The current state of public oversight over the activities of law enforcement agencies in Ukraine

The article is devoted to the study of the state of public oversight over the activities of law enforcement agencies in Ukraine. The analysis of current national legislation is carried out, and deficiencies in legal regulation that hinder the effective implementation of public oversight are identified. It is stated that Ukraine currently lacks a normative legal act that clearly regulates the mechanism for exercising public oversight over the activities of law enforcement agencies, which complicates the practical implementation of such oversight. Attempts by parliamentarians to adopt a separate document on the matter have failed, while contemporary challenges, including the introduction of martial law, create additional obstacles to the exercise of public oversight over law enforcement agencies in Ukraine. The authors substantiate the necessity of adopting a separate normative legal act on public oversight of law enforcement agencies, specifically a law titled “On Public Oversight of the Activities of Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine”, which would define clear procedures enabling civil society actors to monitor the activities of law enforcement officers. The authors emphasize that the proposed law should outline mechanisms for exercising public oversight under martial law conditions and identify funding sources for such activities. Proposals are made to establish independent agencies tasked with overseeing the activities of law enforcement agencies, including the police, prosecution, and other bodies engaged in law enforcement. These agencies would aim to identify potential abuses, unlawful benefits, and human rights violations. They should be empowered to accept and review citizen complaints against law enforcement actions, investigate cases of misconduct or improper performance of duties, and develop recommendations for improving law enforcement practices, including changes to policies, procedures, and staff training. The authors note that many citizens are unaware of their rights and the opportunities and mechanisms for overseeing law enforcement activities. In this regard, the importance of conducting information campaigns to raise public awareness about public oversight of law enforcement agencies is substantiated.