A Systemic Approach to Building Capacity for the Prevention of Torture and Other Ill-Treatment While in Police Custody

Considering the vast number of individuals under the custody of State officials or, in some cases, private organisations, how can we identify and develop sustainable approaches and programmes that safeguard the fair treatment of all persons deprived of their liberty? This article outlines some of the key steps to follow when designing and implementing robust torture and ill-treatment prevention capacity-building programmes aimed at law enforcement officials. The piece aims to provide practical pointers on how to identify the most common pitfalls and what has been identified as good practices as well as serve as a rallying call for a deeper commitment to the reform of law enforcement services on the part of governments and donors.