Social phenomena related to intergroup violence mechanisms and the protection of public order: A guide for the Municipal Guard.

Municipal Police and Human Rights – A Practical Guide to Responding to Discrimination and Hate Speech

Pursuant to Article 11(1) of the Act on Municipal Guards, the duties of municipal police officers include not only maintaining public peace and order, but also informing the community about threats and taking action to enhance local safety. In the face of a growing number of incidents related to discrimination, prejudice, and hate speech—including in the digital space—this role now requires new competencies.
This publication, prepared by the Jewish Czulent Association, responds to these needs by providing municipal police officers, management staff, and those responsible for training with a practical tool that helps them recognize contemporary threats and respond to them effectively, in compliance with the law and in line with human rights standards.

Why is this material needed?

The scope of responsibilities of the Municipal Police has expanded significantly in recent years. It now includes not only the enforcement of regulations, but also activities in the areas of environmental protection, crime prevention, and responding to new social threats—including cyber threats and hate speech.

In practice, this means that a municipal police officer is increasingly becoming the first point of contact in situations that require not only intervention, but also an understanding of the social context, mediation, and support. In such cases, it is crucial to combine knowledge of the law with the ability to apply it in a way that respects the rights and dignity of every individual.

Who is this publication for?

The publication has been prepared primarily for:

• municipal police officers (both men and women)
• management and training staff
• people responsible for developing competencies in public services
• institutions cooperating with the Municipal Police

It can serve both as a training resource and as practical support in everyday duties.

What does the handbook include?

The publication has been developed as a compendium of knowledge that combines legal foundations with practical application.

It includes, among other things:

• an introduction to human rights standards in the work of public services
• an overview of discrimination, prejudice, and hate speech
• guidelines for identifying bias-motivated incidents
• practical response scenarios for everyday service situations
• recommendations on communication, mediation, and preventive actions

From experience to practical solutions

The handbook was developed based on the experience of the Jewish Czulent Association in working with victims of hate crimes, as well as on the analysis of real incidents.

In our work, we see how important a prompt, appropriate, and informed response by first-contact services is. That is why the publication has been designed to support municipal police officers in decision-making—in a way that combines effective action with respect for human rights.

The Jewish Czulent Association – supporting services in the face of new challenges

For years, the Jewish Czulent Association has been working at the intersection of human rights, new technologies, and countering hate crimes. We support victims, analyze evolving forms of threats, and cooperate with public institutions.

We develop solutions that respond to real needs—both of local communities and the services responsible for their safety. This publication is one such tool—a practical resource supporting the Municipal Police in fulfilling their role in a modern, diverse, and rapidly changing city.

Publication funded by the City of Kraków.