Particularities of Forensic Study of Criminal Personality

Abstract

The peculiarities of forensic examination of the criminal personality have been examined through the application of various forensic methods and tactics within the field of forensic science. The authors aimed to explore the forensic structure of the criminal personality in the light of psychological methods during the detection and solving of crimes. To achieve the set goal, general scientific (including observation and comparison, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, theoretical generalization, etc.) and specialized methods (such as grouping and systemic-structural approaches) of scientific research have been employed. The research paper provides information on psychological methods that an investigator should employ, as well as the professional qualities that the investigator should have in order to directly study the criminal personality. The issue of determining the criminal personality within the field of criminology has been investigated by examining, during interrogation and other investigative measures, their individual qualities and characteristics reflected in the traces of crimes (in particular, disclosure of personal characteristics of the criminal with the help of psychological techniques and formation of evidence in investigative and operational practice). The ethical aspect of the impact on the accused individual (suspect) during pre-trial investigation and crime prevention is elucidated in this research paper. The boundaries and principles of admissibility of psychological influence on the criminal’s consciousness are expounded, with morality outlined as a tactical approach to such influence. The classification and typology of criminals into groups and categories are highlighted. Information regarding the understanding of the criminal personality in criminology, achieved through the study of their individual qualities and traits, is presented and reflected in the traces of crimes. It is proved that properly analyzed biographical data about the suspect provides the investigator with the opportunity to effectively influence the criminal’s value system.