Bulletin of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs
The offered headings of the Collection of scientific papers "Bulletin of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs" since 2019: «Theory and Philosophy of Law; Comparative Law; History of Law and State»; «Constitutional Law; Municipal Law»; «Civil Law and Civil Procedure; Family Law; International and Legal Direction in the Sphere of Private Law»; «Commercial Law; Commercial Procedural Law»; «Labor Law; Social Guaranteeing Law»; «Land Law; Agrarian Law; Environmental Law; Natural Resources Law»; «Administrative Law and Procedure; Financial Law»; «Criminal Law and Criminology; Penal Law»; «Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics; Forensic Examination; Operative and Search Activity»; «Judicial System; Procuracy and Legal Profession»; «International and Legal Area»; «Informational Law; Intellectual Property Law»; «National Security Law; Military Law»; «Topical issues of law enforcement activity»; «Psychological sciences». Every time participating in the contests for the best scientific, educational and periodical edition within the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in the nomination “Scientific Journals” the scientific collection became the winner or awardee of the contest: 2008 it took the 3rd place; 2009 was the winner; 2011 again took the 3rd place; 2013 was the 2nd in the nomination.
Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs
Acquis Communautaire as a Factor in the Transformation of Ukraine’s Legal Paradigm (on the Example of Public Procurement and Defence-Related Production)
The article examines the process of harmonising Ukraine's national legislation with the acquis communautaire of the European Union in the field of public procurement and defence-related production. Taking into account the fact that the adaptation of legislation is a necessary condition for integration into the EU, the transformational impact of this process on the national legal paradigm is analysed. It is substantiated that the process of harmonising and unifying Ukrainian legislation with EU law requires a review of the national legal paradigm. Ukraine's law-making activities within the framework of the Association Agreement with the EU provide the institutional basis for the formation of a new paradigm oriented towards European values and standards. It is noted that the process of European integration as a specific cluster of Ukraine's law-making activities related to the fulfilment of the state’s membership obligations is transforming Ukrainian legislation, primarily in the economic sector. Concerning this, one of the priority areas of law-making activities is the adaptation of legislation in the field of public procurement. The problems that need to be addressed by Ukraine are outlined, despite the progress made in harmonising national legislation with the EU acquis communautaire, in particular with regard to concessions, public-private partnerships, defence procurement, as well as certain provisions on exclusions, criteria for selecting economic operators and the use of the most economically advantageous tender, which gives preference to price. Attention is drawn to the ineffectiveness of control in this area, caused by lack of personnel, duplication of powers and imperfect law enforcement practices. It has been proven that one of the key areas of law-making activity in the economic sphere is the introduction of a new approach to the development of product legislation. In this context, partial harmonisation of national legislation with the EU acquis communautaire has been achieved in such areas as electromagnetic compatibility, low voltage, radio equipment, cosmetology, recreational craft, civil explosives, machinery, pressure equipment and personal protective equipment.
Commercial Law; Commercial Procedural Law
harmonisation and unification of national legislation
Copyright (c) 2025 V. I. Teremetskyi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Forensic Expertise Possibilities in Solving Tactical Problems of Raiding Investigations
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of forensic examinations in the investigation of criminal offences related to raider seizures. It reveals the content and significance of the main types of expert examinations that are most often appointed in cases of this category: forensic economic, handwriting and technical examination of documents. It is emphasised that it is these examinations that create the basis for restoring the real picture of criminal activity, allow the detection of signs of illegal financial transactions, establish mechanisms for the unlawful alienation of corporate rights and property, detect forged documents and determine the amount of damage caused. Forensic economic expertise helps to establish the financial condition of an enterprise, document fictitious transactions, calculate material damage, and reconstruct illegal financial schemes. Handwriting analysis helps identify the author of handwritten texts and signatures, exposes cases of forgery, determines the influence of external and internal factors on handwriting, and allows establishing the number of persons involved in the creation of forged documents. Technical document examination aims to establish the method of document production, identify technical means and materials, restore invisible or destroyed records, determine the time of production, and verify the authenticity of seals and stamps. Particular attention is paid to problems that arise at the stage of appointing examinations: failure to provide original documents, use of copies of inadequate quality, unclear wording of questions or their exceeding the competence of the expert. The algorithm of actions of the prosecution in preparing for the appointment of expert examinations is substantiated, which includes determining tactical tasks, obtaining expert advice, preparing appropriate materials and complying with procedural requirements. It is proven that expert conclusions are an important source of evidence in raiding cases and perform not only a diagnostic but also a preventive function, since they can be used as a basis for developing measures to eliminate gaps in the system of corporate governance and financial control. It has been concluded that the integrated use of specialised knowledge improves the effectiveness of investigations and creates conditions for improving forensic methods of combating raider crimes.
Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics; Forensic Examination; OSA
Copyright (c) 2025 B. Yu. Chalyi http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exemption from Liability for Failure to Perform Obligations Due to Force Majeure caused by Armed Aggression
This article analyses the provisions regarding the performance of obligations and determines the role of force majeure in exempting a party to a contract from liability for failure to perform obligations. It has been established that domestic legislation adheres to the principle of mandatory performance of obligations, and that legal relations regulated by a contract are aimed at their termination in connection with the performance of obligations. It is emphasised that failure to perform obligations is a violation of the terms of the contract or the provisions of legislation, i.e. when one or both parties to the contract fail to perform their obligations in whole or in part. It is noted that failure to comply with certain terms of the contract is also considered a failure to perform obligations. The circumstances of force majeure as a basis for exemption from liability for failure to perform obligations are analysed. It is noted that force majeure is a circumstance that has occurred or may occur through no fault of a person and which cannot be prevented. Armed aggression and related actions, i.e. the threat of war, armed conflict or a serious threat of such a conflict, including (but not limited to) hostile attacks, blockades, military embargoes, general military mobilisation, declared and undeclared war, as a basis for exemption from liability, are not absolute, but are examined by the court in each specific case. It is emphasised that the Supreme Court, as well as the courts of appeal and local courts, adhere to the position that the certificate of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is not the main and mandatory evidence in a case concerning exemption from liability in the event of force majeure circumstances. It has been determined that in practice, in order to settle a dispute amicably or to defer the performance of an obligation, it is sufficient for the parties to send a letter to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It has been noted that the parties may apply to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to refer each force majeure circumstance in each specific case to the court. It has been concluded that the parties may apply to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to obtain a force majeure certificate not only in relation to the non-performance of a specific obligation, but also in relation to a condition in the contract on which the parties agreed when concluding it.
