Деякі питання прогнозування стану безпекового середовища в Україні, враховуючи вплив діяльності національної поліції на рівень правопорушень

Security sector reform is aimed at transforming the security sector to increase accountability, efficiency, humanism, the rule of law and gender equality in the structural units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. One of the structural units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is the National Police. Gender parity in the National Police is the key to ensuring the implementation of the reform and compliance with global trends in the development of the State. The purpose of the article is to carry out a theoretical analysis of scientific research on gender equality in law enforcement agencies of independent Ukraine from 1991 to the present. The methodological basis of the study is the fundamental principles of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women in society. The study used the following methods of scientific research (cognition): theoretical research methods (ascent from the abstract to the concrete, transition from the concrete to the abstract), empirical research methods (comparison), complex research methods (abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction), which contributed to the achievement of the research objective. The stages of scientific research on the problem of ensuring gender equality in law enforcement agencies of Ukraine are identified and substantiated: the first stage (1991 - October 2004); the second stage (October 2004 - November 2015); the third stage (November 2015 - present). It is determined that scientific research on the issue of gender equality in law enforcement agencies of independent Ukraine concerned the legal regulation of the work of women law enforcement officers and their social and legal protection, gendered styles of behavior of law enforcement officers, their psychophysiological differences and gender equality, psychological conditions for ensuring gender equality in law enforcement activities, and peculiarities of development of gender relations in interpersonal communication of law enforcement officers. Three groups of problematic issues arising in the work of a female law enforcement officer serving in the National Police of Ukraine are identified and described in detail. The practical significance of the study lies in the thorough analysis of scientific research on the issue of gender equality in law enforcement agencies of independent Ukraine and the identification of unresolved issues

The purpose of the article is to explore the types of personnel procedures in the National Police of Ukraine on the basis of scientific developments of scholars and to carry out their classification. To achieve this goal, such methods as formal-logical, comparative analysis, system-structural and comparative-legal was used. The successful functioning the National Police of Ukraine is not possible without the proper selection of highly qualified employees, which can be ensured through the introduction of truly effective and efficient personnel procedures. The theoretical and legal approaches to the division of personnel procedures into appropriate types by different classification criteria are analyzed and summarized, in particular, depending on: a) the subject of the initiative; b) the nature of the consequences; c) the type (direction) of the activity of the authority. The personnel procedures, which are divided into ordinary and simplified, are also illustrated. The tasks of the National Police Personnel Department are given. It is stated that the achievement of effective work of the National Police bodies is not possible without further improvement of the mechanism of personnel procedures, since insufficient work with staff has a negative impact on the reform of this law enforcement agency. As a result of the study the author's classification of personnel procedures in the National Police of Ukraine was proposed, namely, according to the following criteria: 1) by the subject of the initiative of the personnel procedure; 2) by the nature of the consequences for the subject of the personnel relations; 3) by the stage of staffing; 4) by the direction of activity of the subject of personnel relations in the police force; 5) by the degree of regulation; 6) by functional purpose; 7) by tasks of staffing.

The author has studied the main shortcomings of regulatory provision and organization of the activity of the National Police of Ukraine according to certain areas. On the basis of the analysis of the current legislation of Ukraine, by-laws and orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine, the author has formulated propositions aimed at regulating the legal status of the National Police, adoption of basic provisions on its certain types; improvement of the planning procedure within the National Police system, application of modern methods of strategic analysis and goal-setting in its activity; optimization of legal and organizational provision of the activities of police commissions. In particular, the author has offered to include the National Police of Ukraine as the central executive authority in the content of the basic law “On Central Executive Agencies”, to adopt provisions on certain types of police, to improve the content of the departmental order of the National Police on the organization of planning, and to develop appropriate methodological recommendations for police officers on this issue, to harmonize the content of regulatory documents on the activities of police commissions on setting the priorities of police activity and highlighting the results of their work on the official website of the National Police. The obtained results are an integral part of the author’s scientific research into the organization and implementation of public administration within the agencies of the National Police of Ukraine and can be used to carry out other fundamental and applied scientific studies in the field of law enforcement agencies.

