CRITICAL COMPETENCIES OF POLICE OFFICERS IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The digital transformation requires new knowledge and skills of police officers, thus the competences necessary for the usage of smart, innovative technologies become critical. It is important to ensure that these technologies are integrated into the security policy to effectively fight crime and to ensure the highest standards of respect for citizens� fundamental rights and freedoms. However, there is a lack of information on what competencies are necessary for the qualified usage of innovative technologies of today�s police officers. The lack of research in this area poses challenges to the entire system of professional development for police officers, and at the same time to the state and its citizens due to the possible improper performance of duties while seeking to ensure public security. The aim of the article is to investigate the competencies of police officers that are critical important in the context of digital transformation. The scientific literature and legal acts analysis as well as expert interview were used to achieve this purpose. It was investigated that in the context of digital transformation, the most important competencies for police officers are information and communication technologies knowledge, data analysis and interpretation, strategic, critical thinking, and teamwork. The identified competencies of police officers necessary for work with smart, innovative technologies in practice can contribute to the training process of police officers and at the same time ensuring the public security in the country.