Police oversight mechanisms

The police play a vital role in providing security and maintaining the rule of law. In order to do that, they are given a near monopoly to use force in times of peace. However, these powers also give them ample opportunity to violate human rights. Strong and uncontrolled power carries with it a risk of misuse in the form of e.g. police brutality, deaths in police custody, torture and ill-treatment, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and excessive use of force, including in cases of demonstrations.

Therefore, it is crucial that the police is accountable to the society and the public.

Furthermore, a police service that is accountable and respects and protects human rights will be able to build constructive relations with the community and the public, and therefore is in a better position to prevent crimes and maintain law and order.

The police should be held accountable in all stages of their operations: before, during and after police operations. This note focuses particularly on police oversight mechanisms after the police operation has been carried out.