General characteristics of the police as a public institution

The article reveals the general characteristics of the police as a public institution. It illuminates the place of the police in the general structure of society, the functions it performs and the internal structure of this institution. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of police representatives with the population and the provisions of public opinion about law enforcement agencies. Two aspects of the police are analyzed: the ideal aspect, which reflects society’s expectations from this institution, and the private aspect, related to the real state of the police. The importance of public opinion about the police as a factor in law enforcement is substantiated. The starting point for writing this article is as follows. The social significance of the police is closely related to the establishment of law and order and overcoming criminal activity, while police officers have both extended powers and a number of strictly prescribed restrictions and obligations. Considering the activities of law enforcement officers at a general level, it should be noted that it is largely related to the process of communication between police officers and representatives of the civilian population.