Civil Law and Civil Procedure; Family Law; International and Legal Direction in
Copyright (c) 2025 Yu. V. Tutova http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Detecting Digital Traces: Features and Algorithm
The article argues that digital traces constitute a qualitatively new category of objects of forensic investigation, which requires a revision of traditional approaches to evidence. Their forensic significance is due to their ability to reflect key elements of criminal activity and the behaviour of its perpetrators, while their specific nature (binarity, mobility, globality) determines the specifics of their detection, recording and procedural legalisation. It has been established that digital traces are stored in many environments – from physical media and computer system resources to network platforms, cloud services and specialised Internet of Things devices. Such dispersion requires the use of complex search methods and the involvement of specialised knowledge to ensure the completeness and reliability of the results obtained. It has been proven that the key element in ensuring the authenticity and admissibility of digital traces in criminal proceedings is the use of technical tools to verify their integrity, in particular hash functions and metadata documentation. At the same time, emphasis is placed on the need to comply with the principle of the chain of custody of evidence and the implementation of international standards (in particular, DSTU ISO/IEC 27037:2017) as basic guidelines. Of particular importance is the implementation of an algorithm for working with digital traces, which covers their detection, procedural recording, authenticity assurance, preservation and proper inclusion in the evidence system. Only under such conditions can electronic data acquire the status of full-fledged evidence in court. It is emphasised that the effective use of digital traces in criminal proceedings is possible under the following conditions: updating procedural legislation and harmonising it with international standards; developing a unified forensic methodology for working with electronic evidence; and systematically integrating digital traces into the forensic characterisation of crimes. It is concluded that digital traces are a strategic resource of modern evidence, capable of increasing the effectiveness of pre-trial investigations and ensuring a balance between the effectiveness of criminal prosecution and respect for human rights.
Copyright (c) 2025 K. V. Karaman http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tactics for Conducting Investigative (Search) Activities during the Investigation of Terrorism Financing
The article examines the tactics for conducting investigative (search) activities and other procedural measures during the investigation of crimes related to the financing of terrorism. It reveals the content and essence of certain tactical techniques used in the process of investigative (search) actions aimed at establishing the sources, mechanisms and channels of financial resources used to support terrorist activities. It is emphasised that one of the key tasks of criminalistics is to develop organisational and tactical foundations for the work of investigators who, operating in complex and conflictual investigative situations, apply specially developed techniques to achieve maximum effectiveness in gathering evidence. It is noted that criminalistics tactics can offer scientifically based methods that can be used during the examination of documents, searches, temporary access, interrogations or analysis of electronic data to identify and record traces of criminal activity in the field of financial transactions. It is emphasised that in criminal proceedings concerning the financing of terrorism, investigative (search) actions such as searches, temporary access to and seizure of financial and accounting documentation, examination of electronic media, interrogation of witnesses, involvement of specialists, and temporary access to banking information are of particular importance. Their organisational and tactical features require the investigator to act in a measured manner, clearly define the methods of influencing the participants in the proceedings and take into account the specific nature of the evidence in cases of this category. A distinctive feature of tactical techniques in investigating terrorist financing is a focus on identifying hidden financial flows, using unconventional versions when formulating questions during interrogations, and conducting a comprehensive analysis of financial and digital evidence. It is noted that investigation tactics should be based on the criminalistic characteristics of this type of crime, which include methods of concealing criminal activity, schemes for using offshore zones, cryptocurrencies, and fictitious enterprises. Emphasis is placed on the need to apply tactics that prevent the destruction, falsification or transfer of financial traces, as well as on improving tactical techniques based on modern achievements in criminalistics, psychology and digital criminalistics.
Copyright (c) 2025 S. Yu. Mikhalov http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Detection and Documentation of Signs of Criminal Offences during the Commercial Cases Proceedings
The article examines topical issues related to the detection of signs of criminal offences in the sphere of economic activity and the initiation of pre-trial investigations as an independent structural element of criminal investigation methodology in modern conditions. It has been established that the timely detection of signs of illegal activity in the process of considering commercial cases plays a key role not only in ensuring the proper functioning of criminal justice mechanisms, but also in the context of the economic security of the state. Based on an analysis of the provisions of the Commercial Procedure Code of Ukraine, the norms of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and law enforcement practice, it has been proven that the boundary between private law and criminal law protection mechanisms in the economic sphere is conditional. When resolving disputes, commercial courts often encounter circumstances that contain signs of criminal offences and go beyond their subject-matter jurisdiction. In such cases, a separate ruling is a necessary tool for communication with pre-trial investigation bodies and the prosecutor’s office, which is in line with the principle of legal certainty. It has been determined that a separate ruling is interdisciplinary in nature. Particular attention is paid to the issue of the mandatory nature of issuing a separate ruling in the event of establishing signs of a criminal offence. Based on an analysis of judicial practice and scientific positions, it has been concluded that the issuance of such a ruling should be considered not as a right, but as an obligation of the commercial court. It is argued that the receipt by the prosecutor of a separate ruling of the commercial court should be recognised as a mandatory basis for entering information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations. This guarantees consistency in legal response and prevents selectivity in decision-making by law enforcement agencies. The dual significance of identifying signs of criminal offences during the consideration of commercial cases has been justified: practical – protection of the economy, market participants and the evidence base; strategic – formation of a stable system of economic security and increased trust in justice. A separate ruling by the commercial court in such cases is a key mechanism for ensuring interaction between commercial and criminal justice, as well as a means of institutional control over the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. O. Usatii http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Specifics of Classifying Typical Forms for Counteracting Investigations
