts and create hostility between the police and the community. They demean individuals, foster resentment and weaken the legitimacy of the police force. To maintain public trust and cooperation, law enforcement must ensure rigorous accountability, continuous ethics training and a firm commitment to professionalism.
Etiquette and courtesy are fundamental to effective policing and the maintenance of public trust. Police officers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect and compassion in their interactions with all members of the community, regardless of circumstances. Polite and courteous communication, active listening and unbiased behaviour are essential traits that foster cooperation and mutual respect. Officers must exercise restraint and composure, even in challenging situations, to de-escalate conflicts and uphold the dignity of those they serve. By adhering to high standards of etiquette and courtesy, police officers not only enhance their credibility but also strengthen their role as protectors of justice and public order.
The police abuse of authority occurs when law enforcement officers exceed their lawful powers or misuse their position to exploit, intimidate or harm individuals or communities. This can take the form of excessive use of force, corruption, discrimination, wrongful arrests or unlawful surveillance. Such behaviour not only violates the rights of those affected but also erodes public trust in the police. Abuse of authority often disproportionately affects vulnerable or marginalised groups, exacerbating social inequalities and tensions. It is crucial to implement strong accountability mechanisms, ensure an independent oversight of police actions, promote a culture of integrity and respect for human rights within police forces to address this issue.
Professionalism and discipline are crucial for police officers to uphold public trust and ensure effective law enforcement. In Bangladesh, maintaining discipline within the police force is essential to prevent misconduct and ensure accountability. Officers must handle difficult situations calmly, communicate respectfully, and adhere to high ethical standards. As a constitutionally mandated disciplined force, the Bangladesh Police must follow a strict code of conduct and government regulations. Operating under a hierarchical structure, senior officers oversee subordinates, provide guidance and enforce disciplinary measures when necessary.
As the enforcers and guardians of the law, police officers must not only embody honesty but also cultivate trust by being perceived as ethical and just. A corruption-free police force fosters public confidence, ensuring that citizens feel protected rather than exploited. Ethical policing practices enhance the credibility of law enforcement and contribute to a fair and just society. However, reports of bribery and corruption involving police officers, frequently highlighted in the press, present a significant challenge to the integrity of law enforcement. While officers may publicly brush aside such allegations, the existence of corruption cases registered by the anti-corruption authority suggests a deeper systemic issue. This disconnect between public perceptions, media reports, and official denials undermines trust in the police force and weakens its credibility. To address this, law enforcement agencies must embrace transparency, fully cooperate with anti-corruption investigations, and implement rigorous internal accountability mechanisms. Only by implementing these measures can the police rebuild public trust and uphold the ethical standards they are expected to maintain.
Officers are expected to be honest in their statements. If they try to hide something, it can raise suspicion. In today鈥檚 digital age, very little remains hidden. Reports have emerged online about corruption and the accumulation of large sums of money involving some high-ranking police and civil service officers. These claims have often been dismissed by them as propaganda. It is challenging to deceive everyone, especially those engaged in investigative journalism. One police chief even wrote a book in which he claimed he promised his mother never to indulge in any form of corruption throughout his life. Such hypocritical statements erode trust in police officers and result in the stigmatisation of all officers. Through their connections with dubious elements of the ruling elite, these officers have reached the pinnacle of success while many highly professional officers have been relegated to less significant positions. This mirrors Gresham鈥檚 law in economics, where bad money drives out good, reflecting a dynamic where unethical practices overshadow integrity within the system.
Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killing and crossfire incidents are significant human rights concerns associated with security forces and the police in many countries, including Bangladesh. These practices involve unlawful detention, targeted killing without due process and staged encounters often justified as self-defence or combating crimes. Victims of enforced disappearances are often detained secretly, with families left in anguish, unaware of their loved ones鈥� fate. Extrajudicial killings and crossfire incidents frequently occur under the pretext of maintaining law and order, bypassing judicial systems and eroding public trust. Such actions undermine the rule of law, violate international human rights standards and often lead to widespread fear and impunity. Advocacy for transparency, accountability, and legal reforms is critical to address these abuses and restore confidence in law enforcement agencies. The enforced disappearance committees formed under the interim government has revealed very shocking and alarming news of enforced disappearance involving a large number of people that affected their family and friends very adversely with the irreparable loss of their loved one. One incident, in Jhenidah, carried out by security forces, claimed the life of a man, whose father revealed it on social media. Stricken with profound grief and despair, the father, disillusioned by the prevailing criminal justice system, chose not to seek earthly justice. Instead, he entrusted the matter to the divine justice of the afterlife.
As guardians of law and order, the police must align their actions with principles of dignity, fairness, and legality, ensuring individuals鈥� rights to life, liberty and security while avoiding excessive force, arbitrary detention or discrimination. Their responsibilities include protecting people from violence and abuse, ensuring due process, and safeguarding freedoms such as speech and movement. Professional policing demands adherence to legal procedures, ethical treatment of all individuals irrespective of background and a commitment to de-escalation and non-violent conflict resolution. Integrating human rights education into training programmes, maintaining transparency and implementing oversight mechanisms reinforce accountability and strengthen public trust. By upholding these values, the police not only fulfil their legal duties but also sustain the foundational principles of a just and equitable society.
In democratic societies, the police are expected to be accountable to multiple internal and external bodies to prevent misuse of power and ensure they remain free from political interference or abuse. Independent civilian oversight bodies play a critical role in this accountability framework by investigating complaints of misconduct, reviewing the use of force, and making recommendations to improve policing practices. These mechanisms such as oversight boards, civilian review committees and accessible complaint-tracking systems promote transparency, fairness and impartiality in law enforcement. Persistent issues like bribery, extrajudicial killings, and case tampering underscore the need for robust oversight and reform. Public reporting of police activities and unbiased investigations are essential for maintaining credibility, ensuring justice, and demonstrating that the police are not above the law. By holding officers accountable and operating transparently, the police can rebuild public confidence, uphold the rule of law, and reinforce their role as trusted guardians of justice. In spite of the strong support and commitment from the police, the establishment of an independent oversight body remains stalled. As a result, the public stands to lose a crucial opportunity to benefit from a globally recognised mechanism that is essential for ensuring police accountability.
The use of body-worn cameras and other modern devices has been widely adopted in democratic policing as a tool to enhance transparency. Studies have shown that body cameras reduce the frequency of use-of-force incidents and complaints against officers, as they provide an objective record of interactions between police and citizens. Additionally, the presence of body cameras can improve both officers and citizens鈥� behaviour, as both parties are aware of being recorded.
Maintaining ethical standards, accountability, and transparency in policing is crucial for public trust and justice. While law enforcement officers are expected to uphold integrity and professionalism, issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and extrajudicial actions undermine credibility. Addressing these challenges requires strict codes of conduct, independent oversight and a culture of accountability. Ethics training, community engagement and modern tools like body-worn cameras can enhance transparency and reduce misconduct. Ultimately, a just and effective police force operates within the law, respects human rights, and ensures dignity and fairness for all, reinforcing its role as a trusted guardian of justice and public safety.
To be continued.
Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.