Police Doctrine
What is Police Doctrine?
• Police doctrine refers to the set of principles,
strategies, and guidelines that govern the
actions and decision-making of law enforcement
agencies.
• It provides a framework for how police officers
should carry out their duties and interact with
the community.
Police Doctrine Examples
• Use of force:
• Officer may use physical force to subdue a combative suspect, but excessive or unjustified force
would violate the doctrine.
• Community policing:
• Officers engage with community members, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively to
address crime and quality-of-life issues.
• Due process:
• Officers must adhere to legal procedures when making arrests, conducting searches, or
questioning suspects, thereby safeguarding individual rights.
• Procedural justice:
• Officers are expected to treat all individuals with dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or
socioeconomic status. By adopting procedural justice principles, police can build trust and
legitimacy within the community.
• Professional ethics:
• Officers are expected to adhere to these ethical standards to maintain public trust and
confidence in law enforcement.
Type of Police Doctrine (Primary)
Fundamental Doctrine:
• The fundamental doctrine refers to the core principles and
beliefs that form the foundation of a police agency's
mission, values, and overall approach to policing.
• It encompasses the essential concepts that guide the
agency's strategic decision-making and shape its
organizational culture.
Example: A fundamental doctrine for a police agency could
be the commitment to community-oriented policing,
emphasizing proactive engagement with the community,
problem-solving, and building strong relationships to address
crime and public safety concerns effectively.
Type of Police Doctrine (Primary)
Operational Doctrine:
• Operational doctrine refers to the tactical strategies,
methods, and procedures that police officers follow in their
day-to-day operations and duties.
• It provides specific guidelines and instructions on how
officers should carry out their tasks and responsibilities to
achieve desired outcomes.
Example: An operational doctrine could include guidelines
on conducting traffic stops, such as maintaining officer
safety, communicating effectively with drivers, and following
proper identification and citation procedures.
Type of Police Doctrine (Primary)
Functional Doctrine:
• Functional doctrine refers to the specialized areas or
functions within a police agency that require specific
knowledge, skills, and procedures.
• It focuses on the unique aspects of different roles or
divisions within the agency and provides guidance on how
to perform those functions effectively.
Example: Functional doctrines may include specialized areas
such as forensic investigations, crisis negotiation, or
cybercrime investigations, with specific protocols and
techniques tailored to those areas.
Type of Police Doctrine (Secondary)
Complimentary Doctrine:
• Complimentary doctrine refers to the principles, practices, or
strategies that support and enhance the effectiveness of the primary
doctrine.
• It serves as a supplement to the primary doctrine, providing
additional guidance or frameworks that align with and reinforce the
agency's core principles.
Example: A complimentary doctrine could involve implementing
community engagement initiatives, such as forming partnerships with
local organizations, conducting neighborhood watch programs, or
organizing community events, to support and strengthen communityoriented policing efforts.
Type of Police Doctrine (Secondary)
Ethical Doctrine:
• Ethical doctrine refers to the moral principles, values, and standards
of behavior that guide the conduct and decision-making of police
officers.
• It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, integrity, and
professionalism in law enforcement, setting the ethical expectations
for officers' interactions with the public and their adherence to the
rule of law.
Example: Ethical doctrine could include principles such as treating all
individuals with respect and dignity, maintaining confidentiality when
handling sensitive information, and avoiding conflicts of interest in
carrying out their duties.
Police Service VS Public Service
Police Service:
• Police service refers specifically to the law
enforcement activities carried out by police officers
and agencies.
• It focuses on maintaining public safety, preventing
and investigating crimes, and enforcing laws within a
given jurisdiction.
• The primary role of police service is to protect the
public, uphold the rule of law, and ensure order in
society.
Police Service VS Public Service
Police Service:
Example: A police officer responding to a domestic
violence call is an example of police service. In this
scenario, the officer's role is to ensure the safety of all
individuals involved, diffuse the situation, gather
evidence, and take appropriate actions, such as
making an arrest or providing necessary resources and
support to the affected parties. The officer's primary
duty is to protect the public and uphold the law while
handling the specific incident.
Police Service VS Public Service
Public Service:
• Public service, on the other hand, has a broader
scope and refers to any work or activity carried out
by governmental or non-governmental entities to
serve the interests and welfare of the general public.
• It encompasses various sectors such as healthcare,
education, transportation, social services, and more.
• Public service aims to address societal needs and
enhance the overall well-being of the community.
Police Service VS Public Service
Public Service:
Example: A public health nurse conducting a
vaccination campaign in a community is an example of
public service. The nurse's role is to provide essential
healthcare services to the public by administering
vaccines, educating the community about preventive
measures, and promoting public health. While not
directly involved in law enforcement, the nurse's work
contributes to the well-being and safety of the public.