Perspectives on Ethical Policing

Event Description

On March 4, Green College is pleased to host Kimmo Himberg—Adjunct Professor of Quality Management at the University of Helsinki and Rector Emeritus of the Police University College of Finland—for a lecture titled Perspectives on Ethical Policing. 

In 1919, German sociologist Max Weber defined the state as “a human community that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of violence within a given territory.” Weber’s definition can be interpreted as follows: Physical violence may only be used legitimately by the state itself; all other forms are criminalized.  In most societies, the monopoly of violence is delegated to specialized professions sometimes referred to as law enforcement, or more commonly as the police. This institutionalized violence is often referred to as the use of force (or more broadly, coercive means).

This practice of state violence is held in tension against modern democratic concepts such as the rule of law, freedom, equity, equality, and fundamental human rights. The use of force against citizens in particular becomes a sensitive practice, as is regularly seen in alleged police misconduct cases. 

This presentation examines ethical policing as a framework wherein police organizations aim to minimize the use of force against citizens and maximize popular confidence in the police. Essential questions asked in this presentation include: What are the building blocks of ethical policing? And with whom does the responsibility of ethical policing rest? Aspects of legislation, operative guidelines, codes of conduct, leadership, and, most importantly, police education are discussed in this timely talk.

This event is open to the general public and does not require registration (but please note that our seating is limited). A reception in the Piano Lounge, Graham House, will follow this event. 

Event Website

Speaker

Dr Kimmo Himberg worked for over three decades in managerial positions in the Finnish police service. Originally a scientist, he holds a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Helsinki and a postgraduate certificate in criminal justice management from the University of Birmingham (UK). From 2011-21, he was the rector of the Police University College, an institution that educates all Finnish police officers. 

Dr Himberg has provided consultancy services to the Council of Europe, Interpol, UNODC and the Commission of the European Union. He has chaired the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and the European Law Enforcement Training Agency (CEPOL) management board. He is an adjunct professor in quality management at the University of Helsinki. His particular interests include ethical policing, police strategies and knowledge-based police management.