Methodological Principles of Information Materials Research in Forensic Psychology

The article addresses the basic methodological principles of psychological analysis of information materials applied during the forensic psychological examination of a new direction established in the system of forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Russia in 2017. The foundation of the direction is the general methodology of forensic psychological examination, deeply elaborated by F.S. Safuanov. At the same time, the features of objects (information materials and communications included in social activities and human behavior that are subject to legal assessment and can be recognized as criminal) and the subject of research (forensically and legally significant features of information materials) determine the number of particular methodological principles, methods, and procedures for their application. These distinguish the study of information materials from the study of the mental activity of investigated persons (accused, victims, witnesses) during the legally significant period.The author notes a connection of psychological research of information materials with the general methodology of forensic psychological examination. At the same time, methodological features are determined due to the interdisciplinary connections of a new kind of forensic examination with other sciences and practical expert tasks. Next, the article describes the main methodological approaches of psychological research of information materials: system-structural, activity-based, phenomenological, and hermeneutic, as well as level, communicative, qualitative, and discursive analysis.

Determinism of the problems of Using the Expert'S Opinion as Evidence by Mistakes Made in the Preparation, Appointment and Production of Forensic Examinations

The paper analyzes the errors committed by law enforcement officers in the implementation of various types of special knowledge at all stages of criminal proceedings. Shortcomings under consideration are differentiated into shortcomings committed in the production of investigative actions, during which objects were seized, subsequently presented for an expert examination, when forensic examinations are appointed, in the production of forensic examinations, when examining the expert's opinion by officials of the preliminary investigation bodies and the prosecutor's office. At the same time, such errors are periodically repeated and multiply: forensic examinations, the need for the production of which is caused by the specifics of the crime being investigated, the current investigative situation and, being justified by specially developed recommendations, are not scheduled; the questions posed to the experts do not cover all the circumstances the establishment of which is possible only through the involvement of persons knowledgeable in a particular area of special knowledge; the questions themselves are not always directly related to the expert's specialization and the type of examination; the presence of proper qualifications of a person involved as an expert is not verified, etc.Without setting themselves the task of analyzing all or most of these errors, the authors thoroughly consider the most serious errors using specific examples from judicial investigative practice and they come to the conclusion that the effectiveness and efficiency of using the expert's conclusion in proving is possible only under the context of impeccable observance by officials of preliminary investigation bodies, forensic experts and heads of forensic institutions of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law, the Federal Law "On State Forensic Expert Activity", departmental regulations and forensic recommendations.

FORENSIC SCIENCE POSIBILITIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WHILE AVIATION ACCIDENTS

The article analyzes conceptual framework for specific expertise use while conducting forensic examinations related to aviation accidents. Foundations of such activities have been developed. In particular, it is stressed that effective implementation of criminal proceedings depends to a greater extent on the results of expert researches, especially if it is a complex process of aviation accident investigation. Similarly, the quality of expert researches depends on organization of research institutes activity regarding creation of effective methodologies for the analysis of different physical evidence obtained at the aviation accident scene. By using specific expertise, employees of forensic institutions independently or jointly with employees of other specialized institutions, law enforcement agencies, specialists-doctors can advance methods of expert research and, consequently, combat criminal offenses or ensure timely detection of the offender whereabouts. The possibility of expanding the compulsory appointment of forensic examinations in aviation accident criminal proceedings is being considered. Factual and legal grounds for the appointment and conduct of a forensic examination in this case are outlined. Scientifically substantiated recommendations on directions of counteraction to attacks on the aviation industry facilities are suggested, as well as the algorithm for developing innovations for the needs of law enforcement agencies is proposed. It is emphasized that the use of forensic science possibilities within the framework of a criminal proceeding related to aviation accidents is quite influential, since it helps to perform a multidisciplinary professional analysis of evidence, facilitate organization of forensic experts’ work, protect the rights of citizens and contribute to fulfillment of justice tasks in general.

Characteristics of methods of evaluation of personnel of forensic expert institutions.