Based on theoretical and legal analysis, the article summarizes the peculiarities of police activity as a component of the security and defence sector during the period of russian aggression. It has been proved that despite the full-scale undeclared criminal invasion, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the strong financial and military support of Western partners, are victoriously overcoming the resistance of the russian occupiers and are carrying out a systematic counter-offensive against the "world's second victorious russian army", and at the same time, heroically destroying the enemy's military equipment and manpower on a daily basis, far-sightedly take strategic decisions on reforming the activities of public authorities, and especially of the security and defence sector. It has been determined that the formation and improvement of the security and defence sector of Ukraine has always been relevant, both in peacetime and in the current period of the russian invasion. At the same time, the doctrinal provisions on their legal status and its improvement in wartime remain insufficiently developed and require theoretical and practical in-depth research. The miscalculations, made in the organization of defence industry procurement, headed by the Ukroboronprom Defence Industrial Concern, have been outlined. However, since the beginning of February 2022, the state has adopted a number of legislative changes aimed at improving the Armed Forces of Ukraine current model, law enforcement agencies and the military-industrial complex, and bringing them in line with NATO and European Union standards. The state of the police as a security and defence sector entity during martial law proves that Ukrainian law enforcement officers, together with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are boldly repelling the criminal russian attack, protecting the lives and health of the Ukrainian population, defending the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. It has been stated that one of the important factors in optimizing the activities of the police during the war is the concern of the state authorities for improving their social protection. It has been noted that the police, in addition to performing own duties during martial law aimed at identifying and prosecuting criminals, searching for missing persons, and taking preventive measures to protect public order and security, carry out activities, related to the clearance of enemy mines by the National Police sappers, and the destruction of unexploded ordnance at the risk of life and health. According to statistics, about 50 specialists in pyrotechnics were killed, and more than 100 were injured during humanitarian demining. It has been stated that at the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 8 assault brigades are currently being formed on the basis of the National Police, the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard: "Stalevy Kordon", "Chervona Kalyna", "Lyut’", "Rubizh", "Spartan", "Kara-Dag", "Bureviy" and "AZOV". The basis of the assault brigades will be really motivated and patriotic military personnel and former law enforcement officers. In addition, the main priority in ensuring the safe life of the population under martial law is to strengthen police cooperation with local governments and public organizations and to develop joint measures to protect public order and security. It has been noted that despite a number of regulations adopted during martial law aimed at improving the conditions of police service, there are still problems with the failure to resolve issues related to strengthening administrative and criminal liability for administrative offences and war crimes; abolition of the average salary at the place of work; unregulated procedure for serving a summons to territorial recruitment centres, etc. It has been proved that in the course of ensuring public order and security during the russian-Ukrainian war, the police in its professional activity uses not only organizational and legal forms and methods with wide participation of the security and defence forces, territorial defence and public formations, but also hone the skills in conducting operational and search activities aimed at combating crime and eliminating enemy sabotage groups, which enables solving the tasks set in countering russian aggression under martial law.

The aim of the study was to determine the most effective model for regulating law enforcement in Europe and the post-Soviet space, as well as to formulate recommendations for the unification and standardization of legislation in this area. The empirical background was statistics on crime rates, premeditated murders by country; provisions of legislation governing the law enforcement activities of 13 countries and international regulations. Methods of system approach, descriptive statistics, descriptive analysis, generalization and prognosis, system selection, comparative method was used. The activities of law enforcement agencies are aimed at ensuring public order, national security and the protection of human rights, freedoms, and interests. Each state has its own law enforcement system, which is clearly regulated. The main indicator of the effectiveness of law enforcement is the crime rate and the level of security in the country. It is concluded that the most effective is the law enforcement model with its fundamental principles of decentralization of law enforcement agencies.

