Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials
type: ValuesCredential
date: 07 September 1990
comment: Re-sourced from authoritative OHCHR text; deontic + amendment layers pending.
category: Administration of justice, detention & law enforcement
category status: AutoAssigned
source: basic-principles-use-force-and-firearms-law-enforcement

Paragraph 10
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: The basic principles set forth below, which have been formulated to assist Member States in their task of ensuring and promoting the proper role of law enforcement officials, should be taken into account and respected by Governments within the framework of their national legislation and practice, and be brought to the attention of law enforcement officials as well as other persons, such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers, members of the executive branch and the legislature, and the public.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 11
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 1. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall adopt and implement rules and regulations on the use of force and firearms against persons by law enforcement officials. In developing such rules and regulations, Governments and law enforcement agencies shall keep the ethical issues associated with the use of force and firearms constantly under review.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 12
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 2. Governments and law enforcement agencies should develop a range of means as broad as possible and equip law enforcement officials with various types of weapons and ammunition that would allow for a differentiated use of force and firearms. These should include the development of non-lethal incapacitating weapons for use in appropriate situations, with a view to increasingly restraining the application of means capable of causing death or injury to persons. For the same purpose, it should also be possible for law enforcement officials to be equipped with self-defensive equipment such as shields, helmets, bullet-proof vests and bullet-proof means of transportation, in order to decrease the need to use weapons of any kind.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 13
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 3. The development and deployment of non-lethal incapacitating weapons should be carefully evaluated in order to minimize the risk of endangering uninvolved persons, and the use of such weapons should be carefully controlled.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 14
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 4. Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms. They may use force and firearms only if other means remain ineffective or without any promise of achieving the intended result.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 15
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 5. Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall:
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 16
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 17
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 18
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (c) Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons at the earliest possible moment;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 19
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (d) Ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person are notified at the earliest possible moment.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 2
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: General provisions Special provisions Policing unlawful assemblies Policing persons in custody or detention Qualifications, training and counselling Reporting and review procedures
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 20
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 6. Where injury or death is caused by the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials, they shall report the incident promptly to their superiors, in accordance with principle 22.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 21
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 7. Governments shall ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offence under their law.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 22
type: Prohibition
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 8. Exceptional circumstances such as internal political instability or any other public emergency may not be invoked to justify any departure from these basic principles.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 23
type: Prohibition
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 9. Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms against persons except in self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury, to prevent the perpetration of a particularly serious crime involving grave threat to life, to arrest a person presenting such a danger and resisting their authority, or to prevent his or her escape, and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve these objectives. In any event, intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 24
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 10. In the circumstances provided for under principle 9, law enforcement officials shall identify themselves as such and give a clear warning of their intent to use firearms, with sufficient time for the warning to be observed, unless to do so would unduly place the law enforcement officials at risk or would create a risk of death or serious harm to other persons, or would be clearly inappropriate or pointless in the circumstances of the incident.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 25
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 11. Rules and regulations on the use of firearms by law enforcement officials should include guidelines that:
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 26
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (a) Specify the circumstances under which law enforcement officials are authorized to carry firearms and prescribe the types of firearms and ammunition permitted;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 27
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (b) Ensure that firearms are used only in appropriate circumstances and in a manner likely to decrease the risk of unnecessary harm;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 28
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (c) Prohibit the use of those firearms and ammunition that cause unwarranted injury or present an unwarranted risk;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 29
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (d) Regulate the control, storage and issuing of firearms, including procedures for ensuring that law enforcement officials are accountable for the firearms and ammunition issued to them;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 3
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Whereas the work of law enforcement officials 1 is a social service of great importance and there is, therefore, a need to maintain and, whenever necessary, to improve the working conditions and status of these officials,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 30
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (e) Provide for warnings to be given, if appropriate, when firearms are to be discharged;
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 31
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: (f) Provide for a system of reporting whenever law enforcement officials use firearms in the performance of their duty.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 32
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 12. As everyone is allowed to participate in lawful and peaceful assemblies, in accordance with the principles embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Governments and law enforcement agencies and officials shall recognize that force and firearms may be used only in accordance with principles 13 and 14.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 33
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 13. In the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 34
