On Social Communication of Internal Affairs Bodies with Citizens (Based on the Expert Survey Results)

The article analyzes the state of social communication between internal Affairs bodies of Russia and citizens based on 2016 and 2020 expert surveys of the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Bodies of Russia at different levels. Dissatisfaction with the existing organization of social communications was stated – almost 9/10 experts mentioned the need for changes in 2020. At the same time, understanding of the goals of police interaction with the population by the heads of internal Affairs bodies does not fully correspond to the community policing model. As a main strategic goal of interaction, experts most often refer to "creating a positive image", while "forming partnerships" – half as often. Experts believe that the main obstacle to the development of the police communication system with citizens is "human factor" – lack of skills of internal Affairs officers in the existing communication system, their lack of initiative, etc.