Content and technologies of training propagandists for Internal Affairs Agencies

Amid the growing destructive influence of social media and the spread of fake news, traditional propaganda methods require re-evaluation and adaptation. The issue of training personnel capable of effectively conducting information and propaganda activities within the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has become particularly relevant. The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a professional development programme for Internal Affairs Agencies personnel responsible for propaganda work. A total of 187 participants were involved, including 100 Internal Affairs Agencies officers, 30 active propagandists, and 57 participants in the advanced training course. Data collection methods included questionnaires, the projective technique “Incomplete Sentences”, entrance and exit testing, and the analysis of practical cases. The developed programme comprises five thematic modules designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in propaganda activities. Pilot results demonstrated a significant increase in participant competencies: the average post-training test score rose from 9.5 to 13 out of 15 (p<0.001), and the proportion of participants with a high level of preparedness increased from 29.8 % to 84.2 %. Notably, substantial progress was achieved in the identification of fake information (from 39 % to 97 % correct responses) and in conducting counter-propaganda activities (from 47 % to 96 %). These results indicate the high effectiveness of the developed methodology and its potential to enhance the quality of propaganda work within law enforcement agencies.