Modern Problems of Reforming Preliminary Investigation in the Russian Federation

Abstract

The paper studies key areas of reforming the institute of preliminary investigation in the Russian Federation. The author does not support the position that reduces key problems of reforming criminal cases’ investigation to different organizational and structural changes, to the establishment or abolishment of some agencies. The reform should be based on diverse and, at the same time, systemic measures, including: the conceptual elaboration of the investigation reform; the systematization of the subject, the object and the very procedure of investigation; the rationalization of organizational and management structures of preliminary investigation; the optimization of the system of public and state control over investigation; the improvement of the relations between the investigation authorities and the public prosecutor’s office; the introduction of changes in the mechanism of cooperation between operational search and investigation authorities; the optimization of relations between investigation authorities and the court; the implementation of a complex of measures aimed at improving the professionalism of investigation officers, raising their general and legal cultural level, creating optimal conditions for their work; the reform of the investigation infrastructure. One of the key areas of reforming preliminary investigation is, according to the author, the restoration of the previously abolished supervision authority of the prosecutor’s office (the authority to initiate a criminal case; the right to issue obligatory directions for the investigator; the authority to terminate a criminal case on any grounds provided by law). Practice has shown that the current system of procedural control over the investigation of criminal cases is weak and does not prevent numerous mistakes and oversight of investigation officers. One scenario of a large-scale investigation reform, according to the author, includes the preservation of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, making it the basic structure for the organization of an inter-agency investigation authority.