International standards for crime scene investigation: A seminar-training was held at the Academy

The Law Enforcement Academy, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Bureau of International Drug Enforcement and Law Enforcement (INL) of the US State Department, organized a five-day international seminar-training for investigators and forensic experts of the prosecutor's office on the topic "Inspection and Management of the Scene."

Within the framework of the seminar, participants improved their professional knowledge and skills in organizing initial actions on the scene based on international standards and best foreign practices, correct collection, documentation, and storage of evidence.

The opening ceremony of the event was attended by the First Deputy Head of the Academy, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Professor E.V. Kolenko, Head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, and Director of the INL Department of the US Embassy, Nataniel Rettenmeyer. In their speeches, it was emphasized that the effectiveness of justice is directly related, first of all, to the reliable collection of material evidence, its proper documentation, and strict adherence to the principle of a "safety chain."

The main focus of the seminar was on strengthening the interaction of investigators and forensic experts at the scene, eliminating technical errors that may arise during the collection of evidence, and improving the quality of crime detection.

During the training program, the participants reinforced their theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and acquired practical skills in such complex areas as explosion site examination based on scenarios approximating real situations, working with DNA samples, and collecting and documenting digital evidence.

At the end of the seminar, the participants strengthened important professional competencies in the effective use of modern forensic technologies, high-quality preparation of evidence for examination, and conducting investigations in accordance with international standards.