On the issue of increasing public participation in countering crime

The article deals with the problem of attracting the population to anti-crime activities. The author focuses on the key role of legal culture of citizens in the success and effectiveness of such interaction with employees of internal Affairs bodies. Such components of legal culture as citizens‘ knowledge of legal regulations and prohibitions, the ability to apply their knowledge in practice, awareness of responsibility for the state of law and order, and active citizenship are characterized. It is indicated that knowledge of the law is the key to lawful behavior and competent prevention of illegal acts. However, knowledge may remain unrealized if a citizen does not have the desire or at least the willingness to apply it when the appropriate situation arises. It is argued that the image of police officers, the attitude and trust of the police on the part of society can also influence the process of joint activities to protect public order and prevent offenses. Summing up the research, the author emphasizes that the initiative in anti-criminal cooperation between citizens and the police should belong to the latter. The state, represented by the relevant ministries, should inform, train and motivate the population to participate in combating crime.