The Role of Territorial Self-Government in Ensuring Personal Security of Citizens in Poland

Purpose: The aim of the conducted research was to define the role of local government in ensuring the personal security of citizens in Poland. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis of determining the role of local government in ensuring public safety for citizens is based on a critical analysis of literature, analysis of documents and legal acts. Findings: The state is responsible for ensuring the personal security of its citizens. This particular duty can be performed in different ways. In states which respect and enforce the principles of local democracy these responsibilities are shared by the institutions of local, mainly municipal, self-government. We shouldn’t forget that security is a fundamental and primary human need. This paper presents various forms of direct and indirect operation of individual local government units in Poland in protecting security and public order. Practical Implications: The presented research results are important for public authorities. They allow for better design of security systems. The level of involvement of public self government in matters of citizen security depends on the conditions of democracy and the scale of decentralization of public obligations. The effectiveness of the state's activities aimed at ensuring the personal security of its citizens, depends on the proper identification of needs in this respect. Originality/value: The article presents the directions of improving the management of public security highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of citizens' expectations in terms of security, measures to fulfill the expectations to ensure high efficiency, quality and innovation.