THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL POLICE IN ENSURING THE STABILITY OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The article examines the role of the National Police of Ukraine in ensuring the stability of territorial communities in the face of modern security challenges and full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine. It is substantiated that the stability of territorial communities is an important component of the national security of the state, since it is at the local level that the vital activity of the population, maintenance of public security, response to crisis situations and protection of critical infrastructure are ensured. Scientific approaches to understanding the categories of “territorial community”, “community capacity” and “stability” are analyzed, and modern research devoted to the functioning of territorial communities and the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring public security is considered. It is established that the effectiveness of the functioning of communities largely depends on the interaction of local government bodies, military administrations, state institutions and law enforcement agencies. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the regulatory and legal principles for ensuring the stability of territorial communities under martial law, in particular legislative changes aimed at increasing the efficiency of management decisions and coordination between public administration entities. It is proven that the National Police of Ukraine is an important entity for ensuring the internal stability of the state and plays a key role in forming a safe environment at the local level. The article reveals the main areas of police activity during martial law, including maintaining public order, combating crime and looting, protecting critical infrastructure, participating in evacuation and humanitarian measures, combating information threats and cybercrime. It is substantiated that an important element of ensuring the stability of communities is the partnership between the police and local governments, public organizations and the population. A special role in this process is played by the development of the “Community Police Officer” project, which contributes to increasing the level of trust in law enforcement agencies and strengthening preventive activities. It has been established that the role of the National Police in ensuring the stability of territorial communities is implemented through a system of interrelated functions: preventive, security, coordination, communication and partnership, and reactive in crisis conditions.