Professional code of ethics for the Police Department and monitoring of compliance with the ethical rules

The staff of the Police Department (DSP), in their capacity as civil servants or other government officials, serve the institutions of the Principality. They swear allegiance to H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and obedience to the laws of the Principality. They carry out their duties with loyalty, integrity, impartiality, sense of honour and dedication.

The staff of the Police Department are therefore subject to a code of ethics, which sets out the principles, obligations and conduct expected of them in the performance of their duties, as well as in their personal life where this may affect the image of the service.

Civil servants and other government officials are therefore bound by an obligation of discretion, dignity and exemplary conduct, including when off duty and on social media. 

They are also required to respect their hierarchical chain, to obey orders (unless they are manifestly unlawful) and are subject to key obligations: professional secrecy, discretion, sound judgment, impartiality and integrity in particular. They must not accept any advantage that could influence their actions and must prevent any conflict of interest, by declaring it where appropriate. 

The use of force in the course of duty must be proportionate, and persons deprived of their liberty must be treated humanely. Civil servants and other government officials are required to be courteous and respectful in their dealings with the public and to pay particular attention to victims.

These rules are the subject of training, both initial and continuing, provided to Police Department staff to enable them to carry out their duties in an exemplary manner.

Civil servants and other government officials are furthermore subject to various forms of oversight (hierarchical, inspections) and any breach of the rules may result in disciplinary or even criminal sanctions.

Responsibility for ensuring that duties are carried out properly and that these ethical principles are upheld lies with the Commissioner of Police, the Minister of Interior and the Minister of State.

The work of the Police Department is also subject to external oversight by:

• The competent judicial authorities: the Public Prosecutor and the First President of the Court of Appeal
• The High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights and for Mediation
• The Data Protection Authority
• International organisations, in particular those of the Council of Europe

The General Inspectorate of Police Services has the following role:

• To conduct all administrative oversight, audit or review work in order to assess, evaluate or improve the organisation and functioning of the Police Department services
• To conduct internal investigations to ensure compliance with police ethics

Reports from the General Inspectorate of Police Services may be produced as part of administrative or disciplinary proceedings.

The Police Department publicly reports on the department’s activities at the address ceremony, the reports of which are in the public domain.

Monaco Statistics publishes statistical data relating to the department’s activities.