Use of special forensic knowledge at the stage of checking a crime report

Abstract

The topicality of the research issue is determined by the fact that detection and solution of crimes committed in the modern conditions requires the use of scientific and technical achievements. Expert and forensic departments of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are aimed at assisting the use of technical means and special knowledge at each stage of a criminal investigation. The article considers the issue of the use of a specific type of special knowledge - special forensic knowledge, when checking crime reports. The author substantiates the importance of this stage of initiation of a criminal case, and emphasizes the importance of the work of forensic specialists participating in collecting and analyzing the initial information about a crime. The article analyzes the legal grounds of the use of special knowledge of forensic experts of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The author arrives at a conclusion that despite its importance, the work of experts with special forensic knowledge is not immune from drawbacks. The author substantiates the idea that it is important to improve the activities aimed at the use of special forensic knowledge at the stage of checking a crime report.  The analysis of the author’s experience as a forensic expert allows concluding that it is necessary to develop scientifically grounded recommendations of applicable nature, and optimize normative instruments regulating the use of special forensic knowledge at the stage of checking a crime report.