Problem setting. Modernity dictates the new conditions for the existence and effective functioning of state institutions, in particular, the law-enforcement system. The public demands not only the coordinated, effective work of the national police on its intended purpose, but also comprehensive reporting and informing of citizens about the law enforcement activities. Today, there have been created and exist a large number of mass-media (mass-media) of different types in Ukraine: from classical (printed) to more technological (television channels, radio stations, Internet, etc.). Also, on public opinion, except mass-media, other institutions that do not have the main function of informing citizens (cinematographers, typographer, etc.) is also influence. Do not forget that the individual is also influenced by surrounding, those with whom he or she communicates. All this should be taken into account when it is necessary to create a positive image of every social institution, including the law enforcement system. The National Police of Ukraine is a public agency, whose image influences on the effectiveness of work and interaction with the public. Therefore, the formation of a positive image of this law-enforcement agency is one of the main tasks and should be conducted at all levels within the framework of the present legislation for information. Recent research and publications analysis. The Law of Ukraine "About the National Police" came into force in November 2015. Since then, fundamental scientific conceptualization of the activities of the new law enforcement body has actually started. But the medium-information side of the work of the national police and its legislative basis was not actually investigated. Paper objective. Analysis of the medium-information side of the work of the national police that can be used as a basis for creation a positive image of the national police. Paper main body. The effectiveness of the law-enforcement system depends on the state's comprehensive attention to it. In this way was also in Soviet times. With the creation of a new national police, the problem of proper display of its activities and the creation of a positive image took place. But the statistics show a decrease of trust to this law enforcement agency. What is the reason? The author analyzes the external and internal reasons of this situation. To external ones belong the low level of the legal culture of citizens and the interest of the mass-media in "hot" news, when vapid news is swollen to a large extent. To external reasons, the author refers a short term for police training, lack of minimum knowledge on the basics of journalism and psychology in their knowledge. The attention is also paid to the fact that the police are sometimes late with the necessary commentary on the news. Based on the principles of media and information literacy published by UNESCO, the author proposes a series of measures to improve the medium-information side of the work of the national police. Conclusions of the research. With the development of the informative area, the medium-information side of the police wgill be expanding. Already today, all the activities of the national police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are estimated due to it. Therefore, both the national police and the whole MIA need to pay more and more professional attention to this aspect of their work.

The article identifies and mathematically substantiates vectors of reforming the financial monitoring system based on the synergistic approach in the cross-country context by developing scenarios by selecting internal and external factors that stimulate money laundering. The key external and internal factors of the money laundering process intensification are indicated. Competitive advantages of the anti-money laundering processes, the achievement of which is possible in terms of key external and internal factors for activation of money laundering process are formed. The relationship between the key internal and external factors of money laundering intensification and competitive advantages by building a binary characteristic matrix is formed. The synergy effect made by the mutual influence of simultaneously acting internal and external factors – a quantitative feature of the further strategy of the financial monitoring system reforming in terms of cross-country analysis is calculated. An economic-mathematical model for evaluating and interpreting strategy for improving the financial monitoring system in terms of cross-country context based on integer optimization is developed. In the article, there is calculation of the number of competitive advantages received by each observed country, without considering the possible synergy effect of mutual influence of simultaneously acting internal and external factors on each other. Moreover, there is quantitative assessment of the synergy effect made by the emergence of additional competitive advantages due to a certain combination of simultaneous influence made by external and internal factors of the money laundering intensification. The “ideal” situation of the possibility of gaining all possible competitive advantages in reforming the financial monitoring system in terms of cross-country context by overcoming internal and external factors stimulating the money laundering is studied. The results of the cross-country analysis form a basis for the further formalization of the limits for quantitative evaluation of the developed strategies through a uniform distribution.

The article analyses the current state of organisation and functioning of the Ukrainian National Police system of bodies and units under martial law. It examines the specifics of police measures to create a secure environment depending on the type and nature of potential and real threats to the national security of the state. It concludes that foreign scientific literature does not sufficiently cover the activities of Ukrainian security and defence entities, in particular the National Police of Ukraine, during martial law. This affects the European community’s understanding of the need for systematic support for the Ukrainian people’s struggle. An analysis of the National Police of Ukraine’s implementation of law enforcement projects aimed at creating a secure environment, ensuring public safety and order, protecting the lives and health of citizens, and combating crime has been carried out. Among these projects, the following should be noted: “Guard of the Offensive”, “White Angels”, “Service 112”, “Community Police Officers”, “Educational Security Service”, “Unified Weapons Register”, and “Comprehensive Security System for Public Places”. The changes in legislation regulating the legal status and powers of the National Police of Ukraine, introduced during the legal regime of martial law, have been analysed. It has been proven that law enforcement projects implemented by the National Police of Ukraine are aimed not only at ensuring Ukraine’s national security but also have an impact on European security as a whole. This, in turn, confirms the inevitability of our country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Proposals have been developed to improve the activities of the police in European Union countries, taking into account the Ukrainian experience of the functioning of the National Police system, in particular in the following areas: improving legislation on the police, in particular the legal regulation of its military tasks and functions, transforming the content of police training by introducing special disciplines in military and engineering training, developing algorithms for the evacuation of civilians from emergency areas, in particular during shelling or in the presence of other dangerous factors, taking measures to improve the security of personnel and police infrastructure facilities.

