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Resource book on the use of force and firearms in law enforcement
Chapter 3. Command and control
In this part the resource book focuses on the role of law enforcement authorities, and the responsibility they bear to design and lead the organization in such a manner that all officers know what
to do, when to do and how to do it, in particular pertaining to the possible use of force. Chapter 3
discusses the importance of having an effective command and control structure, and examines
the effective planning of operations to minimize the likelihood that force, in particular lethal
force, will need to be used.
3.1. The role of governments and law enforcement agencies in
creating the conditions necessary for professional law
enforcement
The government and law enforcement agencies bear responsibility for creating the conditions
under which law enforcement officials can operate professionally. This includes setting up effective command and control mechanisms, and developing adequate SOPs and instructions. They
should be held accountable where such conditions are lacking.109 Where there are regular incidents of unnecessary, disproportionate or irresponsible use of force, this is often an indication of
a failure of the organization to have the requisite effective control mechanisms in place, which
could lead to an institutional culture of human rights violations and impunity.
Government authorities responsible for law enforcement are in charge of developing policies
and regulations, deciding on budget allocation and, in many countries, appointing the Chief of
Police. In most countries, such law enforcement authorities, including the Minister and the
Chief of Police, jointly bear responsibility for installing an effective line of command, setting up
structures that are capable of providing adequate training, installing fair procedures for procuring equipment, and taking corrective actions when needed (however, in some countries these
functions are delegated to the Chief of Police).
109
Maurice Punch, Shoot to Kill: Police Accountability, Firearms and Fatal Force. United Kingdom, Bristol: The
Policy Press. 2011, p. 14.
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