Investigators’ Mistakes in the Appointment of Forensic Examinations

Abstract

The paper investigates the problem of mistakes and violations made by investigators when appointing forensic examinations. Among the reasons studied are the imperfection of curricula, the constant emergence of new research objects, as well as genera and types of examinations, the inconsistency of departmental acts fixing the lists of forensic examinations, and their specifics, etc. As part of the study, the authors rely on the position that the mistake is involuntary and unintentional, and the investigator acts in good faith and is ready to do everything to avoid the appearance of an mistake in the actions when appointing examinations. Typical mistakes and violations are considered: non-appointment or untimely appointment of expert studies, appointment of examinations when there is no such need, appointment of studies to the wrong body, erroneous sequence of appointment of examinations, errors in setting questions and handling of objects submitted for research. For each mistake, the authors suggest the best methods to prevent it, which, in general, include the following: increasing the number of training hours allocated to forensic science courses, disseminating digital reference systems to assist in assigning forensic examinations (Digital Forensic Science Guide and mobile application “CrimLib – Investigator’s Reference Guide”), seeking preliminary advice from a specialist, careful planning when determining sequences of forensic examinations, etc. As a result of the study, the authors conclude that today there is an urgent need to implement all of the proposed measures, as it directly affects the effectiveness of crime detection and investigation.