ENHANCING PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCIES IN ASPIRING POLICE OFFICERS VIA VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Abstract

In the face of significant global changes affecting Kazakhstan and ongoing reforms across state structures, society is witnessing a surge in specific categories of crimes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing socially dangerous trends. Consequently, there is a crucial need for improved initial professional training for law enforcement officers and an exploration of effective pedagogical methods to foster the necessary personal and professional qualities for their service. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the development of pedagogical and psychological skills of future police officers in the educational process. The research employs analytical methods, including a thorough examination of psychological and pedagogical literature, scrutiny of normative documents governing educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and an analysis of curricula for initial vocational training courses at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Additionally, diagnostic techniques including surveys, expert evaluations, and empirical data analysis and synthesis were employed. The study involves a questionnaire survey of 350 students undergoing initial professional training for senior, private, and junior command staff, with results compared to expert assessments provided by instructors. The findings reveal a tendency for students to overestimate their self-evaluation regarding the development of professional and psychological skills, qualities, and stability. In response, the authors advocate for an increase in the study hours dedicated to the "Fundamentals of Psychological Preparedness" discipline and propose a curriculum revision aimed at fostering analytical-psychological and technical-psychological skills, professional thinking, and professional-psychological qualities among students. This research aims to establish the theoretical underpinnings for cultivating the professional psychological preparedness of future police officers. It involves analysing its constituent elements, pinpointing challenges, and suggesting objectives for psychological and pedagogical interventions aimed at the students' personal development. The findings of this study offer practical value for the development of educational programs in initial vocational training courses and provide a foundation for further investigations in this field.