What does "due process" refer to in policing?

"Due process" in the context of policing refers to the legal requirement that ensures all individuals are treated fairly and with respect to their legal rights throughout the criminal justice process. This fundamental principle is rooted in the idea that everyone is entitled to certain protections under the law, especially when faced with legal action.

In practice, due process encompasses a variety of rights, including the right to a fair trial, the right to an attorney, the right to be informed of charges, and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. These rights are vital to prevent arbitrary or unjust treatment by authorities and to uphold the rule of law.

While the other options touch on various aspects of criminal procedure—such as arrest processes, filing charges, and police officers' rights—they do not capture the broader concept of due process, which is fundamentally about ensuring fairness and legal rights for individuals involved in the justice system.