THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA AS SUBJECTS OF CONTROL OVER POLICE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Abstract

The authors, relying on the definition of ethics as a system of moral norms and rules of conduct, emphasize the special role of police officers in society, which demands a higher level of moral qualities and specific ethical standards from them. The research explores the concepts of professional police ethics, which are based on deontological principles and enshrined in regulatory legal documents. The article highlights that internal control alone is insufficient to ensure a high level of transparency and adherence to ethical norms, especially in the face of growing societal demands. It draws attention to the insufficient regulation of the involvement of public organizations and media as independent oversight bodies, despite their crucial role in enhancing police transparency and accountability. Key mechanisms for strengthening control over police professional ethics are proposed: public monitoring and observation, involving public organizations in documenting ethical violations and analyzing international best practices (e.g., The New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, Independent Office for Police Conduct); information gathering and dissemination through media, which includes highlighting violations and conducting journalistic investigations; public councils and oversight bodies, establishing non-governmental councils attached to the police and drawing from experiences like the Professional Standards Unit in Toronto; and social networks and discussion platforms, utilizing online resources to identify and disseminate information about potential violations. In conclusion, the study finds that enhancing police professionalism and ethics is a key component of effective law enforcement. Despite the role of police leadership in oversight, the public and media play a decisive role in ensuring transparency and accountability. Therefore, for the further development of police ethics, it is essential to expand the range of oversight bodies, legally enshrine their powers, and create effective control mechanisms that will contribute to greater accountability and increased public trust in law enforcement agencies.