Bahrain’s security personnel have to abide by the Code of Conduct for Police, which was drafted by experts based on international practices, a report said.

It was first published in March last year and obliges officers to fully adhere to principles of human rights and freedom for all citizens, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

It includes the following practices:

•    Police shall commit to the rule of law and implement it with utmost impartiality, integrity and transparency without any form of discrimination.

•    A zero tolerance policy on torture and any other type of mistreatment. It is unacceptable to use the excuse of higher commands or exceptional circumstances, such as a state of war or security threats, as justification for torture.

•    Police officers shall use force except when absolutely necessary or where it is used in self-defence in accordance with the law.

•    Respecting the constitutional and legal rights of witnesses, defendants and suspects and abiding by human rights standards when dealing with them.

•    Maintaining the confidentiality of secret information in their possession, unless duty or justice requires otherwise.

•    Refraining from committing any act of corruption.

•    Police commanders must act as role models for officers working under their command. Officers must respect their superiors in accordance with the hierarchical rank structure of the security force.

•    Police officers are banned from; acts that trigger strife in the community, affiliation with any political, religious, or ethnic group and misusing information obtained through their work for personal interests and gains.

•    The use of live weaponry should be considered a last resort, and every effort should be made to avoid it.

•    The police force is committed to the application of the following principles; rapid response to emergency calls, clarity and simplicity of procedure and all members of the community will be held accountable without bias.

•    All arrests will be carried out in accordance with the human rights standards in the constitution, the law and all international laws and conventions that promote respect for all persons regardless of colour, race, gender or creed.

•    The fundamental duties of a police officer include serving the community, safeguarding lives and property, protecting the innocent, keeping the peace and ensuring the rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. - TradeArabia News Service