Vision of Ukraine – 2030. What the law and order system should look like
In the summer of 2022, the CPLR team, as part of the public coalition «Ukraine after Victory», formulated a vision «Vision of Ukraine – 2030». The document offers key conditions for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine after the Victory. Here we share how we see the law and order system of Ukraine after the Victory.
How do we imagine Ukraine in 2030?
In 2030, people feel safe, whether they are at home, in another part of the city or just in another city. After all, they know that the law and order system operates, and although occasional crimes occur (because crime as a social phenomenon cannot be eradicated), the punishment for those who commit crimes is inevitable anyway. Therefore, they will not be afraid to turn to the police and will not resort to illegal methods of solving problems, because they believe that their case is important and it will be considered and investigated. Everyone has access to objective data on crime situation visualised in the form of a map that can be used when planning travel, buying a house, choosing a job, etc.
If a person becomes a victim of a crime, he or she can defend his or her rights in court and receive assistance from the state, as the investigation system focuses on the victim’s needs, not just on finding the perpetrator and punishing him or her at any cost. “Sense of security” is a central indicator of the activity of the law enforcement system — accordingly, Ukraine is safer than before the war. Victims of violent and sometimes property crimes receive instant compensation from the state.
Citizens’ attitudes to the law and order system are rather positive, especially among people who used to have personal contact with it — sought services, participated in the proceedings as witnesses, victims, or even committed offences. Regardless of the role in which a person has been in contact with the police, he or she should be aware of the clear procedures and anticipate the actions taken by the police towards him or her. At the same time, people realise that a police officer or other law enforcement officer has his/her own superior and the quality of work standards, and will have negative consequences for himself/herself in case of any arbitrary actions, because the system of evaluation and complaints is operational. The level of “abstract” trust in the police is at least 80%; at the same time, the level of “personal” trust is not lower than 30% (applies to persons who had individual contact with the police, primarily the criminal unit).
The law and order system is also effective due to the help of responsible citizens. This does not mean that everyone will be a whistle-blower, but it does mean that when a community wants guaranteed security, things like neighbourhood guarding, reporting danger or reporting security threats directly to a community police officer are a common practice. The safety of everyone and the safety of the community is a common cause of law enforcement agencies and responsible citizens.
What key changes need to be made to achieve this goal?
After the victory, the most important thing will be to investigate and bring to justice those who committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, the crime of genocide and the crime of aggression.
At the same time, it is necessary to complete the reform of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, first of all, the National Police, as well as to adopt the Concept of reform of the criminal justice system for 2022–2030, which will be a roadmap to all further reforms.
What red lines cannot be crossed in this area?
- Ad hoc reforms depending on the political situation.
- Preservation of military justice in peacetime: it must remain extraordinary, and the powers and procedures of law enforcement officers of this nature must be applied only during martial law.
- Political influence on law enforcement agencies — it is possible only through the implementation of the functions of the Cabinet of Ministers, and can be related to the issues of state policy.
- Selective prosecution by law enforcement agencies for any crimes: war, corruption, etc.; it is necessary to investigate them qualitatively, regardless of the political situation and preferences.
- Use of the Office of the President as a “driver” of reforms, as this is the authority of the Parliament and the Government.