Foreword The National Human Rights Commission ever since its inception under the Protection of Human Rights Act in the year 1993, has endeavoured to give a positive meaning to the objectives set out in the Act and has worked vigorously, to create awareness about human rights and to sensitize public authorities in promoting and protecting the human rights of the people. The nation has myriad expectations for an efficient and effective police force emerging from the reality that we are in a democracy and the police have a major responsibility of being the protectors of the rights of citizens and the rule of law, while ensuring the safety and security of all equally. It further requires the police to create the security environment which best promotes democracy and good governance. The Commission realises that a better trained and a sensitised police force would be well equipped to face the enormous challenges the country faces today. Training and sensitisation in human rights of the Police Force has consequently been a major initiative of the Commission over the years. The Manual on Human Rights for the Police Officers, apart from sensitising the police force, would also enhance their response capacity. A sensitised and responsive police force would be well geared to reach out to those sections of society who may not be in a position to raise their voice against exploitation due to ignorance, backwardness, illiteracy and poor economic conditions. The Manual would help the police officers to consolidate their knowledge about the various relevant legal and Constitutional provisions, improve their professional skills and help them in evolving a methodology to facilitate better policing. It is also expected to enable the police officers to analyse, introspect and make sincere efforts in bridging the gap between the expectations of the public and the actual service delivered to them. I am confident that the Manual would serve its purpose by guiding the police force in bringing about a change for the better and building police as a professional service for the people. (K. G. Balakrishnan) Chairperson, NHRC Manual on Human Rights for Police Officers 7