Step 1: Analyse the police

This analysis should include the following:

1. Contextual analysis:

• Situational analysis; including country reports by Amnesty International and other NGOs about the current human rights situation
• Legislation and policies under which police operate (including Police Act, Criminal Code, Criminal Procedures Code and other regulations governing policing)
• Accountability mechanisms (internal and external)
• Internal structure of the police

Note that in the 'contextual analysis tool' a list of questions and issues is presented to assist in carrying out a contextual analysis.

2. Self-analysis

• SWOT analysis of the organization’s own competencies and future goals and ambitions
• Assessment of what other NGOs are doing in this field in this country

3. Formulation of main concerns and specify

• Who is responsible for implementation of recommendations (e.g. National Commissioner, Ministry of Interior, Parliament)
• Who may support implementation
• Who can effectively influence implementation (both positively and negatively)

4. Evaluation of whether more information is needed and specify accordingly

Based on this analysis, you may decide that it is more effective to target authorities other than the police as police abuse may be triggered by other factors such as legislation. If that is the case, it may prove fruitful to join forces with the police in order to improve the framework within which they operate – thus seeking a common agenda. It is important to identify areas of joint interest. These do not have to be formulated in human rights terms. A good starting point could be to discuss the rights of police themselves.