Abstract: The subject of this research is the criteria for extradepartmental assessment of police performance, and the mechanism for conducting public opinion monitoring. The goal consists in the analysis of the impact of public opinion upon the performance efficiency of the bodies of internal affairs, as well as in determination of the factors affecting the formation of positive image of a police officer. The application of systemic approach in the course of this research allowed outlining the group of factors that impact the effectiveness of the bodies of internal affairs. Structural-functional analysis was used for studying the role of public opinion, identification of its development trends and conditions for the purpose of improving performance efficiency of the bodies of internal affairs. It is noted that the results of studying public opinion are an essential criterion for assessing the work of law enforcement agencies along with determination of deficiencies in their work, as well as allow make organizational and administrative decisions for their elimination. The author substantiates the growing influence of public opinion upon the current socially-oriented model of state administration. The main conclusions of this research consist in the analysis of theoretical aspects of the impact of public opinion upon the operational police activity, as well as in proposal of recommendations on the forms of implementation of results of public opinion monitoring, which may enhance public confidence in the police, and form positive image of the employee of internal affairs agencies.