A human rights-based approach to policing: A case study of Northern Ireland

Policing is a necessary and complex social relationship. While essential, policing remains challenging in all societies. In conflict, particularly internal conflict, policing becomes even more sensitive as security becomes more elusive. The behavior of the police during the conflict affects their ability to contribute to the peacemaking process. The police need to make both institutional and behavioral reforms aimed at promoting accountability and efficiency in order to contribute to creating and maintaining peace. The policing situation in Northern Ireland provides a good case study for investigating the effectiveness of a rights-respecting policing initiative in a post-conflict, democratic society. Specifically, the intention is to show that policing in Northern Ireland provides the institutional structures, normative commitment, and operational policies necessary to produce effective and accountable police. By analyzing the impact of the reforms, lessons learned will emerge serving as an example for other societies in need of police reform and leading to paths for future research.