Investigations

The investigation of crimes is the first essential step to administrating justice. By taking all reasonable steps, including investigations, to hold offenders accountable before the law, States are able to provide justice to victims and protect the rights of others. All police investigations must serve legitimate purposes investigations must also be well-structured, impartial, effective, ethical, professional and lawful. During the investigation process, several persons have specific rights that must be respected, including victims, suspects, witnesses and any relevant members of the wider public. The investigation process must be conducted in a manner that is ethical and fully compliant with both national and international laws to ensure the protection of the human rights of all involved. Investigating crimes while respecting the rule of law and upholding human rights is essential to establishing legitimacy and building trust in law enforcement.

Without fair, just and foreseeable investigative practices that comply with the principles of democratic policing, community confidence in law enforcement would falter, which would in turn weaken the efficacy of law enforcement. International human rights standards require law enforcement officials to refrain from mistreating, abusing, threatening, intimidating or torturing suspects, victims or other witnesses at any point during the investigation process. International good practices have repeatedly demonstrated that all aspects of crimes, including serious, complex and cross-border crimes, can be effectively investigated and prosecuted while engaging in the very highest standards of ethical policing and human rights compliance.