Forensic support for the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) in a pre-trial investigation

Abstract

The activity of the investigator at the initial stage of the pretrial investigation is a single, interdependent system of procedural actions aimed at identifying, recording, extracting and researching traces of a criminal offense, determining the further direction of the next stage of the investigation. The investigation of criminal offenses requires modern, latest, practical means based on comprehensive scientific and praxeological studies with the use of digital technologies when conducting investigative (search) actions.
 The practical use of unmanned aerial vehicles has grown dramatically over the past two decades, which has made them quite an effective tool in various spheres of social activity and has led to a significant amount of scientific developments. Law enforcement activities are no exception. Such technologies have become an everyday and integral part of our society, which is associated with rapid technological development, computerization, mobility, safety, ease, reliability, affordability and economic benefit. Despite these attractive advantages, UAVs are characterized by operational limitations due to several critical issues in terms of flight autonomy, trajectory planning, battery life, flight time, and payload capacity.
 Attention is drawn in detail to the fact that unmanned aerial vehicles are a promising tool for investigating the place of the commission of a criminal offense. In today’s conditions, its use in forensics, practical activities of law enforcement agencies on a permanent basis is very relevant. It is noted that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in law enforcement agencies and in forensics, in particular, can bring it to a new level of development. Such an aircraft will serve as a chain of interaction between the investigator and the expert forensic center and the scene of the crime.
 Thus, the main goal of this study is to provide practical recommendations for forensic support for the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) in pretrial investigation. The stated provisions and practical recommendations in the article are relevant in the context of the use of modern technologies by practical workers.