It is emphasised that crime is currently undergoing a transformation, accompanied not only by quantitative growth but also by a complication of qualitative characteristics, and therefore there is a need to study typical forms of countering investigation. It is stated that despite the existence of individual scientific developments, the issues of classification of forms and methods of countering crime remain insufficiently organised and considered fragmentarily. The study distinguishes between the definitions of the concepts of “form” and “method” of countering investigations, where form is defined as a generic concept that reflects a typical model of countering behaviour, while method is defined as a specific manifestation of this model that specifies the technique for implementing actions. Examples of forms of counteraction (falsification of evidence, influencing witnesses, concealing a crime) and methods of their implementation (destruction of documents, bribery, psychological pressure) are given. The multi-level nature of the classification of forms of counteraction is proven, reflecting its complex nature and multi-vector manifestations. The scientific positions of scholars are systematised, which allows counteraction to be interpreted as a system of planned actions, as a social phenomenon or as an element of criminal activity, and the universal features of this phenomenon are identified. The controversial aspects of the issue are analysed, including the relationship between counteraction and inaction, the distinction between lawful actions as the realisation of the right to protection and unlawful forms of influence, as well as the relationship between counteraction and concealment of a crime. Classification approaches are systematised according to various criteria: legal nature (legal and illegal forms), time criterion, subject composition, number of subjects and objects of influence, nature of interaction with carriers of evidence, method of implementation, level of organisation, and territorial feature. The practical significance of the division into legal and illegal forms of counteraction is substantiated, which ensures the separation of permissible procedural actions from criminally punishable manifestations. It is argued that the systematisation of forms of counteraction creates the basis for the development of criminalistic methods aimed at overcoming illegal influence.
Copyright (c) 2025 O. M. Tarkan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mechanism for Committing Crimes in the Field of Professional Legal Assistance
The article emphasises that the legislative criminalisation of criminal offences in the field of professional legal assistance is necessitated by the need to protect the key values of the rule of law – compliance with the law, guaranteeing the independence of the legal profession and maintaining public trust in the legal profession as a self-governing human rights institution. It aims to ensure the stability of the legal aid institution and minimise the risks of external interference that undermines its functioning. In this context, the study of the mechanism of criminal activity is of particular importance, since it is precisely this knowledge that is a prerequisite for the formation of scientifically sound methodological recommendations for the effective investigation of such crimes. It has been determined that the victim occupies a special place in the structure of the mechanism of criminal offences against lawyers, since their professional status, functional duties and behaviour directly determine the nature of the unlawful influence. Another important element is the circumstances of the crime, which form the spatial, temporal, and socio-psychological conditions that determine the specifics of the evidence picture. It is the circumstances and the manner of action that form the basis for constructing investigative versions and further evidence collection. It has been established that, from a criminalistic point of view, offences committed in the field of professional legal assistance constitute a special group, as they affect not only the life, health or property of lawyers, but also the institutional guarantees of the independence of the legal profession and the very possibility of carrying out legal activities. They are characterised by a variety of perpetrators, multiple methods of implementation and a high level of public danger, which undermines not only the rights of the specific victim, but also the authority of the legal profession as a whole. In general, the mechanism of criminal activity in the field of professional legal assistance should be viewed as a complex dynamic system that reflects the cause-and-effect relationships between all participants in the event and the conditions for its implementation. Its thorough study is a necessary prerequisite for the formation of a complete criminalistic characterisation of these offences and the development of specialised methods for their investigation.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. O. Husieva, K. A. Romanauskas http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legal Status of a Cadet at a Higher Educational Institution with Specific Training Conditions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
The article presents a legal and scholarly analysis of the legal status of a police cadet as a specific subject of service-educational legal relations, combining the functions of a higher education student and a person serving in the National Police of Ukraine. The aim of the study is to define the normative foundations and practical features of such status, identify gaps in its legislative regulation, and develop proposals for its improvement. The relevance of the research is determined by the absence in the current legislation of Ukraine of a unified definition of the term “police cadet” and by the fragmentary nature of the normative consolidation of their rights, duties, guarantees, and types of legal liability. The scientific novelty lies in the proposed author’s definition of this concept, which comprehensively reflects its educational and service-related nature and takes into account current security challenges, in particular the needs arising during martial law. Based on the analysis of the Laws of Ukraine “On the National Police”, “On Higher Education”, “On Military Duty and Military Service”, subordinate regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and relevant scholarly literature, it has been established that the current model of legal regulation does not ensure adequate stability and predictability. The study substantiates the expediency of introducing into the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police” a separate Article 17-1 defining the concept of “police cadet”, creating a unified legislative provision on the rights, duties, guarantees, and responsibilities of cadets, as well as supplementing Article 74 with provisions on the specifics of their training during martial law, including the adaptation of educational programs and the expansion of military and tactical training. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of applying the formulated proposals in legislative activities, regulatory work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the unification of the subordinate regulatory framework governing service-educational relations. The implementation of the proposed changes will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of training future police officers, ensuring a balance between the educational and service components of their activities, and strengthening the legal guarantees of police cadets.
