A landmark roundtable discussion was held at the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs on the topic «Institutional capacity of departmental control and internal security units of law enforcement agencies: legal principles, boundaries of competence and support for activities».
The event brought together leading scientists, heads of law enforcement agencies, representatives of anti-corruption institutions, state authorities and international partners.
On behalf of the DonSUIA Rector, the University’s Vice-rector, Police Lieutenant Colonel, Doctor of Philosophy Serhii Hermanov addressed the audience. In his speech, he emphasized that in conditions of modern security challenges, creation of an effective system of departmental control is a vital step. He also stressed upon the fact that it is the high level of integrity and transparency of law enforcement officers that is a basic factor for strengthening public trust in state institutions.
The discussion was also joined by heads of relevant departments, who outlined the strategic priorities of the reform. Head of the Corruption Prevention Department, Anatolii Fodchuk, focused on the development of modern preventive anti-corruption mechanisms. In his turn, Head of the Kirovohrad Unit of the Internal Security Department of the National Police, Police Colonel Ihor Matviichuk, noted a special role of controlling units in maintaining high standards of professional ethics among personnel.
An important element of the event was active participation of members of the interdepartmental working group, which coordinates implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Reform of Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine. Representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, the State Border Guard Service, the Department of Internal Security of the National Police, as well as experts from the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine are directly involved in this work.
The key focus of the participants was on practical work: the development of scientifically grounded proposals for a new draft law, which is planned to be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for consideration. The document is designed to legally establish the creation of powerful, institutionally independent internal security units within the structure of law enforcement agencies. It is assumed that those units would receive clear legal instruments to identify corruption risks, conduct strict integrity checks, and promptly prevent abuse of office.
Summing up, the participants noted the need for prompt updating of legislation and emphasized that only consolidation of the efforts of law enforcement officers, scientists and international partners would allow creating an effective system of internal control in Ukraine in accordance with world standards.
