Formation of the image of law enforcement officer by mass media

The article highlights the issue of formation of the Law Enforcement officer s image by Mass Media. Modern Mass Media, possessing huge resources, are able to influence the public opinion formation by SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT setting certain priorities and stereotypes. They pay special attention to the coverage of the Internal Affairs Agencies activity. One of the key factors affecting the public’s attitude to Law Enforcement Agencies is the positive image of a Police officer. Information openness and transparency in relationship between the InternalAffairs Agencies with citizens implies coverage of the results of the Law Enforcement work and existing social problems, which should be reliable, be scientifically and methodically provided and improve the image of the Internal Affairs Agencies. Citizens ‘ confidence in the effectiveness of Police work increases their trust, provides public support to the Police activities, contributing to its effectiveness and efficiency and reducing the crime rate. The author defines such concepts as “Mass Media”, “Media image”, “stereotype”, considers the legal documents regulating the Police participation in the information support of the Police officers activity and departments, interaction with the Media and civil society institutions. The article presents the results of some sociological research concerning the attitude of Russian citizens to the activities of law enforcement agencies and Police officers in particular. The author gives the Media classification (traditional, new and the newest), describes the Media functions and mechanisms of public opinion formation by Mass Media, lists the criteria and stages necessary for the formation of a Police officers Media image, and gives some recommendations that promote the formation of a police officers.