The article states that to determine the ability of a specialist to perform official duties and his professionalism, evaluation of employees is used, which allows to identify their professional abilities, highlights personal qualities and prospects, which is especially important for forensic activities. It is emphasized that depending on the purpose and objectives of evaluation in some institutions use different types of evaluation of employees, which are classified on many grounds. The article presents the classification of evaluation methods on such grounds as: features of the subject and the evaluation process itself; by its content; by regularity; depending on the evaluation period; depending on the evaluation criteria; by systematic evaluation; by the subject of evaluation; according to the professional and functional structure of the evaluated. It is stated that the structure of comprehensive evaluation of employees of forensic institutions can be presented in the form of a model that covers three groups of characteristics: the employee in terms of his business and personal qualities; labor (business) behavior; performance of work, its results and outlines the components of each of them. It is established that the method of comprehensive assessment can be used to assess all categories of employees: workers, specialists and managers. However, it is noted that the evaluation of the work of different categories of employees of the forensic institution has its own specific tasks, indicators, methods of identifying and measuring the results of work. It is noted that these problems can be solved using evaluation methods: direct – they are used to evaluate the direct results of the work of specialists and managers, or the results of the work of their subordinate team; indirect – when it is not the result of the activity that is evaluated, but the course of performance of tasks by employees, their realization of their functional responsibilities.

Economic effectiveness of cost indicators of land expertise activities

The article discusses the establishment of the actual costs of land surveying expertise in the Russian Federation nowadays. The standard indicators of the cost in a typical land management examination for state forensic institutions of the Russian Federation were determined in this paper. The actual calculation of the cost estimate for the land management examination was made here as well by example of the division of a land plot for land share allocation in accordance with the title documents of the owner. The potential economic benefit of expert institutions (commercial allowance of organizations) was calculated in this paper as well.

The Efficiency of a Head’s of a Forensic Organization Activity: Assessment Criteria, Conditions for Achieving and Correlation with the Goals of Forensic Activity

The article addresses the issues of the efficiency of forensic activity and its impact on the successful performance of forensic conduct. The author offers a systematic analysis of the processes of forming efficiency indicators for forensic activity and assessment criteria for a Head’s of a forensic organization activity. The paper also describes qualitative and quantitative indicators of the efficiency of a forensic organization when assessing the efficacy of a head’s performance, including by the efficiency indicators approved by the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation for forensic institutions of the system of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. The author analyzes the probabilities of the negative efficiency of a head’s activity and its impact on expert conduct. The article determines the trends of the further research of the issues of improving the efficacy of forensic organizations’ activities by forming new criteria for assessing a forensic organization head’s performance influencing the quality of forensic conduct.

Features of the psychological training of forensic experts as a component of the adaptation process to working conditions

The article purpose is to substantiate the need to include psychological training in the general system of professional training of forensic experts as a component of the adaptation process to working conditions and proper performance by forensic experts of their official duties, the development ofregulatory support for this training, as well as ways of its implementation in work with the staff of state forensic expert institutions. It has been proved that the current regulatory framework for the professional training of forensic experts in the system of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine needs further improvement. We consider it necessary to develop a separate regulatory act on the organization of professional training of forensic experts of state forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, and we propose to add to the research work plan of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine the development of such guidelines as a separate topic of the research work (RW). Attention is focused on the need for psychological training as a priority area of work on the professional training of forensic experts.

MODERN PROBLEMS OF LEGAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT OF FORENSIC EXPERT ACTIVITY

Статья посвящена актуальным вопросам, связанным с осуществлением судебно-экспертной деятельности на современном этапе. Обозначены проблемы правового и организационного характера, среди которых обеспеченность судебно-экспертных учреждений современными технико-криминалистическими средствами, профессиональная подготовка экспертов. Указывается на необходимость внесения изменений в нормативно-правовые акты, регулирующие судебно-экспертную деятельность, с целью повышения эффективности судебной экспертизы в уголовном процессе. The article is devoted to topical issues related to the implementation of forensic expertise at the present stage. The problems of legal and organizational nature are identified, including the provision of forensic institutions with modern technical and forensic means, professional training of experts. It is pointed out that it is necessary to make changes to the normative legal acts regulating forensic expert activity in order to increase the effectiveness of forensic expertise in criminal proceedings.

Safety Recommendations for Forensic Laboratory Staff During COVID-19 Pandemic

In the 21st century, the crime rate and viral infectious diseases are on peak and seems to be the real enemies of humanity. Forensic science and its various branches especially biology have a key role in modern-day justice. Forensic scientists and laboratory staffs are of great significance for elucidating the biological exhibits and generating the biological evidence which are required for criminal justice. Owing to the profession and like other medical health workers, forensic laboratory staffs are also at a greater risk in the era of COVID-19. Therefore, the safety of forensic laboratory staff is of utmost importance during this pandemic. The article emphasizes on the safety guidelines and regulations that need to be adopted by the forensic staff in connection with daily laboratory practices. Thus, the article may offer a reference or help one to implement COVID-19 advisory to forensic scientists and other laboratory staff working in forensic institutions and laboratories during the current pandemic.