This article provides a theoretical analysis of the world practice in the field of security using psychological methods of express diagnostics to identify persons posing a potential threat. An attempt is made to define and generalize the existing directions of scientific research in the field of application of methods for identifying security threats. For example, in Western countries, experiments are being carried out to assess responses to stimuli, and test technologies are being created to recognize emotions. In eastern countries (China), technologies are intensively computerized. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, this issue is also promising and safe for ensuring the safety of the population. In this direction, specialists-psychologists of special state and law enforcement agencies of Kazakhstan are conducting research and attempts to develop a system of psychological methods of express diagnostics, focused on increasing the efficiency of the system for ensuring the safety of the population.