Aim. To study the causes and consequences of the increase in the turnover of the pharmaceutical personnel in Ukraine under martial law and to substantiate practical mechanisms for minimizing the turnover, taking into account current trends in the pharmaceutical labor market. Materials and methods. The analysis of modern scientific literature, the questionnaire survey method, analysis and synthesis, the survey formal-logical and retrospective analysis, comparative and systemic methods were used. The results of the analysis were processed using the licensed Microsoft Office Excel software products; descriptive statistics and statistical inference methods were applied to process the survey data. Results and discussion. The analysis of the current state of the pharmaceutical labor market in Ukraine has been conducted and key factors affecting the turnover of the pharmaceutical personnel under martial law have been identified. A sociological study has shown that the main motive for dismissing employees is their own desire, due to dissatisfaction with working conditions, psychological exhaustion, insufficient motivation and a low level of trust in management. It has been found that the main factors of the turnover are ineffective motivational and communicative management, the lack of work-life balance, the low level of investment in the professional development and the lack of systemic support from employers. It has been determined that the ineffective structure of the pharmaceutical personnel is due to both external factors – martial law, economic instability, and internal organizational shortcomings, which are manifested in the weak adaptation of management models to the challenges of today. The algorithm developed and the mechanism for managing the pharmaceutical personnel turnover have shown its effectiveness as a scientifically based system that combines elements of strategic planning, monitoring, motivational influence and control. Conclusions. The study has confirmed a significant increase in the pharmaceutical personnel turnover, which is a significant problem that has worsened due to increased workload and staff shortages. The combination of external and internal factors has led to the need to develop a holistic mechanism for managing the turnover. The algorithm proposed and the system of management elements provide a scientifically sound approach to monitoring, prevention and minimization of personnel risks, forming the basis for stabilizing the pharmaceutical personnel and increasing their professional stability, which is the key to proper pharmaceutical provision of the population during martial law.

The article is devoted to analyzing the role of law enforcement agencies in the implementation of transitional justice in Ukraine under the conditions of ongoing Russian armed aggression and post-conflict reintegration. It demonstrates that transitional justice is a modern international legal concept that combines mechanisms of criminal prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes, the establishment of historical truth, the protection of victims’ rights, and institutional reforms. A central place in this system belongs to law enforcement agencies — the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, the prosecution bodies, the State Bureau of Investigation, and other institutions ensuring public order. These institutions fulfill a dual mission: on the one hand, they serve as instruments for documenting, investigating, and prosecuting international crimes, while on the other hand, they are themselves subject to deep reforms aimed at strengthening public trust and ensuring democratic standards of activity. Based on the analysis of national experience and international practices, the article shows that law enforcement agencies are a key link in ensuring the inevitability of punishment for war crimes, in creating an evidentiary base for national and international courts, in implementing reparations programs for victims, as well as in shaping the historical narrative of the war. At the same time, they face numerous challenges: excessive workload of investigators, the need to balance punishment and reconciliation, conducting vetting procedures, addressing the consequences of prolonged occupation, and restoring public trust in liberated territories. Special attention is paid to the establishment of specialized interagency centers for the investigation of international crimes, the expansion of international cooperation, the digitalization of evidentiary activities, and the strengthening of work with victims and witnesses, particularly in cases of sexual violence and enforced disappearances. The article emphasizes the need for systemic reforms aimed at enhancing the transparency, accountability, and professionalism of law enforcement officers. It concludes that only a combination of effective law enforcement activities in prosecuting offenders and their internal self-cleansing can ensure the legitimacy of Ukraine’s model of transitional justice, contribute to the restoration of the rule of law, and strengthen public trust in the post-war period.

