RULES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR POLICE OFFICERS: FORMAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS

The article analyzes the formal and legal aspects of the rules of ethical conduct for police officers in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. It is substantiated that the rules of ethical conduct for police officers have a moral and ethical content and receive formal and legal expression through their consolidation in regulatory legal acts. These rules are characterized by legal significance (compliance with them is a duty of police officers, and violations may serve as grounds for disciplinary action, etc.) and apply to police officers both in the performance of their official duties and during off-duty time. It is concluded that realizing the full potential of the rules of ethical conduct for police officers requires the implementation of several organizational and legal measures. Firstly, it is advisable to ensure the regulation of the rules of ethical conduct for police officers at the legislative level, including by: a) amending Part 1 of Article 18 “Main Duties of a Police Officer” of the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police” with a new provision stating: “adhere to the principles of police activity and the rules of ethical conduct”; b) revising Part 1 of Article 57 “Certification of Police Officers” of the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police” to define compliance with the rules of ethical conduct as one of the requirements to be considered during the certification of police officers; c) supplementing Article 1 “Service Discipline” of the Law of Ukraine “On the Disciplinary Statute of the National Police of Ukraine” with a provision that clearly defines compliance with the rules of ethical conduct as a separate component of police service discipline. Secondly, given the evaluative nature of moral and ethical categories and their significant legal importance, it is advisable to develop and legally approve an official document that would promote a better understanding of regulatory provisions and their application (e.g., a “Practical Guide to the Rules of Ethical Conduct for Police Officers”).