ICPO-Interpol - General Assembly 68th Session - Seoul - 8th-12th November 1999

NOTING the contents of Report AGN/68/RAP/4 and the recommendation adopted by the
1st International Conference on Corruption-related Crime,

RECOGNIZING that corruption is a serious threat to democracy and society,

ACKNOWLEDGING that as a response law enforcement must join hands with the community, adopting a holistic approach to combating corruption,

The ICPO-Interpol General Assembly, meeting in Seoul, from 8th to 12th November 1999 at its 68th session:

RECOMMENDS that Member States undertake to unequivocally support the efforts of the IGEC as indicated in Report AGN/68/RAP/4;

ADOPTS the Declaration of Intent to be known as the "Seoul Declaration".

Adopted

Appendix

The Seoul Declaration

Noting that law enforcement is an essential element for the maintenance of fundamental human rights, for the preservation of life and property, and the protection of the innocent,

Acknowledging that:

• corruption can destroy the efficient functioning of any society and diminish the ability of law enforcement to accomplish its mission
  
  
• a corrupt law enforcement officer
  
  
  • undermines the confidence and trust of the public vis-à-vis the State in general, and the civil service and law enforcement in particular,
    
    
  • is an obstruction to the pursuit of justice and thus ineffective in the fight against crime in general,

Considering that corruption can only be combated effectively if a holistic approach is followed, and as part of a comprehensive national and international effort,

The Member States of the ICPO-Interpol;

Declare that a top priority of all Member States should be to ensure that law enforcement is free of corruption. This requires a firm commitment at the highest political and administrative levels to establish and maintain the highest standard of integrity throughout the civil service, but particularly within law enforcement,

Declare that a national integrity programme for law enforcement must take into account the following key factors :

1. The three-tier approach to combating corruption: education and prevention, operational/investigation, and public relations;

2. Recognizing the necessity for a code of conduct for law enforcement officers, and where practicable, adopting and implementing such a code as recommended by the Interpol Group of Experts;

3. Recognizing the necessity for a code of ethics for law enforcement officers, and where practicable, adopting and implementing such a code as recommended by the Interpol Group of Experts;

4. Refining the recruitment process to include integrity testing, oral interviews and background investigations in order to determine as far as possible the degree of the applicant’s integrity, without regard to status, sex, race, religion or political beliefs;

5. Due to the transnational nature of crime it is essential for law enforcement to co-operate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice, both on a national and international level, and to encourage co-operation with all entities with a serious commitment to combating crime in general, but corruption specifically;

6. All law enforcement officials should receive continual professional training and education in all aspects pertaining to law enforcement, with special attention to ethics and integrity;

7. The management structures involved in anti-corruption initiatives should be responsible for:

• reviewing annually the statements of assets and liabilities of all personnel in accordance with national legislation
• ensuring the units' accountability and transparency to the community
• monitoring factors that can identify corruption
• identifying weaknesses in working methods, administrative and legal processes
• ensuring that proper internal and external audit procedures are introduced and maintained
• availing themselves of the advances in information technology and ensuring that these tools are available for all personnel
• creating appropriate structures to protect informants and whistleblowers
• enforcing efficient and swift procedures to ensure that complaints of the community receive proper attention,

8. The remuneration received by law enforcement officials should be sufficient to afford them a decent and reasonable standard of living.