ABSTRACT
Public police organizations are uncomfortable with discussion around human rights, mainly because they are frequently criticized in the media for lapses and errors in safeguarding the civil liberties of their citizens. This chapter discusses the optimum methods of teaching and learning about human rights within the policing organization and also describe some case studies involving countries that have altered the style of their policing to encompass the democratic model. Upon consideration of the robust coercive powers that are given to police, in addition to the powers of other citizens to keep the peace, it is clear there is a need for accountability. The vagaries and pitfalls of accessing the police complaints system are well documented, along with the necessity of independent oversight of police to achieve effective accountability of public police organizations. Poland was a country most keen to integrate with Europe and adopt the rights-based approach to policing.
