Police Ethics and Use of Force Principles

To uphold the law, protect human rights, act impartially, and exercise public authority with integrity.

Every police action must have a lawful basis and comply with applicable constitutional, statutory, and procedural requirements.

Force should be used only when reasonably necessary to accomplish a lawful objective.

The level of force must be proportionate to the threat and legitimate law enforcement objective.

Officers should plan and conduct operations to minimize foreseeable risks of injury or loss of life.

Officers and responsible authorities must be subject to appropriate reporting, review, investigation, and lawful consequences.

Using communication, time, distance, cover, and other appropriate measures to reduce the intensity of a confrontation when feasible.

To provide a training framework for assessing resistance or threats and selecting appropriate responses, without replacing applicable legal standards.

Less-lethal methods are designed to reduce the likelihood of death but can still cause serious injury or death; nonlethal incorrectly implies no risk of death.

Only when strictly unavoidable to protect life, subject to applicable domestic law and the circumstances.

It supports the protection of life and health and requires timely assistance to injured persons when feasible and safe.

Force must not be punitive or excessive; any additional force requires an independent lawful justification.

Torture and other prohibited cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment are forbidden under the Constitution and RA 9745.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment under its statutory provisions.

No. An order from a superior does not provide a lawful justification for torture.

Police services and enforcement decisions must not be based on unlawful prejudice or discriminatory treatment.

The practice of making decisions through fair processes characterized by neutrality, respectful treatment, opportunities to be heard, and trustworthy motives.

Fair and respectful police procedures can strengthen public confidence and willingness to cooperate.

Consistent adherence to honesty, ethical principles, lawful duties, and professional standards.

The misuse of police authority or position for improper personal, financial, or other benefit.

Improperly receiving, soliciting, or accepting benefits in connection with official functions under the applicable legal elements.

Using threats, coercion, or abuse of authority to obtain money, property, or another benefit unlawfully.

A situation in which personal interests may improperly influence, or appear to influence, official judgment or duties.

Disclose the conflict and follow applicable recusal, reassignment, or other integrity procedures.

To prevent undue influence, favoritism, corruption, and loss of public confidence.

Sensitive information must be protected from unauthorized disclosure while complying with lawful reporting and disclosure obligations.

Access and use information only for authorized official purposes under applicable law and policy.

Avoid participation, preserve relevant information, and report the misconduct through appropriate lawful channels.

Measures designed to protect persons who make qualifying good-faith reports of misconduct from unlawful retaliation.

To determine whether alleged misconduct occurred and recommend or pursue appropriate administrative action under governing rules.

Misconduct involves improper or unlawful behavior; inefficiency involves inadequate performance or failure to meet expected operational standards.

Failure to perform a required official duty through omission or inadequate attention, subject to applicable disciplinary definitions.

Serious improper conduct typically involving corruption, a clear intent to violate the law, or flagrant disregard of established rules, as defined by applicable jurisprudence.

Willful refusal or failure to obey a lawful order from a competent superior, subject to applicable disciplinary rules.

No. Official hierarchy does not authorize violations of law or constitutional rights.

To provide fair notice of allegations and a meaningful opportunity to respond before an authorized decision is made.

Substantial evidence.

To inform the respondent of the alleged misconduct and enable an appropriate defense.

To exercise statutory jurisdiction over specified citizen complaints against PNP personnel.

It provides an institutional mechanism for investigating specified police misconduct and strengthening internal accountability.

To provide accessible channels for reporting misconduct and obtaining appropriate review or action.

To maintain reliable records and physical or digital evidence for fair and effective review.

To provide truthful, accurate, complete testimony within the officer's knowledge and avoid fabrication or concealment.

Investigators must evaluate inculpatory and exculpatory evidence objectively rather than seek only information supporting a preferred conclusion.

To develop knowledge and practical skills for protecting rights during arrests, detention, searches, investigations, and other operations.

Officers should avoid presenting an unconvicted suspect as legally guilty and must respect the person's rights.

The prohibitions against excessive or punitive force and the duty to respect human dignity.

Refuse the unlawful instruction and report the misconduct through appropriate channels.

Unauthorized access or misuse of official information, potentially violating privacy laws and disciplinary rules.

Conflict of interest and the obligation to preserve impartiality and investigative integrity.