The rapid, full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has left the country’s defence and security forces, such as the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, and the National Guard of Ukraine, in a state of focus, resilience, and need for clear leadership. Leaders have a key role to play in preventing staff from becoming deadapted and disoriented. They must ensure that the effort organisation is structured in such a way that positive results are achieved, and losses are minimised. The research aims to study the views and opinions of scholars and practitioners on the state of the managerial and organisational potential of heads of patrol police units whose main task is to ensure public safety and order. The study used scientific and empirical methods, in particular, the synergistic approach, graphical, comparison, analysis and synthesis, and questionnaires, based on which reasonable conclusions were drawn. Following the results obtained: the conclusion regarding gaps in the procedure for interaction between patrol police officers and some law enforcement agencies and the lack of special training for actions in extreme conditions were deducted. It is established that patrol police officers are guided by a sense of national patriotism, which is formed through persuasion, moral support, and the example of their superiors. The areas of cyber hygiene, first aid training and handling explosive devices are lacking. The analysis of the reports of the heads of the services showed a positive trend in reducing the number of offences and deaths on the country’s roads. The practical value of this study is that it is in demand, as it reveals the actual problematic issues of the professional competence of a patrol police officer who is involved every day in ensuring public safety and order in different regions of the country with atypical levels of threats and dangers. It is the basis for further scientific study and solution of problematic aspects of patrol police service in the context of martial law and active hostilities by the aggressor country

The article deals with the search for ways to combine the efforts of customs and law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal attempts to move goods, objects or substances across the customs border of a country. The concept and basic principles of law enforcement activities are studied, as well as the criteria for inclusion in such a system. By analyzing the powers of a number ofstate bodies, the author has compiled a list of law enforcement agencies involved in the fight against smuggling. It is emphasized that customs authorities today can be fully attributed to law enforcement agencies. Approaches to understanding the interaction of law enforcement agencies, its principles and directions of implementation are considered in detail. The author critically assesses the absence of a legal act regulating the procedure for interaction of bodies in in the fight against crime. While there is definitely a need for this, although the issues of interaction are locally outlined in special laws on individual state (law enforcement) agencies. It is recognized that modern regulation of issues of interaction between law enforcement agencies, and their list should be updated in the light of the reforms of such bodies, and must necessarily include customs authorities. It is emphasized that the problem of duplication of tasks and functions, chasing indicators and creating the illusion of an active fight against crime, has been relevant for more than two decades. Despite changes in legislation, liquidation or reorganization of previous bodies and the creation of new ones, renewal of personnel and units, the lack of clear delineation of powers of law enforcement agencies, and sometimes of law enforcement agencies, and sometimes dual competence or departmental ambitions, lead to a distortion of the actual picture of the organization of countering smuggling. The author outlines certain risks of interference with the organization and implementation of customs control that arise from a destructive perception of interaction. The institutional capacity of customs authorities as a lever is considered for improving the mechanism of interaction between the State Customs Service and law enforcement agencies. The author substantiates the expediency of including operational units to the list of subjects of operational and investigative activities. The author additionally argues that the prospect of granting customs authorities to conduct pre-trial investigations, and it is proposed to to delimit the powers of the authorities conducting it, for which purpose to determine the jurisdiction of the crime of “Smuggling of goods” for the bodies of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

