Adaptation of Competency-based Elements of Professional Training for Police Officers to the Challenges of Martial Law

Abstract

The military threats caused by the Russian Federation’s armed aggression against Ukraine have affected all aspects of police work, including the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)”. In the context of military threats, the requirements for the activities of the National Police of Ukraine are significantly expanding, and thus the very essence of the police service is being transformed. The study is devoted to the topical issue of adapting the competency elements of professional training for police officers to the challenges of martial law. The purpose of the article is to adapt the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” to the conditions of service during the period of martial law by improving the professional training of current and future police officers in line with modern realities and security needs.

The State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” was analysed. Through a survey, an objective assessment of the current state of professional training of police officers was conducted, and key competence elements of tactical training during the period of martial law were identified. The study identified the most relevant competency elements, in particular: training in tactical medicine, serving in de-occupied territories, using automatic firearms during building clearances, and actions in conditions of rocket and bomb strikes and artillery shelling.

Given the specific situations faced by police officers in conditions of military threats, in order to increase the effectiveness of their activities during the period of martial law, it is advisable to include the above elements in the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” and the relevant professional training topics. The results obtained make it possible to develop an effective system of professional training for police officers during martial law, which will correspond to modern realities and security needs.