Mechanisms for Ensuring Transparency and Accountability of Police Operations: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of approaches to the definition and implementation of mechanisms for ensuring transparency and accountability in police operations and to identify best practices. The research used the comparative analysis method, the formal-legal method, and the content analysis method. It was established that principal mechanisms of ensuring transparency in police operations involve providing open access to information through digital channels available to the public; ensuring public participation and control over police activities; implementing interaction with mass media. The principal approach to ensuring the accountability of police operations is the evaluation of police activity. The work proved that enhancing transparency and accountability can be achieved through various mechanisms, including implementing a top-notch electronic platform for citizens, as demonstrated by the UK police website. Adopting the concept of community policing is another effective strategy to promote these principles, as well as utilising social networks for interaction with citizens and carrying out qualitative and quantitative evaluations of police work, such as police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy assessments. The findings of this study have the potential to provide valuable insights for law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and other countries by facilitating the integration of successful practices into their policing operations etc.