Legal Certainty in Police Internal Law Enforcement: Harmonizing Disciplinary Regulations and Professional Ethics

Abstract

This study aims to analyze legal certainty in the internal law enforcement of the Indonesian National Police through the harmonization of disciplinary regulations and the Police Professional Code of Ethics. The research problem arises from the potential overlap of legal norms, differences in examination mechanisms, and the possibility of inconsistent determination of accountability for violations committed by police officers. This study employs normative legal research using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. The research materials were obtained through a literature review of legislation, internal police regulations, legal doctrines, and relevant scholarly literature concerning police discipline and professional ethics. The findings indicate that disciplinary enforcement and the Police Professional Code of Ethics serve different but interconnected functions in establishing a fair internal accountability system. Lack of harmonization in the application of these norms may create legal uncertainty, particularly when a single act potentially constitutes both a disciplinary violation and an ethical violation. Therefore, harmonization of legal norms, clarity regarding institutional authority, consistency in examination procedures, and integrated guidelines for the imposition of sanctions are necessary. Such harmonization has significant implications for strengthening legal certainty, protecting the rights of police officers, enhancing institutional accountability, and establishing transparent, proportional, and equitable internal law enforcement within the Indonesian National Police. The harmonization of disciplinary and ethical norms is therefore essential to ensure that internal police accountability operates consistently with the principles of justice and the rule of law.