Unmanned aerial vehicle as a forensic technical tool and object of forensic research

Abstract

use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the detection, investigation, and prevention of criminal offences. The purpose of this study was to investigate topical issues of using UAVs in two aspects – as a technical forensic tool and as a tool and means of committing a criminal offence. The research methodology included a set of general scientific and special methods that allow assuming and concluding on the specific features of using a UAV in the detection, investigation, and prevention of criminal offences. Thus, this study was based on a diagnostic method for cognition of social and legal phenomena and concepts in their development and interdependence. Along with this, general and special research methods were used, namely comparative legal, system-structural, statistical, logical, and other modern methods of scientific cognition. The theoretical framework of this study included studies of scientists and practitioners in the field of criminal procedure and forensics. The regulatory framework of the study included the norms and provisions of current regulations and their practical implementation in the law enforcement sphere. The study examined topical issues related to the UAV as a modern technical forensic tool and object of forensic research. The paper considered certain aspects and features of the use of UAVs in the detection, investigation, and prevention of criminal offences. To this end, various aspects of the use of UAVs as modern technical forensic tools were comprehensively analysed, distinguishing theoretical foundations of application, statutory regulation, organizational, technological, and scientific-methodological support. The features of using UAVs as a tool and means of committing criminal offences were determined. The study investigated typical traces left as a result of using UAVs, features of their logging and seizure. Considering investigative situations, the sequence, and specifics of conducting an inspection and seizure of a UAV and its elements at the initial stage of the investigation were determined, as well as an indicative list of issues for their expert investigation was provided. The significance of the results and practical value of this paper is that it highlights the specific features of using a UAV as a technical forensic tool and object of forensic research, formulates scientific and methodological recommendations for the use of unmanned aerial systems in the investigation, solving, and prevention of criminal offences. The study also defines the areas for improving Ukrainian legislation to regulate legal relations in the field of criminal justice on the use of unmanned aerial systems by law enforcement agencies