Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

The study aims to analyse the ability of police officers to work with digital evidence in police practice, to identify current systemic and competency-related weaknesses in the field of digital forensics, and to compare their manifestations within the Police of the Czech Republic and the police of the Free State of Saxony within the DiForPol project. A quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted via an online platform in parallel among members of the Police of the Czech Republic and the police of the Free State of Saxony. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses. The results in both national samples confirm a high level of exposure to digital evidence alongside a limited self-assessed level of professional preparedness, a strong demand for systematic training, and the persistence of technical, organisational, and capacity-related barriers. The findings provide an empirical basis for the development of a harmonised educational framework in digital forensics within law enforcement agencies and for strengthening cross-border cooperation. The study provides systematic comparative empirical data on digital forensics in Czech and Saxon police practice.