Annotation

This article explores and analyzes the specifics of teaching the "Drills" course as a unique final form of practice-oriented training for fifth-year cadets majoring in operational investigative activities. The drills are viewed as a comprehensive interdisciplinary model integrating the specifics of operational investigative activities, criminal, penal, and procedural law, forensics, and the discipline of regime and supervision. Particular attention is paid to the use of gamification elements (role-playing, situational simulation, competition, and feedback) in the course. It is emphasized that the drills are not classic gamification, but rather contextual, practice-oriented learning with specific game mechanisms that stimulate the development of motivation and student engagement in solving practical situations. The article describes the organization, methods (role-playing games, case studies, work on training and natural training grounds, participation in investigative and security operations), and evaluation criteria. It concludes that the exercises are highly effective in the educational process of a departmental university training specialists for the Russian Federation's penal system.