Psychological specificity of police officers’ professional actions under martial law

The armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine has significantly transformed both the nature and conditions of police duties. This necessitates an examination of the psychological factors influencing police officersʼ professional actions under martial law, in order to ensure their effectiveness, resilience to stress, and appropriate response to wartime threats. This study aimed to analyse the current state of scholarly research into the impact of psychological characteristics on police officersʼ professional performance in conditions of martial law. The research applied both general scientific and sector-specific methods, including systems analysis, the method of alternatives and grouping, structural-functional analysis, comparative analysis, and hermeneutics. A synthesis of a wide range of academic studies has revealed that police work under martial law is marked by psychological tension and specific risks associated with the execution of both shock-assault and search-and-assault operations in populated areas, as well as in mitigating the consequences of armed conflict or emergencies. As part of the study, a systematic analysis of academic research was conducted concerning the specifics of performing professional duties in extremely challenging conditions, closely resembling combat situations. The real and immediate threat to police officersʼ lives and health in such contexts leads to the severe depletion of their psychological resources, resulting in stress, depression, and emotional exhaustion. It was found that police officers, who carry out professional duties in locations where people have died, conduct exhumations, and document the atrocities committed by russian aggressors, are exposed to traumatic experiences that go beyond ordinary perceptions of life circumstances. Scholars emphasise that the psychological transformation of police officers during wartime affects the performance of their professional duties both directly and indirectly. The findings of this study may be used in future academic research on the topic and to develop practical recommendations aimed at reducing the impact of stressors on police officersʼ mental health, enhancing their self-control, improving decision-making in complex wartime conditions, and facilitating adaptation to rapidly changing combat environments