The digital era and personnel training: Experts discussed the development of science and education in the law enforcement sector

As part of the international conference dedicated to the 3^rd anniversary of the establishment of the Law enforcement academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a parallel session was held on the topic “Science and education in law enforcement in the digital era: Challenges and innovative solutions”.

The session was attended by about 20 international experts from more than 10 countries, as well as representatives of reputable foreign and international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, European Union, International organization for migration, UNESCO, the International association of prosecutors, and other institutions, along with members of the academic community and law enforcement agencies.

The event was opened by the first deputy head of the Academy, doctor of philosophy in law (PhD), professor E.V. Kolenko, who shared the Academy’s experience in developing a personnel training system in the digital era and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, innovative approaches, and strengthening the scientific and educational potential of the law enforcement sector.

The main objective of the session was a comprehensive examination of the current role of education and science in the field of law enforcement in the digital age, discussion of innovative approaches to improving the quality of personnel training, as well as the development of appropriate solutions in response to modern digital challenges and new opportunities. In this context, particular attention was paid to the exchange of international experience, strengthening the link between theory and practice, the introduction of electronic educational platforms, distance learning, and modern digital technologies into the educational process.

During the event, leading experts from several countries shared their experience and recommendations. In particular, the head of the Law academy of the Kyrgyz Republic, A. Turganbaev, and the rector of the Academy of law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, N. Abdirov, presented information on digital models and transformational processes in the system of training prosecutorial personnel. Professor of Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Director of the Turkish-Uzbek center for legal studies S. Tatar, Professor of the Academy of law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Tapenova, and a representative of the National human rights center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, M. Tillaboev, highlighted current aspects of integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the training system of law enforcement officers.

At the same time, issues of ethical compliance, a values-oriented approach in the educational process, and the improvement of law enforcement pedagogy were also addressed. Professor P. Olsson of Lund University (Sweden) presented his views on the importance of values and ethical standards in the system of training law enforcement officers. The chief legal adviser of the International association of Prosecutors, Sh. Muzaffar, emphasized the need to prepare personnel capable of confronting new and emerging threats. Researcher G. Segalelba from the Institute of philosophical studies at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) shared his reflections on the relationship between legal education, liberal values, and personal development.

The presentations also touched upon the importance of anti-corruption education, the prospects for the development of human rights education, current trends in legal research, international standards of legal education, recognition of qualifications, and the expansion of scientific cooperation.

Following the session, an exchange of views took place on the role of education and science in the field of law enforcement, the possibilities of introducing innovative technologies into practice, as well as priority areas for personnel training in the future. It is expected that, based on the proposals put forward by international experts, practical recommendations will be developed for the further improvement of the sector. The new international ties established among the participants will create a foundation for the implementation of joint scientific and practical projects in the future.

As part of the conference, a familiarisation tour of the Academy campus and a series of bilateral meetings were also organised. It is planned to publish the session materials and its outcomes in a special collected volume.