Technologically advanced artificial intelligence (AI) is making a significant contribution to strengthening national security. AI algorithms facilitate the processing of vast amounts of information, increasing the speed and accuracy of decision-making. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are crucial for state and integrated hybrid attacks and protecting new threats in cyberspace. Existing AI capabilities have significant potential to impact national security by leveraging existing machine learning technology for automation in labor-intensive activities such as satellite imagery analysis and defense against cyber attacks. This article examines selected aspects of the impact of artificial intelligence on enhancing a state’s ability to protect its interests and its citizens., artificial intelligence through the use of neutron networks, predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms enables security agencies to analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns indicative of potential threats. Integrating artificial intelligence into surveillance, border control and threat assessment systems enhances the ability to respond preemptively to security challenges. In addition, artificial intelligence algorithms facilitate the processing of vast amounts of information, increasing the speed and accuracy of decision-making by police authorities. The rapid development of AI raises a number of questions for its use in securing not only national security but protecting all citizens. In particular, it is worth answering the question How does artificial intelligence affect national security and clarifying the issue of how law enforcement agencies can use artificial intelligence to maximise the benefits of the new technology in terms of security and protecting communities from rising crime. The analysis is based on a descriptive method in describing the phenomenon; by explaining the concepts and applications of artificial intelligence to determine its role in the national security sphere. An analysis of the usefulness of artificial intelligence in particular in police operations is undertaken, with the aim of defending the thesis that, despite some threats to the protection of human rights from AI, it is becoming the best tool in the fight against all types of crime in the country. Technological advances in AI can also have many positive effects for law enforcement, and useful for law enforcement agencies, for example in facilitating the identification of persons or vehicles, predicting trends in criminal activities, tracking illegal criminal activities or illegal money flows, flagging and responding to fake news. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the biggest threats to information security, but efforts are being made to mitigate this new threat, but also to find solutions on how AI can become an ally in the fight against cyber-security, crime and terrorist threats. Artificial intelligence algorithms search huge datasets of communication traffic, satellite images and social media posts to identify potential cyber security threats, terrorist activities and organized crime. It is advisable, when analyzing the opportunities and threats that AI poses to national and public security, to gain a strategic advantage in the context of rapid technological change and also to manage the many risks associated with AI. The conclusion highlights the impact of AI on national security, creating a range of new opportunities coupled with challenges that government agencies should be prepared for in addressing ethical and security dilemmas. Furthermore, AI improves predictive analytics, thereby enabling security agencies to more accurately anticipate potential threats and enhance their preparedness by identifying vulnerabilities in the national security infrastructure

Összefoglalás. A tanulmány célja a mesterséges intelligencia (MI) belügyi és biztonsági célú alkalmazásának bemutatása, különös figyelemmel az arcfelismerő rendszerek és egyéb MI alapú megoldások rendvédelmi, nemzetbiztonsági, valamint önkormányzati és vízgazdálkodási területen való alkalmazásának lehetőségeire, adatvédelmi és kibervédelmi szempontjaira. A tanulmány ennek kapcsán mind az irányadó magyar és európai uniós előírásokat és célkitűzéseket, mind az MI-re irányadó hatósági gyakorlatot számba veszi és ismerteti, valamint ezek tanulságait összefoglalja és kiértékeli az egyes MI alapú megoldások sajátosságainak figyelembevételével. Summary. The purpose of the study is to take a closer look on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) concerning internal affairs and for security purposes, with a key focus on facial recognition systems and other solutions used by law enforcement and national security agencies to answer new challenges posed by cybercrime and criminal networks spreading through the cyberspace. In the light of the above, the study further takes into account the risks associated with the usage of AI solutions concerning internal affairs and for security purposes and tries to find possible measures to minimize them. Bearing this in mind, the study highlights the key relevant Hungarian and European Union requirements and goals, including the approach of the European Union concerning biometric identification and the Hungarian AI Strategy’s vision on the usage of AI based solutions for administrative, law enforcement, defense and military national security purposes. The study further analyzes the practical aspects of the usage of AI solutions by law enforcement agencies and the key aspects of facial recognition systems and other similar solutions. This includes the territory affected by the system, the period of monitoring, the human revision of the results presented by the algorithms, as well as data security minimum requirements and the rights of data subjects affected by AI solutions (e.g. sufficient information provided on the processing of their data in accordance with the national and public interests related to the usage of AI solutions). In addition to the above, the study further discusses the use of AI solutions by national security agencies, including the aspects of monitoring dark web activities conducted by criminal and terrorist organizations and ways for national agencies to intercept messages and gather evidence by new solutions in line with data protection and constitutional requirements. Finally, the study helps us understand, how AI based solutions can be used for facilitating everyday work of local governments (with a key focus on chatbot services and self-service opportunities) and for solving water management related tasks more efficiently, thus creating a more modern administration, where citizens can easily interact with administrative bodies and technical or simpler tasks are undertaken by algorithms. All in all, the study outlines how AI is currently used concerning internal affairs and for security purposes and how it can be used to help law enforcement and national security agencies fight new forms of crime empowered by technology or to further modernize local governments and water management systems and apply AI based solutions in accordance with data protection requirements and procedural laws.

