The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) said the failure to hold Police Officers who behave in violent and brutal manner to account would ultimately lead to an erosion in the rule of law and the confidence the public have in the Police Department. Issuing a statement yesterday the BASL expressed serious concern about recent reports of incidents involving the use of force by certain police officers and the violent and brutal nature of the force used. The BASL said that the use of force should not be used under any circumstances except as provided for by law. "In exceptional and extenuating circumstances, the use of force should be minimal and should be proportionate to the circumstances. This position is firmly supported by legislation, the decisions of the Supreme Court and the Regulations of the Police. Incidents of the use of force by certain Police officers which have been highlighted both in the media and on social media just in the current year alone appear to show a disturbing trend. "Although, it is reported that the authorities concerned have taken action to initiate criminal and other proceedings against some such Police Officers, there is an urgent need to address the culture of impunity and permissibility and the systemic issues that enable such police officers to act in an unlawful manner in complete disregard of not only the law but also the rights of persons whom they are bound to safeguard and protect," it said. The BASL said that it will continue to observe the action taken to address "this disturbing trend" and stands ready to intervene where necessary, as a failure to hold such Police Officers to account would ultimately lead to an erosion in the rule of law and the confidence the public have in the Police Department.