Functional purpose of the national police based on the example of foreign countries

The article examines the functional purpose of the National Police of Ukraine in the context of democratic transformations and the state’s European integration aspirations. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of foreign experience in the functioning of the police in Germany, France and the UK as examples of effective models of law enforcement activity. The main functions of the police are determined, in particular: protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, ensuring public safety, combating crime, preventive work and cooperation with the public. The generalization of foreign practices allowed us to identify priority areas for improving the activities of the National Police of Ukraine, in particular, strengthening its service function, accountability and professionalism. The possibilities of implementing positive international experience in the Ukrainian system of law enforcement agencies are outlined.