National Police - Code of Conduct

 

Binding principles of police behavior

Preamble

The Liechtenstein National Police is committed to protecting public security, the rule of law and human dignity. As the central security authority of the country, it performs law enforcement and penitentiary tasks. Its activities are based on fundamental democratic values, the Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein and recognised international human rights standards.

That code is consistent with the Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Corruptionof the Liechtenstein Administration and supplements it with specific ethical principles for police action within the meaning of Article 3 of the Police Act. It is also guided by the strategic guidelines of the National Police, as enshrined in the organisation’s vision and mission statement.

1. Rule of law and human rights

The National Police act exclusively on the basis of the law. It respects and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all human beings, in particular as enshrined in the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.

2. Integrity and impartiality

Police behavior is impartial, regardless of origin, gender, religion, political opinion or social status. Corruption, abuse of power and discrimination are not tolerated. Members of the National Police (MNP) behave with integrity and respect in their professional and private life. They shall refrain from any form of discrimination in language or conduct, in particular on grounds of origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion or physical characteristics.

3. Relationship with the judiciary and the public prosecutor’s office

MNP perform its tasks with a clear distinction between the prosecution and the judiciary. It fully respects their independence and refrains from any influence on judicial decisions or their enforcement. MNP make its decisions unbiased, factually and on the basis of the facts of the case. They reject any unlawful influence and avoid any behaviour that could give the impression of partiality.

4. Responsibility in law enforcement

As part of the investigating authority, MNP perform its tasks objectively, proportionately and in accordance with the presumption of innocence. They contribute to establishing the truth and respect the rights of all parties to the proceedings.

5. Profession and collegiality

MNP act professionally, loyally and responsibly. They shall assist each other in the performance of their duties and promote a culture of respect, professional and personal development and ethical reflection.

6. Penitentiary responsibilities

As the operator of the state penitentiary, the National Police ensure a dignified, safe and legally compliant enforcement. The dignity of detainees shall be respected at all times. Disciplinary measures and restrictions of liberty are only carried out within the limits of legal requirements.

7. Transparency and accountability

The National Police are accountable to the public. It shall provide transparent information on its tasks, measures and structures, in so far as this is compatible with the protection of personality rights and ongoing proceedings.

8. Relation to population

The National Police understand itself as service provider to the community. It acts close to the citizen, de-escalating and in dialogue with the people. Trust, respect and cooperation underpin their work.

9. Corruption

MNP act with integrity, transparency and accountability. They address all forms of corruption with zero tolerance. They shall not seek, accept or grant any advantage likely to affect their independence or impartiality.

Secondary jobs and public offices must be reported to the National Commissioner. The acceptance of gifts is in principle prohibited, in particular money gifts. Exceptions are subject to authorisation by the National Commissioner (see also LLV Code).

10. Whistle-blower protection

The National Police promote a culture of openness in which indications of breaches of the Code are understood as contributing to the integrity of the organisation.

Indications of possible breaches of legal, ethical or professional duties must be brought directly to the attention of the police.

In case of suspicion of corruption, there is a reporting obligation for the National Police’s independent corruption investigators. Alternatively, the whistle-blower system may be used anonymously.

Indications of misconduct on the part of members of the National Police are expressly desirable by the police and must not lead to professional disadvantages for the whistle-blowers and their close associates.

11. Conflict of interest

Staff from the National Police ensure that private interests do not influence their decisions and actions in the service. Activities which conflict with the tasks of the National Police or which could affect the performance of their duties are prohibited, irrespective of whether they are carried out for remuneration or free of charge.

The position of the service must never be used for the benefit of itself or for the benefit of third parties. Work equipment, information and other resources of the police are used exclusively for the purposes of the service.

MNP are obliged to report potential conflicts of interest to the police at an early stage and openly. The National Commissioner examines appropriate measures to resolve the conflict of interest (e.g. reassignment of tasks and cases, transfer, etc.).

The Code of Conduct of the National Police was noted by the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein by Decision LNR 2025-1536 BNR 2025/1698 of 28.10.2025.