ISSUES OF IMPROVING COOPERATION BETWEEN INVESTIGATION UNITS OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS BODIES AND CITIZENS’ SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES

Abstract

The article analyzes the legal framework and issues related to improving cooperation between investigative units of internal affairs bodies and citizens' self-government bodies. It highlights the role of mahalla committees in combating crime, enhancing investigative efficiency, and ensuring public participation. Drawing on the Criminal Procedure Code and related sectoral legislation, the author analyzes the interaction between inquiry officers and investigators and citizens' self-government bodies in procedural actions such as serving summonses, conducting searches and seizures, seizing property, applying for "community-sponsored bail" and eliminating the causes and conditions that contributed to the commission of a crime. The article presents the first systematic analysis of the procedural status of representatives from citizens' self-government bodies under the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (hereinafter, the CPC). It identifies legal gaps in six areas of cooperation with investigative units and proposes specific amendments and additions to Articles 97, 139, 160, and 252 of the CPC. Additionally, the practices of Germany, Japan, and the Russian Federation are examined using a comparative legal analysis methodology. The article notes that certain aspects of this cooperation are not fully and clearly regulated by current legislation, which creates problems in law enforcement practice. It analyzes advanced approaches in the legislation and practice of foreign countries and substantiates the feasibility of their implementation into national law. Scientific and practical recommendations are also developed.