About
Experience | Research | Training
aleksandar atanasov
PhD | Tactical and Intelligence Expert | Instructor
Dr. Aleksandar Atanasov holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, specializing in criminal and tactical psychology. He serves as a law enforcement officer with over 11 years of operational experience.
His professional background spans high-risk operations, focusing on countering illegal immigration, human trafficking, serious crimes, and terrorist activity. Since 2015, he has operated across four border zone districts, progressing from tactical police officer to criminal intelligence officer. His work and academic research involve national security, special tactics, law enforcement operations, and countering conventional and organized crime.
In collaboration with the General Directorate Combating Organized Crime (GDCOC) — Ministry of Interior, Atanasov developed Bulgaria's first field manual for the identification of illegal migrants with indicators of radicalization, extremism, and terrorist affiliation. The manual has been officially adopted as a supporting instrument for law enforcement agencies nationwide. He also developed a proprietary open-source intelligence (OSINT) software tool — OverWatch — designed for law enforcement operational use, submitted to represent Bulgaria at the Europol Excellence Awards.
He holds a Master's degree in Criminal Psychology (Cum Laude, 2018) and a Bachelor's degree from the National Military University, where he underwent military training as an infantry rifleman and took his military oath.
He is a certified firearms and combatives instructor and serves as a tactical instructor and honored lecturer. His research has resulted in numerous scientific publications and has been presented at international and national conferences, including CEPOL's 2025 Research & Science Conference in Rome—an annual conference series held since 2003—where he presented the only independent Bulgarian research paper. He has received multiple professional commendations for distinctive service.
Professional Background
Professional experience encompasses private and public sectors. From 2011–2013, provided software/hardware support, training and education in computer skills and digital competence at a private firm under EU-funded projects.
From 2013–2014, served in private security, handling valuable cargo protection and mobile patrols.
Since 2015, employed in law enforcement: border police (2015–2019) and criminal police (2019–present).
Certified instructor.
Academic Credentials
Academic background includes a PhD in Criminal Psychology (Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 2026), a Master's degree in Criminal Psychology (Cum Laude, 2018), and a Bachelor's degree from the National Military University "Vasil Levski" of the Republic of Bulgaria (2015).
Formal military training as an infantry rifleman and explosives working course.
Academic and professional development is supported by over 20 specialized certifications from Bulgarian and international law enforcement agencies and more than 21 scientific and media publications in national and international outlets.
Athletic & Competitive Background
He has practiced martial arts since 2002 and competitive shooting since professional service. Practicing as a junior instructor during his high school education.
He has achieved multiple podium finishes in national police combatives tournaments and IPSC competitions, including the National Cup series and ranking placements in annual national standings.
This competitive training directly supports operational readiness requirements for high-risk law enforcement operations.
