The focus of the scientific activity of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs is aimed at researches, directed at solution issues of operational units within the scope of administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Research activities in Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs are performed by the scientific and teaching staff of the Department and Scientific Research Laboratories, a staff of other units of the University, doctoral candidates, adjuncts, cadets, students and trainees. Temporary artistic groups, composed of scholars, and the most experienced workers of practical units within the scope of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine can be formed for scientific researches.

There are 5 Academic Councils with the right of acceptance for consideration and defense of dissertations for the degree of Doctor of Law and Doctor of Philosophy.

The overall administration, coordination, and control over scientific and research work laid upon the Department of Scientific Work Organization.

Main tasks and responsibilities of the Department are:

• insurance of targeted interaction and coordination of work in structural units of the University in the realization of scientific and innovative activities;
• organization of Scientific and Research (design and development) activities under established research priorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the University are made by forces of scientific and pedagogical staff, doctoral candidates, and post graduate students of the University;
• support for scientific researches of young scholars, cadets and students;
• planning, organization and implementation of scientific researches;
• support for current scientific schools and formation of new ones, etc.