Functioning of the Police under Martial Law

The Experience of Ukraine

Abstract

The military conflict in Ukraine has created unprecedented challenges for law enforcement agencies, which have had to adapt to new conditions and threats. During martial law, the police perform not only their traditional functions of maintaining public order and combating crime but also contribute to national security and civil protection. This paper examines the key aspects of the Ukrainian police’s work under martial law, analysing their adaptive strategies and the effectiveness of their actions. With the onset of hostilities, the police faced a number of new tasks, such as maintaining law and order in combat zones, evacuating civilians, protecting humanitarian corridors and cooperating with military units. A significant role is played by the coordination of actions between various law enforcement and security structures, which allows for rapid response to threats and maintaining stability in regions affected by the conflict.

The adaptation of the police to martial law conditions includes the implementation of new working methods, personnel training and the use of advanced technologies. For instance, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and surveillance systems helps to monitor situations on the ground and quickly transmit information to command centres. Psychological support for law enforcement officers working in stressful conditions is also a crucial aspect, contributing to their resilience and effectiveness. Ukraine’s experience in addressing these challenges can be valuable for other countries facing similar situations. Analysing the adaptive strategies of the Ukrainian police during martial law allows for the identification of best practices and the development of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in crisis situations.