By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A NEW Code of Conduct for police officers has been created following a rise in complaints against officers in 2013 compared to 2012, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade revealed yesterday.

With 285 complaints against officers, 2013 saw a 19 per cent increase in complaints compared to 2012, when 240 complaints were lodged.

 Last March, Mr Greenslade told the press he was concerned about the police force’s reputation with the public following a number of brutality allegations that were made against officers.

 According to statistics released during yesterday’s “Meet the Press” conference, the force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit received 5 per cent (134) more assault complaints against officers in 2013 than in 2012 and there was also a 24 per cent increase in complaints about officers engaging in unethical behaviour last year (51) than there was in 2012 (41).

 There was a 60 per cent increase in complaints about police damaging property in 2013 (24) compared to 2012 (15).

 Nonetheless in 2013 there was a 24 per cent decrease in complaints about officers stealing items compared to 2012 and there was also a 45 per cent decrease in complaints about officers unlawfully arresting persons.

 The police code of conduct contains nine articles which read as follows:

 •  Police officers should at all times discharge their duties as defined by law incorporating a high degree of responsibility to the community and their profession.

•  Police officers should respect the rights of individuals acting with fairness and humanness at all times.

• Police officers may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty.

• Police officers should not disclose any matter of a confidential nature except where our law requires otherwise.

 •  Police officers should as far as possible ensure that the health of persons in their custody is maintained and where in doubt immediate medical attention should be sought.

• Police officers should not commit any act of corruption and should vigorously oppose and resist any such act.

• Police officers should treat all members of the public with respect regardless of personal feelings, race or beliefs. They should also endeavour to cultivate good community relationship with them by being helpful, tactful, patient and courteous.

•  The misuse of police time and resources is unacceptable.

•  Police officers should maintain an acceptable standard of dress and conduct at all times. They should not adopt styles or mannerisms which detract from their professional image.