It is the duty of law enforcement to ensure the safety of the citizens they are sworn to protect. Law enforcement are the most visible and largest contingent of guardians of civil and human rights, and effective leaders recognize the ethical and legal imperatives to which they and their officers must adhere to ensure that civil rights of all individuals in their communities are protected.

The IACP has programs, policies, and initiatives to enhance law enforcement's role in strengthening and protecting the civil rights of all people and set professional standards for human and civil rights policy. Rapport, cooperation, and partnership between law enforcement and the community are strongest when the community perceives that individual civil and human rights are respected and upheld.