Current trends in public involvement in crime prevention policing

Abstract

The relevance of this study is substantiated by the need to implement a strategy of public influ- ence on crime, to improve police-public interaction in the field of crime prevention, new forms and meth- ods of which can be implemented in the activities of the National Police. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive investigation of the practices of involvement of the public, community-based organisations, and individuals in police activities aimed at preventing offences, and of the legal frame- work in this area. According to the purpose and objectives set, the study employed general and special methods and techniques of scientific cognition, including the methods of analysis, synthesis, classification and grouping, which made it possible to investigate a wide scope of scientific discussions on the issues raised. Based on the analysis of secondary sources, it was found that researchers state a prominent level of public trust in the police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as in state and local governments in economically developed countries. Most researchers attribute this to the positive results and consequences of involving the public, community-based organisations, and individuals in policing activities to prevent crime, protect public safety and order, and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. It was found that in the modern scientific discourse, such successes are associated with the establishment of effective channels of communication between the police and the public and legislative regulation of such interaction. In this regard, the study elucidated the views of researchers on the approaches to regulatory support for the in- volvement of the public, community-based organisations, and individuals in police activities in preventing offences in different countries. The study argued the need for legislative consolidation of certain forms and methods of involvement of the public, community-based organisations, and individuals in police activities aimed at protecting public safety and order, protecting life, health and property of citizens, and preventing criminal offences. The review of the current state of scientific research on the issue formed the basis for further theoretical developments in the field of organising effective interaction between law enforcement agencies and society