Introduction. This research examines the multidimensional issue of formation of the readiness of future officers of law enforcement agencies to effective decisionmaking in various conditions of professional activity, including extreme and dynamically changing circumstances. The study is characterised as relevant and timely. The purpose of this article is to present the findings of the study that focuses on a specific aspect of the aforementioned issue – the method of mental representation in the training and education of cadets as a tool to assess the readiness of law enforcement officers to make effective decisions. This method is used in the training of future officers of the Russian Army in the educational process in military universities. Research methods. The following methods are used: methods of abstraction and concretisation, logical generalisations, theoretical and system-structural analysis, study and generalisation of scientific sources, and pedagogical experience. Results. In the context of the methodology of professional education, the potential of using the method of mental representation in training and teaching at different stages of professional training of future military specialists are established. Additionally, the importance of the formation of mental representation for effective decision-making in the conditions of military-professional activity is substantiated.