Administrative Law and Procedure; Financial Law
higher education institutions with specific training conditions
Copyright (c) 2025 A. M. Lysiuk, O. H. Іushkevych http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Professional Resilience of the National Police of Ukraine Managers of Departments and Units and its Correlation with the Level and Structure of Professionally Important Individual Traits
The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the issues of professional resilience among middle-level managers of the National Police of Ukraine and its correlation with the level and structure of professionally important individual traits. It is emphasised that professional resilience is a systemic personal and professional trait that is formed in a specialist throughout their professional life and manifests itself in a certain level of involvement in professional activities, control over them and acceptance of professional challenges. In the conditions of martial law in the state, the professional resilience of a leader ensures resistance to an aggressive environment, optimal adaptation to existing living conditions and overcoming obstacles. The researchers of professional resilience are now equipped with a pretty wide range of diagnostic techniques to study this phenomenon in detail, which makes it possible to do more research on the methods and ways to strengthen and develop the professional resilience of the managers of the National Police of Ukraine. O. Kokun’s professional resilience questionnaire is advantageous for using with police employees and managers, as they are representatives of socio-economic professions, and the questionnaire clearly emphasises this professional aspect. O. Kokun’s professional resilience questionnaire is based on three interrelated components of resilience: control, inclusion and acceptance of challenges. When developing the questionnaire, four components were identified in each of the components of professional resilience: emotional, motivational, social and professional. O. Kokun’s questionnaire makes it possible to determine the overall level of professional resilience, as well as the degree of expression of its three components and subcomponents. Significant correlations have been established between indicators of professional resilience and psychological characteristics that are important for the success of managers in their work, indices of self-actualisation, self-efficacy, mental health, motivation and stress resistance, as well as factors from the Big Five questionnaire, such as extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to experience.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. I. Barko, O. O. Yevdokimova, D. V. Ostapovych http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Forecasted Future of the Aggressor State as a Complex Social System and the Impact of Its Continued Existence on the State of Crime in Ukraine
Based on the application of a systemic approach, an attempt has been made to forecast the future of the russian federation. The systemic approach is characterised as a general scientific methodology of cognition. A number of systemic requirements (parameters) have been identified that any system, in particular a social system, must meet: systemic-elementary, systemic-structural, systemic-resource, systemic-integration, systemic-communication, and systemic-historical. The content of each of these systemic requirements has been clarified. Arguments are presented in favour of recognising modern russia as a complex social system with the characteristics of an empire. Using the example of russia as a complex social system, its compliance with systemic requirements is revealed. Assumptions are made about the future of the russian federation, consistent with the results of several studies by international and domestic analytical centres and individual experts. Particular emphasis is placed on the systemic-historical requirement of a systemic approach. On this basis, a retrospective analysis is carried out to substantiate the thesis about the historical determinism of the russian state's predisposition to aggression towards other countries and its manifestation towards its own people. The centuries-old orientation of russia towards the destruction of Ukrainian statehood, as well as the national, linguistic and cultural identity and uniqueness of the Ukrainian people, is substantiated. Rashism is defined as a contemporary russian ideology that combines elements of fascism and nazism. Arguments are presented in favour of the assertion that the state of criminal illegality, as well as the trends in the spread and patterns of crime in Ukraine, depend on the duration of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It is noted that the nature of crime in Ukraine is also influenced by the very fact of the continued existence of the russian state as an integral and stable social system.
Copyright (c) 2025 M. G. Kolodyazhny http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Contemporary Vectors of Structuring Ukraine’s security legislation under martial law: theoretical and legal analysis
The article provides a comprehensive theoretical and legal analysis of the structure of Ukraine’s national security legislation, identifies key trends (vectors) and problems in its development under martial law. The aim of the work is to form a comprehensive scientific description of the structure based on a systematic approach. It has been proved that the complication of the structure of security legislation is objective and inevitable, which is projected onto the sphere of law enforcement. The author's concept of the current stage of structuring security legislation as a dynamic, contradictory and multifactorial process is substantiated, and the author’s definitions of the concepts of “structure of national security legislation” and “structuring of national security legislation” are formulated. The main components of the structure of security legislation are analysed, and the role and place of the Constitution of Ukraine, laws, subordinate regulatory legal acts, international treaties and “non-classical” acts of strategic law-making in it are determined. It has been established that at the level of laws, its structure is formed mainly according to a horizontal rather than a hierarchical principle, and the thesis about the legal priority of security laws over others has been refuted. The key vectors of development of security legislation, which have been shaped by full-scale aggression, have been identified and characterised, including the dominance of military legislation and the author’s term “security interventionism” to denote the penetration of security norms into other areas of law. The main problems of the current stage of structuring, related to legal uncertainty, conflicts and instability of regulatory regulation, are outlined. Conclusions have been drawn regarding the unfinished nature of this process, its intensification and significant determination by military threats, which determines the prospects for further improvement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yu. O. Zahumenna http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Origins of Propaganda: a Historical Retrospective
The article considers the historical development of propaganda as a socio-political phenomenon that arose in ancient times, as well as its existence in modern society. Various forms of propaganda, in particular in the political sphere, and the directions of its influence on society both in peacetime and in wartime are investigated. With the development of the Internet, social networks and new forms of media in the information space of society, propaganda is becoming increasingly complex and influential. Social media algorithms make it possible to precisely target propaganda messages to specific audiences, taking into account their interests and beliefs, turning them into accurate personalized weapons. For a long time, propaganda, as an effective verbal weapon, was not given due attention, but now, during the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, this issue has become quite acute for specialists: there is a need to quickly recognize and effectively prevent hostile propaganda challenges in the information sphere. Preventing and countering propaganda influences on human consciousness requires the ability to predict and localize these socio-political phenomena in order to counteract such influences at the stage of their emergence. The differences between the concepts of propaganda and persuasion are analyzed during communication with a target audience using native media platforms, including cinema, news, television programs, social networks, works of art, etc., which have become an effective tool of propaganda capable of influencing the formation of public opinion. It is proved that in the context of the advance of the information society, propaganda is becoming increasingly complex and influential. The emergence of new types of propaganda requires its further study within the framework of fostering an effective mechanism for managing its development and functioning.