Purpose Law enforcement agencies in the United States are relying on state fusion centers for intelligence to develop actionable, data-driven reports that increase efficiency and improve investigations in crime prevention and homeland security. This study assesses the extent to which artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) are increasingly shaping intelligence operations in law enforcement and the functions of state fusion centers in supporting intelligence-led policing (ILP). The reliance and integration of AI/ML is improving analytic accuracy, situational awareness and information and data sharing and collaboration among law enforcement and homeland security agencies. This study examines the state of contemporary academic literature, assesses AI/ML applications used in law enforcement and builds a conceptual and theoretical framework centered on ILP policing. It also relies on empirical data, case study applications, and DHS assessments to explore the degree to which AI-driven processes and analytics enhance criminal intelligence, investigative efficiencies, situational awareness and predictive policing. The analysis, while focusing on the opportunities and challenges of using AI/ML tools in law enforcement, also highlights the need for ethical governance, transparency and accountability when relying on advanced technologies for crime prevention and policing. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes qualitative methods, including a thematic content analysis of government and think tank/practitioner reports as well as academic literature on the benefits, costs and ethical factors regarding variations in the implementation of AI/ML tools for law enforcement intelligence products and resource allocation. For cross-validation of operational outcomes, it examines publicly available information in the DHS Fusion Center Annual Assessment, Bureau of Justice Statistics, LEMAS and RAND Corporation assessments of intelligence-led policing. Findings Qualitative Results Federal and state sources report fusion centers and law enforcement agencies integrating advanced analytic and ML-enabled tools into each step in the criminal intelligence lifecycle process. However, ethical and structural challenges limit and constrain technology-driven narratives in fusion centers. Given these challenges, there is a consistent qualitative and thematic pattern: state fusion centers now function as criminal intelligence analytic hubs or resources that leverage the most contemporary analytic and data-driven tools for criminal intelligence and law enforcement investigations. Interrelated themes describe AI/ML technologies in terms of shaping, constraining and complicating the intelligence lifecycle in fusion centers and law enforcement operations. Seven specific themes emerged from latent coding are illustrated in the chart. Research limitations/implications There are limitations on the collection of quantitative data since DHS, leading think tanks and NGOs do not disclose specific figures on the proportion of AI/ML tools. The DHS Fusion Center Annual Assessment process monitors technology adoption and the growth of analytic capabilities throughout the national network of fusion centers; however, the specific quantitative statistics are not disclosed in public summaries (DHS, 2024). Second, publicly available data and information constitute the bulk of empirical sources. Consequently, this study relies primarily on qualitative narrative reporting, not quantitative performance metrics. Third, publication bias is likely present in industry and government sources as these reports may provide overly optimistic observations and conclusions while overlooking ethical dilemmas, failures and challenges. Moreover, qualitative thematic analysis could reflect broader structural narratives as opposed to empirical outcomes. Finally, since AI/ML adoption varies across fusion centers and according to technology levels, qualitative themes identified in this study must be read as representative patterns and not as universally generalizable. Originality/value Fusion center utilization of AI/ML technologies is as much an operational tool as it is a policy, governance and ethical challenge. Successful and professional use in support of law enforcement is about placing technological innovations firmly within institutional accountability and constitutional guardrails. On the one hand, AI/ML tools are enhancing analytical intelligence production by accelerating analytic workflows, predictive modeling and expanding data/information integration capabilities. AI/ML are extending ILP concepts by offering improvements in situational awareness and threat identification and operational efficiencies. On the other, substantial constraints hinder responsible use of these technologies. In the absence of standardized oversight frameworks, data-quality issues, algorithmic bias and the lack of professional development, workforce capacity and critical skills on the part of fusion center analysts will cancel the benefits of these tools.