type: Prohibition
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 14. In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary. Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms in such cases, except under the conditions stipulated in principle 9.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 35
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Policing persons in custody or detention
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 36
type: Prohibition
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 15. Law enforcement officials, in their relations with persons in custody or detention, shall not use force, except when strictly necessary for the maintenance of security and order within the institution, or when personal safety is threatened.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 37
type: Prohibition
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 16. Law enforcement officials, in their relations with persons in custody or detention, shall not use firearms, except in self-defence or in the defence of others against the immediate threat of death or serious injury, or when strictly necessary to prevent the escape of a person in custody or detention presenting the danger referred to in principle 9.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 38
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 17. The preceding principles are without prejudice to the rights, duties and responsibilities of prison officials, as set out in the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, particularly rules 33, 34 and 54.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 39
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Qualifications, training and counselling
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 4
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Whereas a threat to the life and safety of law enforcement officials must be seen as a threat to the stability of society as a whole,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 40
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 18. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that all law enforcement officials are selected by proper screening procedures, have appropriate moral, psychological and physical qualities for the effective exercise of their functions and receive continuous and thorough professional training. Their continued fitness to perform these functions should be subject to periodic review.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 41
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 19. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that all law enforcement officials are provided with training and are tested in accordance with appropriate proficiency standards in the use of force. Those law enforcement officials who are required to carry firearms should be authorized to do so only upon completion of special training in their use.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 42
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 20. In the training of law enforcement officials, Governments and law enforcement agencies shall give special attention to issues of police ethics and human rights, especially in the investigative process, to alternatives to the use of force and firearms, including the peaceful settlement of conflicts, the understanding of crowd behaviour, and the methods of persuasion, negotiation and mediation, as well as to technical means, with a view to limiting the use of force and firearms. Law enforcement agencies should review their training programmes and operational procedures in the light of particular incidents.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 43
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 21. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall make stress counselling available to law enforcement officials who are involved in situations where force and firearms are used.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 44
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Reporting and review procedures
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 45
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 22. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall establish effective reporting and review procedures for all incidents referred to in principles 6 and 11 (f). For incidents reported pursuant to these principles, Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that an effective review process is available and that independent administrative or prosecutorial authorities are in a position to exercise jurisdiction in appropriate circumstances. In cases of death and serious injury or other grave consequences, a detailed report shall be sent promptly to the competent authorities responsible for administrative review and judicial control.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 46
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 23. Persons affected by the use of force and firearms or their legal representatives shall have access to an independent process, including a judicial process. In the event of the death of such persons, this provision shall apply to their dependants accordingly.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 47
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 24. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that superior officers are held responsible if they know, or should have known, that law enforcement officials under their command are resorting, or have resorted, to the unlawful use of force and firearms, and they did not take all measures in their power to prevent, suppress or report such use.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 48
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 25. Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that no criminal or disciplinary sanction is imposed on law enforcement officials who, in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and these basic principles, refuse to carry out an order to use force and firearms, or who report such use by other officials.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 49
type: Obligation
borne by: Agent
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: 26. Obedience to superior orders shall be no defence if law enforcement officials knew that an order to use force and firearms resulting in the death or serious injury of a person was manifestly unlawful and had a reasonable opportunity to refuse to follow it. In any case, responsibility also rests on the superiors who gave the unlawful orders.
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 5
type: Right
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
held by: NaturalPerson
original text: Whereas law enforcement officials have a vital role in the protection of the right to life, liberty and security of the person, as guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 6
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Whereas the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners provide for the circumstances in which prison officials may use force in the course of their duties,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 7
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Whereas article 3 of the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials provides that law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 8
type: Undertaking
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
original text: Whereas the preparatory meeting for the Seventh United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, held at Varenna, Italy, agreed on elements to be considered in the course of further work on restraints on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

Paragraph 9
type: Right
deontic status: HeuristicDerived
held by: NaturalPerson
original text: Whereas it is appropriate that, with due regard to their personal safety, consideration be given to the role of law enforcement officials in relation to the administration of justice, to the protection of the right to life, liberty and security of the person, to their responsibility to maintain public safety and social peace and to the importance of their qualifications, training and conduct,
part of: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials