Eduard Yeromenko - Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training. Training Law Enforcement Officers to Act in Extreme Situations Using Specialized Combat Horting Techniques

	Excerpt from the Research Program of Professor Eduard Yeromenko Professor, Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training, Faculty of Training, Retraining and Advanced Qualification of Tax Police Officers, University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Academic and Professional Qualifications: PhD in Pedagogical Sciences; Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine; International Class Master of Sports of Ukraine; Honored Coach of Ukraine; Founder of Horting; President, World Horting Federation. Professional Fellowships and Memberships: Fellow, European Scientific Society of Ukraine (UESU) — since 2017; Fellow, International Union of Martial Arts (IUMA) — since 2013; Professional Member, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); Professional Member, National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); Individual Member, International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education (AIESEP)

Title of the scientific article:	Training Law Enforcement Officers to Act in Extreme Situations Using Specialized Combat Horting Techniques
Bibliographic Information
Title of the Publishing Source:	Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Faculty of Training, Retraining and Advanced Qualification of Tax Police Officers, Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training
	Yeromenko, E. (2021). Training Law Enforcement Officers to Act in Extreme Situations Using Specialized Combat Horting Techniques. In Combat Horting and the Activities of Law Enforcement Agencies of Ukraine: Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference (January 4–5, 2021, Irpin, Ukraine, Part 1, pp. 1568–1588). Irpin: University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.
Author/Authors and Affiliations
Eduard Yeromenko	Eduard Yeromenko Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training, Faculty of Training, Retraining and Advanced Qualification of Tax Police Officers, University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine; PhD in Pedagogical Sciences; President of the National Federation of Combat Horting of Ukraine; Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine; Honored Coach of Ukraine; International Class Master of Sports of Ukraine; Major of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Combat Veteran.
Abstract / Brief Description:	Yeromenko Eduard This scientific article characterizes the methodology for preparing law enforcement officers to act in extreme situations through specialized means of Combat Horting, sports-applied training, and individual self-defense techniques. It identifies the professional and applied features of the Combat Horting training program for law enforcement personnel participating in military-patriotic and applied training activities and analyzes the methods and forms of physical education used in the preparation of law enforcement officers. It is noted that Combat Horting is being implemented within the law enforcement system of Ukraine as a professional and applied sport for law enforcement officers, whose methods are actively used for their physical and psychological preparation to operate in extreme situations. The tasks of law enforcement agencies include ensuring personal security; preventing and suppressing crimes and administrative offenses; detecting and investigating crimes; maintaining public order and ensuring public safety; protecting private, state, municipal, and other forms of property; providing assistance to individuals and legal entities in protecting their rights and legitimate interests; and other related functions. The activities of law enforcement officers are characterized by several distinctive features: they constitute a form of public service; they are based on the principles of legality, humanism, respect for human rights, and transparency; they are carried out under conditions requiring confidentiality and the preservation of official secrets; and they are characterized by exposure to extreme conditions associated with various stress factors, including increased responsibility, risks to health, and significant psychological strain. During Combat Horting training, law enforcement officers master hand-to-hand combat techniques that are essential for the detention and escort of offenders while simultaneously developing professional skills required for responding to public and domestic emergency situations. It should also be noted that the professional activities of law enforcement officers require strict adherence to service discipline, internal regulations, official duties, and legal rights. For example, discipline within the internal affairs bodies is defined as the strict and precise observance by personnel of the rules and responsibilities established by the legislation of Ukraine, service statutes, and the orders and instructions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Keywords:	methodology for training law enforcement officers; sports-applied training; Combat Horting; law enforcement agencies; special physical training; law enforcement activities.
Year of Publication:	2021
Bibliographic Identifiers; DOI (Digital Object Identifier); UDC (Universal Decimal Classification):	UDC Classification: 339.543:316.48(477)ООС(06) Library Bibliographic Classification (LBC): 67.9(4Укр)301.143.1я431 Publication code: Є80
Educational Description of the Scientific Article	The following text provides an English-language description of the article's main concepts, methodology, findings, and practical applications for coaches, athletes, and physical education professionals. It is intended as an informative summary rather than a literal translation of the original publication:
Recommended for publication by the Scientific and Methodological Board of the National Federation of Combat Horting of Ukraine (Minutes No. 8 dated January 9, 2021). Conference Scientific Supervisor: Pashko P. V. – Rector of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine. Conference Organizing Committee Chairman of the Organizing Committee: Chmeliuk V. V. – Candidate of Legal Sciences, Vice-Rector for Training of Tax Police Personnel – Dean of the Faculty of Training, Retraining and Advanced Qualification of Tax Police Officers of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Colonel of the Tax Police, participant in combat operations. Chairman of the Scientific and Methodological Council of the Organizing Committee: Yeromenko E. A. – Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training of the Faculty of Training, Retraining and Advanced Qualification of Tax Police Officers of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, President of the National Federation of Combat Horting of Ukraine, Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine, Honored Coach of Ukraine, Master of Sports of Ukraine of International Class, Major of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participant in combat operations. Deputy Chairmen of the Organizing Committee: Hryshchuk V. L. – Candidate of Legal Sciences, Head of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training, Lieutenant Colonel of the Tax Police, participant in combat operations. Bukhtiiarov O. A. – Candidate of Legal Sciences, Deputy Head of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training, participant in combat operations. Members of the Organizing Committee: Paranytsia S. P. – Candidate of Legal Sciences, Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training, participant in combat operations. Antonenko S. A. – Candidate of Sciences in Physical Education and Sports, Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Badyora S. M. – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Harbovskyi L. A. – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Special Disciplines and Organization of Professional Training of the University of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Relevance of the Scientific Research The activities of law enforcement officers as a source of exposure to extreme conditions and factors influencing occupational health are defined and regulated by the legislation of Ukraine. In carrying out their official duties, law enforcement agencies are guided by the Constitution of Ukraine, the Laws of Ukraine, other regulatory legal acts of Ukraine, international treaties ratified by Ukraine, service statutes, and other regulatory legal acts adopted by regional and local territorial authorities within the scope of their legal powers [1–12; 18–26]. Ukrainian legislation defines law enforcement agencies as a system of executive state authorities entrusted with protecting the life, health, rights, and freedoms of citizens, as well as property and the interests of society and the state, against criminal and other unlawful acts, and vested with the legal authority to apply coercive measures when necessary. Combat Horting is being introduced within the law enforcement system of Ukraine as a professional and applied sport for law enforcement officers, the methods and techniques of which are actively used to prepare personnel physically and psychologically for effective performance in extreme situations [13]. The primary responsibilities of law enforcement agencies include: ensuring personal safety and security; preventing and suppressing crimes and administrative offenses; detecting and investigating criminal offenses; maintaining public order and ensuring public safety; protecting private, state, municipal, and other forms of property; and providing assistance to individuals and legal entities in protecting their rights and legitimate interests. The professional activities of law enforcement officers are characterized by several distinctive features: they constitute a form of public service; they are based on the principles of legality, humanism, respect for human rights, and transparency; they are carried out under conditions requiring operational confidentiality and the preservation of official secrets; and they involve exposure to extreme conditions associated with numerous occupational stressors, including increased responsibility, risks to personal health and safety, and substantial psychological demands. During Combat Horting training, law enforcement officers acquire hand-to-hand combat techniques that are directly applicable to the detention and escort of offenders while simultaneously developing professional skills required for responding effectively to public and domestic emergency situations. The professional activities of law enforcement personnel also require strict adherence to service discipline, internal regulations, and the rights and responsibilities established for members of law enforcement units. For example, discipline within the internal affairs bodies of Ukraine is defined as the strict and precise observance by personnel of the rules and obligations established by the legislation of Ukraine, service statutes, and the orders and instructions issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Main Body Combat Horting is a professional and applied sport of the law enforcement agencies, and its methods are widely used in the training of police officers and other law enforcement personnel to maintain service discipline and to develop reliable practical skills for the effective performance of official duties under unexpected and extreme conditions. Discipline within law enforcement agencies is based on a high level of professional awareness, personal conviction, and a thorough understanding by every member of the agency of their official responsibilities, professional mission, and personal accountability for the duties entrusted to them. Strict discipline within law enforcement agencies is achieved through: fostering high moral standards and professional competence, together with a conscientious attitude toward the performance of official duties; maintaining unwavering compliance with the law and established regulations; ensuring that supervisors consistently demonstrate appropriate leadership by exercising reasonable professional demands toward subordinates while providing continuous support and respecting their personal dignity; and appropriately combining and applying measures of persuasion and lawful coercion. Members of law enforcement agencies are obligated to serve their country with dedication, sparing neither effort nor, when necessary, their own lives in the performance of official duties. They are required to strictly comply with the law, faithfully observe the Oath of Office and service statutes, and demonstrate discipline, integrity, honesty, diligence, professionalism, and a high standard of personal conduct. They must also adhere to accepted ethical standards [14–17], maintain a high level of professional vigilance, safeguard state and official secrets, show proper respect toward superiors and senior-ranking officers, assist them in maintaining order and discipline, comply with uniform regulations and rules of official courtesy, continuously improve their professional knowledge and competencies, and thoroughly understand and properly maintain all assigned weapons, specialized equipment, and public property. Analysis of existing approaches to the professional profile of law enforcement officers makes it possible to identify the principal types of professional activities performed within law enforcement agencies. Operational Search and Intelligence Activities Operational search activity is the primary function of a broad range of police personnel, including criminal investigation officers, officers assigned to economic crime and organized crime units, operational search divisions, narcotics enforcement units, and several other specialized services. Law enforcement officers engaged in this type of work should possess the following psychological qualities and professional competencies: the ability to perform professional duties in situations involving a high degree of personal risk and danger to life; readiness to apply Combat Horting techniques and hand-to-hand combat skills when confronting offenders; a heightened sense of responsibility for their actions, recognizing that mistakes may have serious consequences; the ability to assume different social roles and convincingly impersonate individuals from various social and professional backgrounds when required during undercover operations; verbal resourcefulness and the ability to provide rapid, convincing explanations in critical situations while concealing actual operational intentions. Criminal Inquiry and Investigation Activities This type of activity constitutes the primary responsibility of investigators, detectives, and forensic experts within law enforcement agencies. Its effective performance requires knowledge of criminal investigation tactics and methodology, investigative procedures, techniques for conducting specific investigative actions, and methods of establishing effective psychological contact with individuals involved in criminal proceedings [27–36]. Personal qualities that determine professional effectiveness include: motivational and ethical characteristics: a well-developed sense of legal responsibility, honesty, integrity, conscientiousness, diligence, and professionalism; cognitive abilities: a high level of intellectual development, cognitive flexibility, creative thinking, observation skills, forecasting ability, well-developed intuition, strong memory, and sustained voluntary attention; communication skills: the ability to establish psychological rapport, proficiency in professional communication techniques, and organizational and leadership abilities. Public Order and Public Safety Activities Maintaining public order and ensuring public safety constitute the primary responsibilities of patrol police, traffic police, and municipal police officers. The essential characteristic of this activity is continuous monitoring of public spaces for the purpose of preventing and suppressing violations of law and public order. Important personal qualities for officers engaged in this work include professional and life experience, genuine interest in people and their emotional states, empathy, self-confidence, persistence, and the ability to confront offenders effectively while maintaining lawful authority. Protective Security Activities Protective security represents the principal activity of police security services responsible for safeguarding public and private property. The primary objective of this work is the protection of material assets. It consists of continuous surveillance of protected facilities and the prevention of unlawful attempts to damage, steal, or otherwise interfere with protected property. The professional qualities essential for successful performance include: observational skills and attention: sustained concentration, effective distribution of attention, broad attentional capacity, and the ability to detect subtle changes within the protected environment; emotional and volitional qualities: emotional stability, self-control, perseverance in overcoming difficulties, high levels of initiative, responsibility, and self-criticism; intellectual abilities: the capacity to select the optimal solution from several alternatives, make effective decisions under conditions of limited information, and accurately determine what information is necessary for decision-making; communication skills: the ability to select the most appropriate form of communication according to the situation and to work effectively and cohesively with other law enforcement personnel. It should also be noted that service in law enforcement agencies, both under normal and extreme conditions, involves the presence of stressful or psychogenic factors that may adversely affect the health of personnel. At the same time, law enforcement officers are increasingly required to perform complex and highly responsible tasks that must be accomplished under extreme conditions. The term extreme situations (from the Latin extremum – boundary, ultimate, critical) refers to circumstances that place significant demands on an individual, requiring the maximum mobilization and exertion of physical, psychological, and personal resources in order to overcome difficulties and successfully accomplish assigned tasks. In this study, extreme situations are understood as the performance of operational and service-related tasks by law enforcement officers under combat conditions. Despite the fact that wars as formal military conflicts have ended in many regions, various conflicts, including armed conflicts, continue to occur periodically. The resolution and management of such conflicts often become the responsibility of law enforcement personnel [37–46]. Deployments to so-called “hot spots” represent an operational necessity of professional service. This means that officers are exposed not only to physical threats to their health and lives but also to significant psychologically traumatic influences. Psychologically traumatic effects experienced by law enforcement officers may include: powerful and single-event traumatic exposure (for example, the use of firearms or the apprehension of an armed offender); intensive and repeated exposure, requiring adaptation to continuously operating sources of stress (for example, performing duties under emergency conditions or participating in combat operations against illegal armed formations). Such exposure may also vary in terms of suddenness and scale and may serve as a source of both objectively and subjectively determined stress. Subjective stress may result from insufficient professional experience, inadequate psychological preparation, or low emotional stability of a particular officer [47–58]. The following types of traumatic situations are distinguished: Type 1. Short-term, unexpected traumatic event This type involves a single traumatic exposure that poses a threat and requires the individual to mobilize available psychological resources and decision-making abilities in order to overcome the situation. Characteristics include: an isolated and relatively rare traumatic experience; an unexpected and sudden event; the event leaving a profound psychological impact, with memories often being more vivid and specific than memories associated with Type 2 traumatic situations; a higher probability of developing typical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event, avoidance symptoms, and increased physiological reactivity; a greater likelihood of experiencing classical re-experiencing of the traumatic event; rapid restoration of normal functioning being relatively uncommon and unlikely. Type 2. Continuous and repeated exposure to a traumatic stressor – serial traumatization or prolonged traumatic event This type refers to traumatic experiences characterized by variability, multiplicity, prolonged duration, repetition, and predictability of traumatic events or situations. The main characteristics include: the likelihood that the situation is created through intentional harmful actions; the initial experience resembling a Type 1 traumatic event; however, as exposure continues and traumatic events are repeated, the individual develops fear of recurring trauma; a feeling of helplessness regarding the ability to prevent further traumatic experiences; memories of such events often being unclear and inconsistent due to dissociative processes; over time, dissociation may become one of the primary coping mechanisms for dealing with traumatic situations; the possibility that Type 2 trauma may result in changes to an individual’s self-concept and perception of the world, accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and decreased self-esteem. A high probability exists for the development of long-term personal and interpersonal difficulties, manifested through social withdrawal, reduced emotional responsiveness, and impaired affective flexibility and modulation. Dissociation, denial, emotional detachment, and the abuse of alcohol or other psychoactive substances may occur as attempts to protect oneself from unbearable psychological experiences. Such consequences may lead to what is sometimes referred to as complex PTSD or a disorder resulting from exposure to an extreme stressor. Accordingly, the foundation of psychological trauma may be formed by either a single stressful experience or a prolonged stressful situation [59–68]. The disorders that develop after experiencing psychological trauma affect all levels of human functioning (physiological, personal, interpersonal, and social interaction levels) and may lead to persistent personality changes not only in individuals who directly experienced traumatic stress but also in witnesses and their family members. The specificity of stress states experienced by individuals in combat environments is primarily expressed through their intensity. The higher the intensity of combat-related stress, the greater the likelihood of deformation of adaptive mechanisms, resulting in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intensity of combat stress depends on the interaction of two main factors: the strength and duration of the impact of combat stressors on the servicemember’s psychological state; the individual characteristics of the servicemember’s response to these stressors. Combat stressors are divided into specific and non-specific stressors associated with combat environments. Specific combat stressors Specific combat stressors have a particularly high level of psychological impact and include: life-threatening situations and threats to physical integrity; injuries, contusions, disabilities, radiation exposure, chemical poisoning, and other consequences of the use of combat weapons; the death of close individuals and fellow service members; witnessing the suffering of wounded and dying individuals; the death of fellow service members and civilians for which a servicemember feels personal responsibility or guilt; events resulting in damage to the honor and dignity of a servicemember; the physical destruction of enemy personnel, especially during the first experience of combat. Non-specific combat stressors The group of non-specific stressors includes factors that occur both in combat environments and in other stressful situations: an increased level of continuous potential threat to life; prolonged and intense professional activity; long-term deprivation of basic biological and social needs; sudden and unexpected changes in service conditions and daily life; severe environmental living conditions; separation from family members and the absence of contact with loved ones; inability to change existing living conditions; intense and prolonged interpersonal conflicts; increased responsibility for personal actions and decisions; the potential possibility of experiencing physical and moral suffering in pursuit of objectives that may be unclear or insufficiently understood by servicemembers. The most powerful or extreme stressors include: threats to one’s own life, the lives of fellow service members, and vulnerable civilian populations (children, women, and elderly people); losses among personnel within a unit; becoming involved in a hostage situation; the use of weapons, causing injury or the death of another person; exposure to specific factors of combat conditions, including time pressure, accelerated operational tempo, sudden changes, uncertainty, and unfamiliar circumstances. hardships and deprivation (often including insufficient sleep, specific requirements of water intake, and dietary conditions); climatic and geographical conditions unusual for combat participants (hypoxia, high temperatures, and other environmental factors). A significant influence on the level of combat stress experienced by a particular law enforcement officer or servicemember is exerted by such factors as the number of injuries, concussions, traumas, and radiation exposures sustained; circumstances (if applicable) of being captured, as well as the duration and conditions of captivity [69–78]. The significance of these factors increases considerably if a law enforcement officer or servicemember has not received recognition or awards for courageous and heroic actions performed, or if the events in which the officer or servicemember participated received negative evaluations from commanders, fellow service members, or the mass media. Along with the factors mentioned above, certain social, ethnic, religious, family, and other circumstances are also identified that may additionally contribute to the intensification of combat stress manifestations among law enforcement officers and servicemembers. These include: the unpopularity of the war in the country of which the servicemember participating in combat operations is a citizen; the presence of previous negative experience of combat stress among the servicemember; limited personal experience of demonstrating volitional behavior during the pre-combat period of life; belonging of a combat participant to an ethnicity that is closely related to the ethnicity of enemy soldiers. The significance of this circumstance increases if the servicemember belongs to a national minority within their own country; similarity or closeness between the religious beliefs of a combat participant and those of enemy soldiers [79–87]. This factor becomes particularly significant when a servicemember belongs to a religious minority in their own country; belonging of the combat participant to female military personnel; a difficult family situation of the servicemember caused by various factors; difficult material and social conditions of the servicemember and their relatives in their country. The characteristics of interaction among the above-mentioned factors determine the nature of combat stress manifestations in different servicemembers. These manifestations differ according to: intensity of manifestation – from states of increased psychological tension to states causing psychological trauma; predominant level of manifestation – physiological, psychophysiological, or psychological; degree of awareness of their own condition by the servicemember; predominant manifestation within a particular sphere of the servicemember’s personality – motivational, emotional, cognitive, volitional, or behavioral; degree of control over combat stress manifestations by the servicemember themselves; level of influence on the psychological state of other servicemembers; duration of manifestation; impact on the level of psychological mobilization of the servicemember – ranging from hypermobilization to hypomobilization; nature of influence on the effectiveness of combat activities – from increasing to decreasing operational effectiveness. The mechanisms of PTSD development among law enforcement officers have not been sufficiently studied; however, it can be stated that: First, in a certain proportion of personnel, the development of pathological psychopathological conditions is associated with psychological traumatization occurring during service under emergency conditions; Second, a part of the personnel experience significant psychological difficulties both during the period of direct exposure to extreme factors and during the period of readaptation to normal service conditions (for example, after returning from assignments to “hot spots”). In the latter case, however, this does not usually refer to clinically pronounced manifestations of “maladjustment” requiring either immediate hospitalization of the officer for inpatient psychiatric treatment or dismissal from law enforcement service under the relevant legal provisions. These disorders typically manifest themselves at the psychological (or behavioral) level in the form of depressed mood, anxiety, aggression, or “disciplinary problems,” deterioration of professional performance indicators, alcohol abuse, and intra-family or interpersonal conflicts. Actions of Law Enforcement Officers in Extreme and Emergency Situations Extreme and emergency situations are often the most unexpected, sudden, and emotionally stressful events. Therefore, law enforcement officers must be prepared for such circumstances and demonstrate psychological resilience, self-control, and determination. When performing duties under these conditions, officers must ensure their own safety and protect themselves from psychological and physical injuries. Actions in Case of Fire When a fire (ignition) is detected at a facility or in a residential building, a law enforcement patrol unit performing duties on a patrol route (post) is required to: a) immediately report the incident by radio communication to the duty officer of the district police department, indicating the exact address. If possible, the officers should also call the fire safety service and request the dispatch of a fire unit; b) notify, if necessary, the population, facility employees, and residents of the building; c) organize fire (ignition) extinguishing measures, including: disconnect electrical and other household appliances (television, iron, gas stove), and cover these devices with any dense material (coat, overcoat, etc.). If electrical wiring is burning, remove the fuses or disconnect the electrical panel and then attempt to extinguish the fire. Burning curtains or tablecloths should be removed from their position, placed on the floor, and extinguished by stamping them out; involve nearby citizens in bringing water and extinguishing the fire using sand, soil, or other available means; use internal fire hydrants and fire extinguishers to eliminate the fire, directing the stream toward the burning surface from the upper part downward. Flammable liquids must not be extinguished with water, as this will only increase the spread of the fire. When leaving the fire zone, fire hydrants should be left open; organize the evacuation of citizens from dangerous areas affected by smoke, structural collapse, or possible explosions. Priority should be given to evacuating people from upper floors because smoke always rises upward, and fire may block escape routes. In residential buildings, officers should, whenever possible, check for the presence of children in other rooms (under beds, inside closets, and in other hidden places); d) take measures to establish the causes of the fire, protect the scene, detain suspects, and identify witnesses and eyewitnesses; e) if victims are present, call emergency medical services and arrange transportation of injured persons to medical facilities; f) prevent anyone from entering burning buildings except individuals directly involved in firefighting operations; g) after the arrival of firefighters, report to the duty officer and act according to the instructions and commands of the fire service personnel. If law enforcement officers find themselves inside a burning or smoke-filled building, they should: cover their nose and mouth with wet fabric (a handkerchief, scarf, cloth, etc.); move through smoke-filled areas while bending as low as possible, and in conditions of heavy smoke, move by crawling; leave the dangerous area by moving toward the direction of the wind (or airflow); do not enter a dangerous area under conditions of poor visibility (less than 10 meters); When located in an isolated room on the upper floors, cut off from evacuation routes by fire or smoke, officers should seal gaps and openings with wet cloths or clothing and breathe the lower layers of air. Windows should preferably not be opened (they should only be opened when assistance has arrived). If there is a balcony, they should move onto the balcony, close the door behind them, and call for help; before opening doors, check whether they have become heated. There is always a risk that smoke and flames may burst through an opened door. Therefore, doors should be opened slowly and carefully while sitting in a crouched position or standing near the wall beside the door, facing in the opposite direction to avoid burns; attempt to leave the premises using a fire escape, through a balcony, by ropes, tied curtains, bed sheets, or items of clothing (trousers, shirts, belts, etc.); jumping from the windows of a second-floor building is permitted only after ensuring that there are no dangerous or protruding objects, stones, or other obstacles below. Before jumping, the person should clench their teeth (to avoid biting the tongue) and land on both feet with slightly bent knees, but not on the heels or toes. If pillows, mattresses, or clothing are available, they should be thrown onto the landing area. Clothing may be used by tying it securely to the window frame to reduce the height of the jump or to move to a lower floor. Jumping from higher floors is life-threatening. Officers must be cautious of broken electrical wires, including after the fire has been extinguished. If they encounter such a wire, they should move away carefully. To avoid electric shock, the “step-by-step” method should be used, moving by placing one foot close to the other and taking small, careful steps. In areas affected by severe industrial or forest fires, officers should not approach the fire because air movement toward the fire source may occur, creating a suction effect that can pull objects into the flames. In Case of Clothing Igniting on a Person A person’s clothing or hair may catch fire during a fire, traffic accident, industrial accident, attempted self-immolation, or other emergency situations. In such cases, the law enforcement patrol unit is required to: a) report the incident to the duty officer of the district police department; b) stop the person, lay them down (if necessary, knock them to the ground), and restrict their movements so that the fire does not intensify or spread to other parts of the body or clothing; c) remove the burning clothing or extinguish the flames using a hat, clothing, or protected hands. The person may be rolled on the ground (if they do not have severe injuries or burns), including on snow or grass. If a blanket, tarpaulin, overcoat, cape, or protective cover is available, the flames may be extinguished by covering the burning areas, while ensuring that the victim does not suffocate. Snow, water, natural water sources, or fire extinguishers may also be used; d) in the absence of medical personnel, provide first aid: cool burned areas with water or clean snow for 15–20 minutes, which reduces pain and prevents tissue swelling; to prevent infection, do not touch burns or wounds with bare hands, do not apply ointments or powders, do not remove clothing that has adhered to the body, and do not puncture blisters; cover and bandage burned areas with sterile gauze; provide the victim with two tablets of analgesic medication (such as analgin or amidopyrine, according to the available medical supplies); give warm water (or tea); cover the victim without undressing them, using clean fabric and a blanket, and ensure rest. If shock develops (sudden paleness, rapid and shallow breathing, weak pulse), the victim should urgently be given 20 drops of valerian tincture. In case of eye burns, apply compresses using a solution prepared from half a teaspoon of boric acid dissolved in one glass of water (valerian tincture, boric acid, and special eye-wash cups are available in vehicle first-aid kits); e) if possible, call emergency medical services and the fire department, organize transportation of the victim to a medical facility, and take other necessary measures to ensure immediate emergency response actions. Upon Discovery of Persons with Wounds or Injuries When persons with wounds or injuries are discovered during patrol operations or at a protected facility (apartment) from which an alarm signal has been received, the arriving law enforcement patrol unit must perform the following actions: 1. Report the incident to the duty officer of the district police department and take measures to identify eyewitnesses of the event (crime), establish the identity of offenders, and detain them. 2. Free the victim from the effects of traumatic factors: release from a compressive load, vehicle, or heavy object; removal from water, solution, or liquid; evacuation from a gas-filled or contaminated environment; extinguishing burning clothing; removal from a noose or other strangulation mechanism; disconnection of electricity, gas, steam, or water supplies; stopping machinery or equipment; removal from an area with excessively high or low temperatures; excavation from a collapse or blockage (sand, soil, debris). 3. Assess the situation and the condition of the victim, determine the nature and severity of the injury, and identify appropriate rescue actions. The actions of a law enforcement officer who is the first to arrive at the scene are largely determined by the condition of the victim, as this affects the possibility and necessity of carrying out other operational and official tasks. The general principle is that human life and health have priority over other values, goals, and objectives [88–99]. Only if the victim’s life is no longer in danger, or if more qualified specialists capable of providing assistance are present nearby, may the law enforcement officer proceed with other duties. There are several signs indicating a critical condition of the victim requiring urgent assistance: absence or impairment of consciousness, determined through communication with the victim and physical examination; cyanosis or pallor of the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes; weak or absent pulse (determined by checking the carotid artery on the left side of the neck or the pulse on the arm); dilated pupils; irregular or shallow breathing, respiratory wheezing, or severe bleeding. If the victim is unconscious, conditions must be created to ensure normal breathing (preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway and preventing suffocation caused by vomit). The injured person should preferably be seated or placed on a suitable surface, clothing should be loosened, access to fresh air should be provided, the person should be warmed or cooled depending on the situation, and conditions for rest and observation should be ensured. A solution of valerian tincture (20 drops) may be administered. At the same time, even people with arm fractures, minor gunshot wounds, or second-degree burns may sometimes be able to wait independently for medical assistance. After obtaining the necessary information from them regarding their condition and the circumstances of the incident, a law enforcement officer may continue performing official and operational duties. However, after some time, the officer should verify whether medical assistance has been provided and take the necessary measures to accelerate its delivery. Actions Upon Discovery of a Deceased Person When a body is discovered during patrol operations or at a protected facility (apartment) from which an alarm signal has been received, the arriving law enforcement patrol unit must: 1) report the incident to the duty officer of the district police department, take measures to identify eyewitnesses of the event (crime), establish the persons responsible, and detain them; 2) establish the presence of clinical or irreversible death based on the following signs: a) Clinical death (when it is possible to restore vital functions): absence of respiratory movements of the chest; dilated pupils that do not constrict in response to light; absence of pulsation in major arteries (carotid or femoral arteries). If clinical death is present, attempts should be made to restore life functions through artificial respiration and other resuscitation measures. b) Irreversible death: deformation of the pupil when compressed; clouding and drying of the cornea of the eye; appearance of bluish-purple cadaveric spots; rigor mortis. After confirming the absence of signs of life, it is necessary to assess the situation and act cautiously, as the scene may pose a danger. If signs of violent death are present, nothing on or around the body should be touched. Unauthorized persons should not be allowed to approach the scene, and measures must be taken to preserve evidence and traces of the crime. After the arrival of the operational group of the competent authority, the senior officer should be informed about the circumstances of the incident and the measures already taken. Further actions should be carried out according to their instructions. Threat of Explosion Upon receiving information about a threat of explosion or upon discovering unexploded aerial bombs, shells, explosive substances, as well as radioactive, chemical, or other hazardous objects that may pose a threat to the population, law enforcement officers must: report the incident to the duty officer of the district police department and take measures to cordon off the dangerous area (using clearly visible warning signs), prevent access by people and vehicles, organize the arrival of emergency or specialized services, and assist in the evacuation and rescue of people; determine the circumstances of the alleged incident: location, time, persons involved, type of explosive device, possible scale of destruction, and other relevant information; based on the information received, organize an inspection of the location (building) in order to identify an explosive device or other objects posing a danger to the population. Officers must act carefully and prudently; take measures to secure the discovered explosive device and ensure the evacuation of people from the danger zone. Panic must be prevented; officers must remain calm and act decisively. After the arrival of the operational group of the competent authority, the senior officer of the group must be informed about the measures taken, and further actions must follow their instructions. Discovery of Broken High-Voltage Overhead Wires Upon discovering a break in high-voltage overhead electrical wires, officers must report the incident to the duty officer and, if possible, call an emergency repair team to the scene. It must be remembered that any broken wire lying on the ground may still be energized. If such a wire is discovered in areas used by vehicles or pedestrians, alternative routes for detours and bypassing must be established, and access to the damaged area must be prevented. If injured persons are present, officers must organize the provision of urgent medical assistance. Contact with a broken wire is permitted only when wearing insulating protective equipment on hands and feet (rubber gloves and boots) or when using non-conductive objects (dry wooden objects, etc.). Approaching a victim and evacuating them from the affected area must be performed using very short steps (the heel of one foot should touch the toe of the other foot). After the arrival of the emergency repair team, officers should assist in securing the damaged area. Information regarding the elimination of the malfunction and the measures taken must be reported to the duty officer. Gas Leakage When detecting gas leakage by smell or other signs, officers must: report the incident to the duty officer and, if possible, call an emergency repair team; take measures to warn citizens located in the gas leakage area about the danger; strictly prohibit lighting matches or lighters, smoking, or switching electrical devices and mechanisms on or off within the danger zone; if necessary, organize the evacuation of citizens from the danger zone; if victims are present (persons poisoned by gas, burned as a result of an explosion, etc.), provide first aid, report the situation to the duty officer, and, if possible, call emergency medical services; upon arrival of the emergency team, report the situation to the responsible personnel and act according to their instructions. Appearance of Animals in Public Areas a) Take measures to neutralize or eliminate the animals. b) If there are victims who have been bitten by rabid animals, they must be immediately referred to medical facilities. The names, addresses, and other relevant information about the victims should be recorded, and emergency medical assistance should be requested if necessary. c) The incident and all measures taken must be reported to the duty officer. General Rules of Conduct in Areas Affected by Disasters, Accidents, and Catastrophes During emergency rescue operations, law enforcement personnel must: In critical situations, demonstrate vigilance, self-control, and calmness. Act decisively and issue commands and instructions clearly, loudly, and firmly. Prevent panic among the population. Always have rescue and safety equipment, as well as an individual first-aid kit, readily available. Be prepared to provide first aid to injured persons. Consult specialists when dealing with complex issues. Develop possible solutions and approaches for addressing emergency situations. Avoid working in water when experiencing poor health, fatigue, or illness, and never enter water without a life jacket and a safety ring with a rope. Prevent persons in distress in the water from grabbing rescuers, and avoid contact with nets, electrical wires, and aquatic vegetation. Avoid unnecessary standing up in a boat and do not transfer to the shore or another watercraft unless the sides are securely connected or the vessel is properly moored. Exercise caution around operating cranes, bulldozers, electrical wires, control panels, objects hidden underwater, and stretched cables or ropes. Actions During Population Evacuation During the evacuation of civilians, law enforcement personnel should: Remind citizens to take essential personal belongings, identification documents, valuables, food, and drinking water sufficient for 2–3 days. Assist with loading personal belongings and with the transportation of elderly persons and individuals with health conditions. Facilitate compliance with engineering safety and fire safety regulations. All apartments and residential premises must be inspected, secured, closed, and sealed when necessary. In cases where citizens refuse to evacuate, avoid conflicts and use neighbors and relatives to provide explanations and encourage compliance. If citizens fail to comply with evacuation instructions within the established timeframe, explain the possibility of applying lawful measures, including the use of force, to enforce decisions made by authorized government authorities. Conduct certain actions in the presence of witnesses or authorized observers to prevent unjustified complaints regarding missing property or documents. Strictly comply with legal requirements. Actions in the Event of Accidents and Catastrophes In the event of accidents or disasters, law enforcement personnel must: Report the incident to the duty officer of the district police department. Take measures to rescue people, protect property, provide assistance to injured persons, and arrange their transportation to medical facilities. Organize firefighting operations when necessary. Prevent unauthorized persons from entering the incident area, except for individuals involved in eliminating the consequences of the emergency. Ensure protection of the incident site until the arrival of authorized personnel responsible for conducting the investigation. When necessary, organize the involvement of civilians, transportation resources, and other available means to eliminate the consequences of the emergency. Actions During Floods and Water-Related Emergencies In the event of flooding or rising water levels, law enforcement personnel must: Report the situation to the duty officer of the district police department. Notify officials and the public about the threat of flooding. Take measures to rescue people and protect property. If necessary, organize the evacuation of civilians and property, giving priority to children, women, elderly persons, and individuals with health conditions. Provide assistance to affected persons. Maintain order during the transportation and relocation of people from flooded areas. Organize protection of property left unattended. Actions During an Epidemic During an epidemic, law enforcement personnel must: Report the situation to the duty officer of the district police department and notify officials of medical institutions about identified cases of illness. While observing personal safety measures, ensure restrictions on the movement of people, vehicles, and livestock into contaminated areas. Organize protection of water supply sources and locations of possible contamination. Maintain public order in areas where people gather. Assist administrative authorities in implementing quarantine measures. Continuous cooperation with sanitary and epidemiological surveillance personnel and healthcare professionals is essential. Law enforcement officers must adhere to personal hygiene standards and maintain proper order and cleanliness at their places of residence and work. They should receive preventive vaccinations at medical institutions, obtain necessary protective equipment and disinfectants, and be instructed on their proper use. Actions in the Event of an Earthquake In the event of an earthquake, law enforcement personnel should assess the situation, establish communication with the duty officer of the local police department, other patrol units, and police personnel. They should identify and mark areas that pose a danger to pedestrian and vehicle movement. Officers must take measures to rescue people and property, provide assistance to injured individuals, arrange transportation to medical assistance points, and participate in the localization and suppression of fires. Actions During Blizzards, Hurricanes, and Snow Drifts During severe weather conditions, including blizzards, hurricanes, and heavy snow accumulation, officers must report the situation along their assigned patrol route or post to the duty officer of the local police department. They should strengthen monitoring of protected facilities, ensure the operational readiness of security and fire alarm systems, observe transportation and pedestrian movement, and warn drivers and citizens about potential hazards and required safety measures. Officers must provide assistance to individuals who are injured, helpless, or unable to ensure their own safety. They should also assist in mobilizing able-bodied citizens and available transportation resources for clearing streets, roads, and buildings affected by snow accumulation. Actions During a Shooting in a Public Place When a police patrol unit hears gunfire in a public area, officers must: immediately notify the duty officer of the local police department and act according to further instructions; take measures to ensure their own personal safety and warn surrounding individuals; determine who is firing, the location and direction of the shooting, and whether there is an immediate threat to the lives of civilians; if necessary, restrict access and traffic toward the dangerous area, provide assistance to injured persons, evacuate individuals from the danger zone, or instruct them to take cover behind protective structures such as walls, trees, vehicles, or other available barriers; identify and safely apprehend the shooter whenever possible. If immediate apprehension is not possible, officers should contain and secure the area until additional forces arrive. Actions in Case of Injury or Trauma If an officer sustains an injury or trauma, they must immediately notify the duty officer of the local police department and, if possible, request emergency medical assistance. The officer should take immediate self-rescue measures, including: applying direct pressure to the wound with a hand and, when possible, performing a temporary dressing using an individual medical kit or clean clothing; loosening the shirt collar to facilitate breathing; leaving the area affected by dangerous traumatic factors; applying a tourniquet, using available materials such as a scarf, belt, rope, or sleeve, to reduce blood loss and pain caused by injured body areas; minimizing unnecessary movement; seeking assistance from nearby civilians. The professional role of law enforcement personnel has a multidimensional impact on an individual’s personality, imposing specific professional requirements and transforming both external behavior and internal psychological characteristics. The specific nature of law enforcement activities, the complexity of operational conditions, and significant psychological, emotional, and physical workloads contribute to the relatively rapid development of professional deformation among law enforcement personnel. Due to the professional necessity of consistently confronting dangerous situations, officers may gradually develop adaptation to risk and a reduced ability to objectively evaluate their own capabilities and limitations. During their professional activities, law enforcement officers encounter complex tasks, the successful resolution of which may directly determine the lives and health of citizens. Consequently, they are exposed to various psychological stressors, high levels of responsibility, and continuous multidimensional social evaluation and control. The professional activities of law enforcement personnel are of exceptional importance to society and represent a socially significant area of public service. However, despite their essential role, law enforcement professions often face challenges related to public perception, social stereotypes, and historically established attitudes toward authority and public service. A true professional in the field of law enforcement is developed through continuous moral improvement, dedication to professional responsibilities, a strong sense of ethical commitment, and personal satisfaction derived from serving society. An essential component of professional maturity is the presence of a strong moral foundation that guides everyday decisions, behavior, and interactions with others. In the course of their professional duties, law enforcement officers are expected to contribute to the adaptation of citizens to socially accepted moral and legal standards. Therefore, knowledge of ethics and moral principles plays a significant role in professional development, enabling officers to better understand complex moral and psychological situations, objectively evaluate their own behavior and the actions of others, analyze underlying motivations, and critically reconsider outdated beliefs or approaches. The work of law enforcement personnel is characterized by a wide range of responsibilities and complex professional tasks. Each type of operational activity imposes specific ethical requirements on officers and gradually shapes their professional moral culture, values, and patterns of decision-making. The moral significance of professional work is primarily determined by the fact that labor represents a fundamental condition of human existence and one of the central spheres of social life. Therefore, the social value and public benefit of law enforcement work serve as key indicators of its moral significance and form the foundation of ethical relationships developed within this professional sphere.
Key Findings / Conclusions:
Conclusion Combat Horting represents a Ukrainian national professional-applied sport designed for law enforcement personnel and contributes to the preparation of officers for the performance of operational and tactical duties under extreme conditions. By its professional purpose, law enforcement service is aimed primarily at protecting the life, health, rights, and freedoms of citizens, as well as safeguarding property, public interests, and individual security from criminal and other unlawful actions. At the same time, law enforcement officers are granted the authority to apply legally justified coercive measures when necessary. However, improper use of such authority, including illegal methods such as physical or psychological pressure, threats, intimidation, or coercion, constitutes a violation of the law and undermines the ethical and legal foundation of law enforcement activity. It is impossible to violate legal principles without simultaneously violating fundamental moral principles. Any unlawful action inevitably leads to a breach of professional ethics and social responsibility. For this reason, Combat Horting incorporates specialized training technologies aimed at developing law enforcement personnel who are capable of performing professional duties effectively while maintaining legality, ethical standards, self-control, and respect for human dignity. The effectiveness and public evaluation of law enforcement units depend not only on operational competence but also on whether their activities correspond to national traditions, professional ethics, and moral values established within Ukrainian society. Thus, based on the analysis presented above, it can be concluded that the primary objective of law enforcement activity is the prevention of offenses, protection of public safety, and response to emergency situations. Professional activities are based on fundamental principles, including respect for human rights and freedoms, legality, humanitarian values, and transparency. At the same time, law enforcement operations may require confidentiality, professional discretion, and protection of official information. Discipline within law enforcement organizations is based on professional awareness, personal responsibility, commitment to duty, and a comprehensive understanding of assigned responsibilities by each member of the personnel. Professional discipline is achieved through the development of moral integrity, professional competence, responsibility, and adherence to legal standards. Law enforcement personnel are expected to demonstrate commitment to public service, respect the rule of law, maintain vigilance, and uphold professional respect and cooperation within the organizational structure. It should also be emphasized that successful performance of professional duties requires law enforcement officers, regardless of their specific specialization, to possess a comprehensive set of professional qualities, including communication skills, cognitive abilities, intellectual competence, emotional stability, and strong volitional characteristics. Furthermore, law enforcement personnel who actively participate in Combat Horting training must be capable of performing their professional responsibilities under extreme conditions and situations involving elevated psychological stress. Such preparation contributes to the development of resilience, self-control, decision-making ability, and professional readiness necessary for effective service in high-risk operational environments. Work performed under such conditions represents a significant challenge to the physical and psychological well-being of law enforcement personnel and serves as a critical assessment of their professional reliability, operational readiness, and overall competence. Prospects for Further Research Future research efforts will focus on a comprehensive investigation of Combat Horting as a specialized training approach for preparing law enforcement personnel to operate effectively in extreme and high-risk situations. Particular attention will be given to the development and evaluation of specialized training methodologies, the formation of moral and volitional qualities, psychological resilience, and personal readiness for professional challenges. Further studies will examine the role of Combat Horting in the educational process of athletes participating in sports sections, including the development of determination, achievement motivation, leadership-oriented thinking, and the psychological readiness required for overcoming difficult situations. The continuation of this research direction is aimed at improving the culture of sports participation, strengthening health and physical development, and establishing sustainable skills of self-control, emotional regulation, and psychological self-management among young Combat Horting athletes through the coordinated support of families, coaches, and educational environments.
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