PSNI New ethics code drawn up by Policing Board
More than 13,000 copies of the Code of Ethics are being handed out in a bid to boost public confidence in the force.
The new Code of Ethics for the PSNI is based on the European Bill of Human Rights. This was one of the main recommendations of the Patten plan for reforming the old RUC.
The Code commits the PSNI to fairness and integrity. It covers a range of issues including the use of force by officers, and the treatment of arrested people.
The new code was drawn up the North's Policing Board, which sought the opinions of a range of interests including the PSNI Chief Constable, the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan, and Human Rights groups.
The Chief Constable Hugh Orde said he hoped the guidelines would encourage more Nationalists and Republicans to join and support the police. He said the code would ensure wrong doing by police officers would not be tolerated.
SDLP Councillor Joe Byrne, who sits on the Policing Board, said the code of ethics was another piece in the jigsaw of a new police force for the North.
The new regulations will be introduced from next month.