Theory and Philosophy of Law; Comparative Law; History of Law and State
Copyright (c) 2025 N. B. Anikina http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Legal Regulation of Militia Activities in Implementing State Policy in the Sphere of Criminal Punishments Enforcement in the Ukrainian SSR in the mid-1960s
The article examines the main aspects of legal regulation of the activities of the militia of the Ukrainian SSR in implementing correctional labour policy in the mid-1960s. The correctional labour policy during the Soviet period, influenced by the remnants of totalitarianism, was characterised by repression and significant restrictions on individual rights. Correctional labour law was essentially ideological and inhumane, and by the end of the 1960s, it lagged behind the needs of the time and the requirements of real state and public counteraction to crime. The system of punishment was characterised by excessive centralisation, secrecy, disregard for human rights and harsh treatment of convicts. The article emphasises that historical experience shows that the effective rehabilitation and re-education of convicts, as well as an overall reduction in crime, can only be achieved by combining social needs with state interests, which must be based on those needs. It shows how the 1967 amnesty was carried out in the republic. To organise it, the Ministry of Public Order of the Ukrainian SSR held a republican meeting of heads of regional correctional labour institutions, employees of special departments, heads of public order management departments and commandants of special commandant’s offices. The study examines how the enforcement of punishments in the form of correctional labour without deprivation of liberty was regulated, how the militia exercised administrative supervision over persons released from places of deprivation of liberty, and what was the procedure for the compulsory treatment of mentally ill persons. It is noted that during the guarding and escorting of arrested persons, militia often violated the law, which led to serious consequences, including fatalities.
Ministry of Public Order of the Ukrainian SSR
Copyright (c) 2025 V. A. Grechenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Modern Approaches to Training Specialists in the Field of Security: Theoretical and Practical Aspects
Current challenges in the field of law enforcement, caused by the dynamics of crime, terrorist threats and social conflicts, require a high level of professional training for law enforcement officers. The article examines a comprehensive approach to the formation of professional competencies of future police officers, which involves the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and psychological resilience. It emphasises the need to adapt educational programmes to modern requirements through the use of simulation technologies, interdisciplinary methods and psychological training. Based on an analysis of scientific works, the key areas for improving training have been identified: theoretical and methodological aspect – updating the content of training to include the disciplines of law, psychology, cybersecurity, and risk management; practical component – introduction of simulators, tactical and special training and scenarios that simulate real service conditions; psychological training – development of stress resistance, communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions in critical situations. Special attention is paid to the role of teamwork and individual psychological characteristics that affect the effectiveness of performing official duties. The importance of continuous improvement of skills through a system of professional development and adaptation to new threats is emphasised. It is noted that only a systematic approach that combines an updated theoretical base, practical training and psychophysiological training can ensure the readiness of law enforcement officers to act in high-risk situations. The results of the study can be used to develop new training programmes and methods for assessing the quality of specialist training.
Copyright (c) 2025 O. P. Liaska, P. D. Chervonyi, A. V. Striliana http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Suspicion in Criminal Proceedings: Procedural and Criminalistics Components of the Concept
The article examines the concept of suspicion in criminal proceedings. Attention is focused on the complex component of this concept, which, being a legal category, has a psychological origin. A critical analysis of approaches to defining suspicion and the relationship between this category and the concept of «notification of suspicion» is conducted, and the author’s proposals on this issue are presented. The inconsistency of the problem of formalising suspicion in the form of notification of it to the person is noted. The author’s position on the relationship between the concept of suspicion and the criminalistic version is expressed. The problem of institutionalising suspicion in criminal proceedings in terms of scope is emphasised, and the author’s proposals are also provided. It has been established that, despite the absence of the concept of suspicion at the level of criminal procedural law, it is thoroughly developed in criminal procedural doctrine. The concept of suspicion is psychological in nature and is a type of version that determines the attitude of an investigator, inquiry officer or prosecutor towards a particular person, and the assessment of his connection to the committed criminal offence. This indicates that the concept of suspicion should be considered both from the point of view of the procedural form and from the point of view of its psychological nature and category, which is studied by legal psychology and criminalistics. It is emphasised that the issue of formalising suspicion in the form of notifying the person concerned remains unresolved. Considering that from the moment of actual detention, the person acquires the status of a suspect, and no written notification of suspicion is presented to him, it is necessary to discuss the oral notification of the person about the grounds for his detention and the criminal offence of which he is suspected. That is why, when defining the concept of suspicion, it should be taken into account that notification of suspicion can be formalised both in writing and orally. The institution of suspicion is a much broader concept than merely the notice of suspicion. They are related as a whole and a part, where suspicion includes not only notification of suspicion, but also the concepts of suspicion, suspect, justification (proof) of suspicion, drawing up a notice of suspicion as a procedural document, change of previously notified suspicion, and appeal against notification of suspicion. Therefore, the more precise approach is to treat the institution of suspicion in criminal procedure as encompassing the rules regulating the procedure for notifying a person of suspicion.
Copyright (c) 2025 O. P. Shaituro, O. O. Khan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Signs of a Financial Offense as a Military Offense
The essence of a financial offense in the conditions of war in Ukraine has been studied, the content of which, according to doctrinal approaches, is associated with violation of financial legislation. The features of a financial offense have been identified, the consideration of which determines the financial security of the country. The place of the financial and legal liability relations in the system of financial and legal relations has been analyzed, and it has been determined that financial offenses differ in specific features which are related to various spheres of financial legal relations, i.e. budgetary, tax, banking and others. The general and specific signs and properties of a financial offense have been identified, and the differences between a financial offense and a military financial offense have been substantiated. It has been established that the general signs of an offense, such as illegality, damage, guilt, action (inaction), and punishability, acquire economic and legal meaning in financial relations during martial law, as they characterize the activities of authorized competent officials in the formation, distribution, and use of public financial resources allocated by the state for protection and defense. The following special signs of a financial offense in wartime have been defined: the object of financial legal relations is public finances at the disposal of the military; the subject of financial legal relations is participants in financial activities, military personnel; the existence of a distinct type of legal liability – financial and legal. It has been proven that national security and defense depend on the state's ability to counter financial offenses, as it relies on the use of public financial resources, their lawful formation, distribution and use, which requires the recognition of a financial offense in wartime as a military offense and the ability to prevent it from being committed. The author’s definition of the concept of “military financial offense” is formulated as a violation of financial legislation regarding the formation, distribution and use of public financial resources aimed at organizing military service and performing military duty.
