State and problems of interaction between police officers and repre-sentatives of public associations: a sociological aspect

Background. The article is devoted to revealing the relevant scientific and practical problems of identifying sociological features and determining the possibilities of strengthening public-private partnership. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of social interactions between police officers and representatives of public associations in unstable conditions in order to develop proposals for strengthening social and institutional partnership. Materials and methods. The study analyzed the materials of the author's research, implemented by methods: questionnaire survey of police officers; expert interview of officers of the top commanding staff of police units; analysis of big data (content analysis of media reports). Results. The police primarily partner with people's squads and law enforcement organizations, such as Cossack communities. Contacts with other public associations are rare. This does not promote the development of social and institutional partnerships. The current media environment does not fully contribute to improving the positive image of police officers, as information is primarily focused on the lack of goal-oriented, timely, and systematic activities, corruption, and a lack of consideration for the public's interests. Conclusions. The main areas for strengthening the socio-institutional partnership in ensuring public order are: expanding the partnership between police officers and youth, diaspora, and educational public associations, and increasing the share of positive information in the media.