THE HISTORY OF THE EMERGENCE OF THE POLICE IN THE COUNTRIES OF EUROPE AND UKRAINE, THE PLACE OF POLICE ACTIVITY IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the history of the emergence of the police as a state authority, the processes of its development and structuring within the unified system of law enforcement agencies, and the significance of the police in the context of ensuring national security.

Based on the analysis of legal documents and the results of the activities of the National Police of Ukraine, the paper addresses certain issues regarding the role and significance of its units in this process. It was determined that, for Ukraine, as a democratic state governed by the rule of law, national security has strategic importance, particularly against the backdrop of numerous reforms and the growth of various internal and external threats.

The study identifies the role and place of the National Police as a law enforcement agency performing essential functions to ensure national security through its powers and areas of activity, which include combating crime, maintaining public safety and order, protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, and ensuring overall security in society.

At the same time, to conduct the study objectively in the context of the development of law enforcement agencies as a separate institution, the work highlights certain stages of police development in foreign countries, including modern ones such as France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and others, as well as ancient empires and superpowers that laid the foundation for the functioning of this institution.

This work identifies amendments made to the Law of Ukraine "On the National Police" and explores the practical application of these amendments by law enforcement officers. In particular, it describes changes that enhance the functional capabilities of the police and expand their powers during martial law in Ukraine.

The article examines the impact of international standards and the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on police activities in Ukraine, as well as the processes of establishing a range of standards for police operations arising from the provisions contained in the Convention.

The article investigates the underlying principles and specific features of the National Police’s activities amidst systematic legislative changes by lawmakers that directly affect the expansion of the law enforcement agency’s functionality, as well as the definition of the limits of responsibility for police officers serving in this capacity.

Additionally, the study addresses the challenges faced by the development of the police in Ukraine under martial law and its efforts to combat crime during the active terrorist attacks carried out by the aggressor state.