Copyright (c) 2025 О. P. Hetmanets, D. V. Korobtsova http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The State of Legal Regulation of Labour Relations of State Bureau of Investigations Employees
The state of legal regulation of labour relations of the State Bureau of Investigations employees is considered. It is argued that the provisions of the current Law of Ukraine “On the State Bureau of Investigations” are un systematic, and certain aspects of the regulation of labour relations in this law enforcement agency are not regulated at all, either by the relevant law or by the Regulations on the service of rank-and-file and senior staff of the State Bureau of Investigations. In particular, such an important aspect of labour relations as working hours is not covered by a separate section or even an article in the aforementioned documents. In addition, these acts do not clearly define the normal duration of working hours and its specifics. It is noted that today, the legal regulation of social relations, in particular labour relations, should be carried out primarily on the basis of laws. This is due to the transparent and unified procedure for their adoption by the highest representative body of the state, their higher degree of legal force, and the greater clarity and stability of laws compared to subordinate regulatory legal acts. The expediency of amending the Law of Ukraine “On the State Bureau of Investigations” has been substantiated, providing for the following structural sections: Section I “General Provisions”, Section II “System of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section III “Rights and Duties of Employees of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section IV “Selection to the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section V “Appointment, Transfer, suspension and dismissal of employees of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section VI “Working Hours and Rest Periods”, Section VII “Remuneration”, Section VIII “Official Discipline”, Section IX “Legal Protection, Social and Medical Benefits”, Section X “Professional Training, Retraining and Advanced Training”, Section XI “Special Ranks of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section XII “Financing and Material and Technical Support of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section XIII “Supervision and Control over the Activities of the State Bureau of Investigations”, Section XIV “Final and Transitional Provisions”.
Copyright (c) 2025 D. Ye. Zherebtsov http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Information and Communication Technologies: Method of Commission or Basis for Distinguishing a Separate Form of Domestic Violence?
The legal nature of cyber violence in the context of domestic violence is examined, and the inappropriateness of singling it out as a separate form is substantiated. Attention is paid to the analysis of current domestic legislation, in particular the Law of Ukraine “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence”, which defines four forms of violence: physical, psychological, economic, and sexual. It is concluded that information and communication technologies do not create a new form of violence, but are only a technologically determined means of realising its existing manifestations, and cyber violence has no independent legal meaning, since it is based on the same mechanisms of influence: humiliation, control, persecution, pressure, and deprivation of access to resources, which are characteristic of psychological, economic, and sexual violence. The article analyses the typical forms of violent actions committed with the help of information and communication technologies: cyberstalking, digital control, blocking online banking, blackmail with intimate materials, etc. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the concept of “bullying of a participant in the educational process” set out in part 1 of Article 173-4 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences, which provides for liability for violence committed, in particular, using electronic means of communication. This confirms the existence of a legal approach whereby digital tools do not transform the nature of the offence, but only modify the manner in which it is committed. A definition of the term “information and communication technologies as a means of committing domestic violence” is suggested. The amendments have been initiated to the definitions of economic, psychological, and sexual violence set forth in the Law of Ukraine “On Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence”.
information and communication technologies
Copyright (c) 2025 A. S. Bakhaieva http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The “Diagnosis of Personal and Professional Feasibility” Methodology: Structure and Psychometric Justification
The article presents the results of the development and psychometric testing of the author’s methodology “Diagnostics of personal and professional feasibility”, which is a tool for comprehensive assessment of personal and professional components of police officers. The methodology includes 98 statements grouped into five thematic blocks: self-identification, self-attitude, perceptions of professional future, values, and emotional contexts. Each block contains three scales reflecting key aspects of feasibility, as well as an additional scale of sincerity and an integral indicator of personal and professional feasibility. Psychometric testing was carried out on a sample of 300 police officers who participated in the study in both peacetime and during the active phase of military conflict. The use of retest reliability coefficients, parallel form testing, Cronbach’s alpha, and factor analysis with varimax rotation confirmed the reliability and structural integrity of the methodology. High values of integral indicators and the cohesion of scales indicate the internal consistency of the instrument. The external validity of the methodology was verified through correlations with already verified questionnaires: “Personal Feasibility” (O. Shtepa), “Professional Self-Realisation” (O. Kokun), the methodology for assessing professional time perspective (G. Zacher, M. Frese), as well as instruments that measure the emotional aspects of professional activity. The significant correlations obtained confirmed the relevance and conceptual compatibility of the new instrument. The results of the study indicate the feasibility of using the methodology in scientific, educational and applied psychology, in particular in the diagnosis of professional burnout, monitoring of internal resources, personnel selection and prevention of maladjustment of employees in the security and defence sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ya. S. Ponomarenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adaptation of Competency-based Elements of Professional Training for Police Officers to the Challenges of Martial Law
The military threats caused by the Russian Federation’s armed aggression against Ukraine have affected all aspects of police work, including the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)”. In the context of military threats, the requirements for the activities of the National Police of Ukraine are significantly expanding, and thus the very essence of the police service is being transformed. The study is devoted to the topical issue of adapting the competency elements of professional training for police officers to the challenges of martial law. The purpose of the article is to adapt the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” to the conditions of service during the period of martial law by improving the professional training of current and future police officers in line with modern realities and security needs. The State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” was analysed. Through a survey, an objective assessment of the current state of professional training of police officers was conducted, and key competence elements of tactical training during the period of martial law were identified. The study identified the most relevant competency elements, in particular: training in tactical medicine, serving in de-occupied territories, using automatic firearms during building clearances, and actions in conditions of rocket and bomb strikes and artillery shelling. Given the specific situations faced by police officers in conditions of military threats, in order to increase the effectiveness of their activities during the period of martial law, it is advisable to include the above elements in the State Educational Standard for the profession of “Police Officer (by specialisation)” and the relevant professional training topics. The results obtained make it possible to develop an effective system of professional training for police officers during martial law, which will correspond to modern realities and security needs.
