Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Considering the evolving landscape of criminal activity, it has never been more vital to develop innovative scientific approaches to combat crime and prevent crimes. The Research Institute of Criminology, part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, stands out as one of the premier institutions uniting experts and researchers in this critical field. Recently, the Institute hosted an extensive press tour and conference centered on the theme " Current Issues in the Scientific Research of Crime." Participants included a variety of media representatives, bloggers, non-governmental organizations, activists, and subject matter experts.

The Institute has established approximately 15 collaborations with criminology faculties and crime research centers in several countries, including Turkey, South Korea, Russia, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar since its establishment. These partnerships have enabled the exchange of advanced practices in crime prevention, particularly in the areas of cybercrime, juvenile delinquency, and effective rehabilitation programs.

During the event, the Institute presented findings from its comprehensive statistical analyses of crime, surveys, predictive research, and investigations into criminogenic zones, demonstrating the depth of its scholarly research in the area.

Furthermore, the Institute enhances research accessibility by publishing scientific journals, articles, and methodological manuals on its official website. Attendees were provided with the latest editions of the national journal "Criminological Activity," the international journal "Criminology," and methodological guidelines aimed at professionals working with minors.

Participants were also given detailed insights into the advanced technological tools employed by specialists in crime analysis in the Institute's scientific and production laboratories. These tools encompass electronic surveillance systems, smart bracelets, an interactive monitoring dashboard, as well as forthcoming developments in crime forecasting leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).

After a brief discussion about criminogenic landscape, prevailing crime trends, and underlying causes and contributing factors specific to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Colonel Bakhtiyor Berdyaliev, head of the Institute and doctor of philosophy in legal sciences, concluded the conference.

A wide range of questions from the public concerning scientific research on issues such as fraud, theft, neighborhood crime, and juvenile delinquency were answered comprehensively by the experienced researchers, scientists, and experts affiliated with the Institute.

The press tour and conference represent an important step in increasing public awareness of contemporary crime types and their associated risks. It encouraged an open dialogue grounded in scientific analysis and a fact-based approach, while also reinforcing the role of civil society in addressing these challenges and promoting the activities of the Research Institute of Criminology.