LEGAL PSYCHOLOGY AS A FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT OF FORMING CRITICAL THINKING AS A PROFESSIONALLY SIGNIFICANT PERSONALITY OF AN OFFICER OF THE SYSTEM OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

The relevance of the problem of forming and developing critical thinking as a professionally significant quality of the personality of future officers of the psychological support system of police officers under martial law is substantiated. The definition of the concept of «critical thinking» is given. It is shown that critical thinking in the context of professional activity is not a simple ability to deny or criticize, but is a complex, reflective and purposeful cognitive process focused on making informed decisions. Key components in the structure of critical thinking are highlighted, which are relevant for the activities of an officer of the psychological support system. The functions of critical thinking in the professional activities of an officer-psychologist are considered. In the activities of an officer of the psychological support system of police officers, critical thinking acquires the status of a key professionally significant quality, which is due to the specifics of work under martial law. It is shown that Legal Psychology, as a branch of knowledge located at the junction of psychological and legal sciences, provides the psychological officer with the necessary set of knowledge and skills for critical analysis. A comprehensive study of the role of Legal Psychology as a fundamental methodological tool in the process of purposeful formation of critical thinking in a specific group of officers of the psychological support system of police officers under martial law using the means of Legal Psychology has been conducted. The feasibility of integrating the knowledge of Legal Psychology for the development of practical methods that allow a psychologist officer not only to work with psychological trauma, but also to critically evaluate the legal field and behavioral patterns caused by war has been substantiated. Thus, Legal Psychology is not just one of the academic disciplines, but a fundamental component that contributes to the formation of the skills and abilities of a psychologist officer to apply a systematic, logical and lawful approach to assessing any situation or psychological state.