Copyright (c) 2025 O. S. Skliar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Impact of Filtering on the Calculation of Acoustic Characteristics of Useful Speech Signals
In criminal proceedings involving the use of audio recordings as evidence, it is particularly important to prepare audio materials correctly for expert analysis. In particular, it is important to comply with technical requirements for recording quality and source authenticity, as well as to document all stages of filtering, if it was used for preliminary listening. An algorithm for the use of speech signal filtering in forensic analysis has been proposed, which provides for a clear distinction between the stages of primary processing and expert analysis in order to avoid violations of authenticity. The need to develop uniform methodological approaches to the application of digital filters and standards for the storage of processed and unprocessed copies of recordings has been identified. Within the scope of the tasks set, the sequence of speech signal processing is considered, in particular, primary cleaning and segmentation, which justifies the expediency of applying filtering exclusively at the preparation stage. The influence of individual filter types is analysed: low-frequency filters effectively reduce hum, but can reduce the clarity of consonants; high-frequency filters improve perception, but reduce the strength of the fundamental tone; bandpass filters provide balance, increasing speech intelligibility in noisy environments, but cut off the extreme frequencies of the spectrum. The results of the study are of practical importance, as they allow us to clearly define the acceptable limits of filtration use, which prevents potential errors in identifying the speaker or verifying the authenticity of the utterance. Further research should focus on studying the effect of filtering on the identification characteristics of speech in multi-channel recordings, as well as on adapting methods to the analysis of speech of individuals with speech impediments or accented speech. This approach will help improve the accuracy of phonoscopic experts’ conclusions and the effectiveness of criminal investigations using audio and video evidence.
Copyright (c) 2025 O. S. Tatyanchenko http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Resilience as Prevention of Emotional Burnout Among Teachers in Distance Learning Conditions
The article is devoted to the study of resilience as a factor in preventing emotional burnout among teachers working in distance learning environments. The transition to distance learning requires not only mastering new technologies, but also restructuring familiar approaches to teaching, communicating with students, and organising the educational process. This experience has shown that flexibility and readiness for change are key skills in today’s world. At the same time, such intensive adaptation is associated with high emotional stress, which can lead to professional burnout. The relevance and novelty of the study lie in the fact that the analysis of resilience as a factor influencing the emotional burnout of teachers in the context of online learning corresponds to the current challenges of education and has practical significance for its prevention. Resilience and vitality are interrelated concepts, but the former involves actively overcoming difficulties, while the latter involves the ability to maintain inner balance under stressful conditions. The inclusion of these characteristics in the study provided a deeper understanding of the mechanisms for counteracting professional burnout. It has been established that distance learning has both advantages (flexibility, time savings) and problems (decreased student motivation, increased workload). Adaptation to the online format has helped reduce stress levels, but professional burnout remains a pressing issue. Resilience reduces burnout, although its average score among most participants indicates a need for further development. Resilience helps teachers not only to overcome stress, but also to find internal resources for professional and personal growth. Regular work on awareness of one's own emotions, development of self-regulation skills, and seeking support in the professional environment contribute to maintaining motivation and energy.
Copyright (c) 2025 А. К. Bazilenko, I. V. Kushchenko, І. M. Marchuk http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Rehabilitation Programme for Psychologists in the Security and Defence Sector of Ukraine
The article presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programme for psychologists in the security and defence sector of Ukraine aimed at restoring the psychological health and professional capacity of specialists working with people who have experienced traumatic events or have psychological problems. The research highlights the critical role of psychologists in the security and defence sector in maintaining the mental health of military personnel and their families, as well as the significant emotional stress that psychologists themselves are exposed to when they are constantly faced with the traumatic experiences of others. Therefore, rehabilitation programmes are extremely important for preventing professional burnout, strengthening personal and professional resilience, acquiring new knowledge and skills in dealing with trauma, improving the quality of psychological care, creating a culture of mutual support and ensuring long-term professional effectiveness. Evaluating the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme is a complex process that includes an analysis of various aspects: participants’ satisfaction, changes in their psychological state (stress, anxiety, well-being, activity) and the application of the knowledge gained in their professional activities. The study showed positive dynamics in reducing anxiety, improving well-being and overall satisfaction with the programme. The majority of psychologists noted the harmonious combination of leisure and training, the professionalism of the trainers, the favourable atmosphere and the usefulness of the knowledge and skills gained. The results of the psychodiagnostics revealed significant positive changes in the psychological state after completing the programme: there was a decrease in the level of acute stress, improvement in health, activity and mood. In addition, the indicators of reactive and personal anxiety decreased significantly. The assessment of behavioural changes showed that the participants actively apply the acquired knowledge and skills in their professional and personal lives.
Copyright (c) 2025 N. E. Miloradova, V. V. Dotsenko
Adaptation of the Academic Disciplines “General Psychology” and “Psychology Workshop” for Students with Disabilities: A Case Study of the “Ukraine” University
This article is dedicated to the study of the problems and strategies for adapting the academic disciplines “General Psychology” and “Psychology Workshop” for students with disabilities, using the example of “Ukraine” University, a leading institution in the field of inclusive education. The paper identifies existing barriers faced by these students, including limited accessibility of learning materials, difficulties in understanding theoretical concepts, and the inadequacy of adapted practical tasks and assessment methods. Based on a survey of 30 first-year psychology students with disabilities and a poll of 10 instructors of the relevant disciplines, the effectiveness of current adaptation measures is analyzed, and areas requiring improvement are identified. Students expressed a need for more diverse learning materials (audio, video), an increased number of consultations, and tutoring support. Instructors, while using various adapted teaching methods, emphasized the lack of specialized resources and insufficient time for individual student support. Based on the data obtained, the article proposes practical recommendations for improving the educational process, including expanding access to materials in various formats, enhancing instructor support, optimizing the assessment system, and strengthening technical provision. Specific adaptations for teaching psychological disciplines are suggested, such as the logical structuring of content, the use of multimedia, the application of specialized software, the individualization of learning, and flexible deadlines for tasks. The study confirms the progress of “Ukraine” University in inclusive education but underscores the importance of further development and the implementation of individual adaptation strategies to ensure equal access and a comfortable learning environment for all students, which will ultimately increase the effectiveness of higher education for persons with disabilities. Prospects for further research include expanding opportunities for distance learning, developing specialized educational materials, integrating digital technologies, and strengthening psychological support for students.
