No one shall be compelled to confess or to testify against himself/herself.36 Investigatory activities shall be conducted only lawfully and with due cause.37 Neither arbitrary nor unduly intrusive investigatory activities shall be permitted.38 Investigations shall be competent, thorough, prompt and impartial.39 Investigations shall serve to identify victims; to recover evidence; to discover witnesses; to discover cause, manner, location and time of crime; to identify and apprehend perpetrators.40 Crime scenes shall be carefully processed and evidence carefully collected and preserved.41 Practice All police officials Develop standardized procedures for the recording of information during investigations. When in doubt about the legality of an investigative activity, where possible consult superiors before proceeding. Treat all suspects as innocent persons, politely, respectfully and professionally. Keep a detailed record of all interviews conducted. Enrol in in-service training to sharpen your investigation skills. Always advise the victim, witness or suspect of his or her rights before interviewing. Before undertaking any investigatory action, ask yourself: Is it legal? Will it stand up in court? Is it necessary? Is it unduly intrusive? Never seek or rely on a confession as the basis for a case. Rather, the purpose of investigation should be the securing of independent evidence. Seek a warrant or court order whenever possible before conducting searches. Warrantless searches should be the exception, carried out only when reasonable and with due cause: when incidental to a lawful arrest; when free consent is granted; or when obtaining a warrant in advance would be impossible in the circumstances. Know the community to which you are assigned. Develop proactive strategies for preventing crime, including through awareness of risks existing in your community. Command and supervisory officials Establish administrative mechanisms to expedite the investigatory process. Establish standing orders emphasizing legal safeguards for investigations. Provide training programmes on legal standards and effective scientific techniques for investigations. Establish strict supervisory procedures for the management of confidential information. Establish victim support mechanisms in concert with relevant social agencies. Establish policies that limit reliance on confessions. 36 UDHR, article 11(1); ICCPR, article 14(3)(g); Principles on Detention or Imprisonment, principle 21(1). Code of Conduct, article 4; Principles on Detention or Imprisonment, principles 21, 23, 36; Principles on Summary Execution, principles 9, 10 and 11. 38 UDHR, article 12; ICCPR, article 17(1); Principles on Summary Execution, principles 9, 10 and 11. 39 Principles on Summary Execution, principle 9. 40 Principles on Summary Execution, principle 9. 41 Principles on Summary Execution, principles 9, 12 and 13. 37 57