Viewing a video of an actual trial of a policeman accused of human rights violations provides a powerful example to the police academy candidates that undermines the assumptions they have carried regarding human rights as well as helps to change misunderstandings or misperceptions regarding human rights. Initially, candidates believe that: respect for human rights harms the combat capacity of the security forces—in order to catch criminals they can and must use any method available; human rights is a barrier—security forces are fighting crime and all methods are valid when fighting a war; criminals are not normal people—use of violence or pressure on the accused is considered standard operating procedure; and human rights don’t pertain to themselves—candidates have not perceived that human rights encompass the protection for their own rights.

Dr. Vahit Bıçak developed the tactic by collecting videotaped footage of prosecutions of police officers who had violated human rights. He then compiled a 90-minute video from these prosecution tapes showing policemen who have been brought in front of a judge for violation of human rights. His tactic was met with initial resistance when the original ten cassettes covering the whole trial disappeared as well as the 90-minute cassette. Dr. Bıçak was prepared and had a spare copy from which new copies were produced.

In addition to using the video tape, Dr. Bıçak developed a ten question questionnaire to elicit the opinions and values of police academy candidates related to human rights. This questionnaire is given to candidates prior to and after receiving a twelve-month human rights education course. The candidates respond to these questions anonymously so they can write their true thoughts. Results collected from the survey done at the end of term clearly show the tactic has had a positive effect on the police candidates to develop empathy for suspects. In addition, discussions with candidates after watching the film have also clearly shown the positive effect of the tactic.

For example, the questionnaire asks the candidates if any of the following situations would constitute an obstacle to an investigation of a crime and why:

• The right of the accused to remain silent
• Informing the suspect about the reason why he has been detained
• Telling the family of the accused his location
• Providing the accused with a medical exam (to verify ill-treatment or torture)
• Reminding the accused of the right to counsel
• Legal counsel is present and provides advice during the taking of the accused testimony.

Academy candidates are shown the 90-minute video with the purpose of creating awareness that police can be charged and prosecuted for human rights violations and to build empathy among candidates that all accused should be afforded human rights protections.

Post graduation inquiries reveal that a continuing obstacle remains the police already in the field. They make it difficult for the Academy graduates to implement the values and human rights training they have acquired. It goes against the standard operating procedures they encounter when they get to the field to work. As more candidates are trained in human rights, they are informed of human rights, the consequences for violating these laws and can reinforce this knowledge among themselves as colleagues.