Copyright (c) 2025 I. V. Kushchenko, O. L. Matsiuk
The Psychodiagnostic Potential of the General Health Questionnaire and its Ukrainian-Language Adaptation
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the psychodiagnostic capabilities of the foreign questionnaire on general health GHQ-28, developed in 1979 by D. Goldberg and W. Hillier. The structure of the questionnaire, based on factor analysis, includes four subscales, each of which contains seven items: somatic symptoms; anxiety; social dysfunction and severe depression. It is shown that the questionnaire is widely used abroad to determine a person’s ability to perform normal functions and diagnose certain distress-related deviations in the state of mental health. An empirical study was conducted with the participation of police officers and cadets of higher educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine with specific training conditions, in the course of which the Ukrainian version of the questionnaire was developed, and its psychometric indicators and average statistical norms were established. The study resulted in reliable, internally consistent scales with a high level of reproducibility. Thus, for all four scales of the questionnaire, the Cronbach’s α coefficient is greater than 0.70. The correlation coefficients between the results of the first survey and the scores obtained during the retest range from 0.87 to 0.90 (p < 0.01). The correlation between the Ukrainian version of the questionnaire and the original is also high, with correlation coefficients between the scales of the same name ranging from 0.82 to 0.91 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). The results of the factor analysis showed that the factor structure of the Ukrainian version fully reproduces the structure of the original, all items of the adapted questionnaire were included in the relevant factors. The study of criterion validity shows that the general health questionnaire has satisfactory indicators of the latter (based on the comparison of results with other questionnaires with known validity), the indicators of criterion validity range from 0.42 to 0.67. The questionnaire was also standardised, with average norms and standard deviations for individual scales and the overall health status indicator. The results scored by respondents on scale D (severe depression) of the questionnaire were minimal (100 % of the surveyed demonstrated a high level of health according to this indicator). Therefore, it was not possible to calculate correlations of this scale with the scales of other questionnaires. Scale D is very different from the other scales of this questionnaire in terms of the structure of the stimulus material due to the clinical nature of its statements. Consequently, the Ukrainian version of the questionnaire is characterised by satisfactory indicators of internal consistency of scales, reliability (retest and parallel forms), and criterion validity.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. I. Barko, O. O. Yevdokimova, O. M. Smirnova, V. V. Barko
National Cybersecurity in the Context of Society Digitalization: the Role of Police in Protecting Critical Infrastructure
In the modern context of accelerated digital transformation, national cybersecurity has become a critical element of state policy aimed at protecting society, the economy, and national interests. The active integration of information and communication technologies into all spheres of public administration, economic processes, and everyday life not only generates new opportunities but also creates significant risks associated with cybercrime and the resilience of critical infrastructure. Against the backdrop of military aggression against Ukraine and large-scale cyberattacks targeting government agencies and strategic facilities, the effective operation of the national cybersecurity system is of particular relevance. This study focuses on analyzing the role of the police as a key actor within the cybersecurity system, responsible for law enforcement activities in cyberspace, prevention and investigation of cybercrime, and cooperation with other government bodies, incident response teams (CERT/CSIRT), private sector entities, and civil society organizations. The purpose of the research is to identify current approaches to shaping an effective model of police interaction in ensuring national cybersecurity and to explore legal, organizational, and practical aspects of police engagement in protecting critical infrastructure. The study reviews the current legal framework in Ukraine on cybersecurity, including the Law of Ukraine “On Basic Principles of Ensuring Cybersecurity of Ukraine”, the Law “On Critical Infrastructure”, as well as European and international documents such as the NIS2 Directive and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The research methodology is based on systemic, comparative-legal, analytical, and formal-legal methods. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive examination of the legal regulation of police activities in cybersecurity and the identification of key directions for improving interagency cooperation amid growing cyber threats. The theoretical significance of the study lies in enhancing the academic understanding of the police’s role in ensuring cybersecurity and in developing legal mechanisms for their activities. The practical significance lies in formulating recommendations for improving legal regulations and enhancing collaboration between the police, CERT structures, private companies, and civil society. The research concludes that systemic approaches must be adopted to increase the effectiveness of police work in cybersecurity, aligned with European standards and international best practices, as a crucial factor in strengthening national resilience against cyber threats.
Informational Law; Intellectual Property Law
Certain Aspects of Suspending Pre-Trial Investigations in Criminal Proceedings Under Martial Law
The article compares and highlights some of the grounds for suspending and resuming criminal proceedings under martial law. It has been established that, under the legal regime of martial law, the legislator has defined in certain sections of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine the grounds for suspending pre-trial investigations and suspending the term of pre-trial investigations, and has also provided for the possibility of such decisions being taken by various authorised participants in criminal proceedings. The article highlights the practical aspect of applying the norms of criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine when deciding to suspend pre-trial investigations under martial law, in particular, citing as circumstances for such a decision the physical loss of access to criminal proceedings materials, material evidence, communication with the place of detention of the suspect, etc. At the same time, attention is focused on the practice of resolving the issue of extending the term of detention of a suspect until a decision is made to suspend criminal proceedings under martial law. Particular attention is paid to the consequences of the decision to resume pre-trial proceedings, as well as the cancellation of the decision to suspend the pre-trial investigation and to suspend the term of the pre-trial investigation. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the purpose of the institution of suspension of pre-trial investigation is to preserve the term of pre-trial investigation under the circumstances specified by criminal procedural law. It is concluded that the definition of the grounds for suspension of pre-trial investigation under martial law in separate sections of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine is inappropriate and may lead to problems during practical implementation, create additional grounds for appealing such decisions, and the various consequences of cancelling decisions to suspend pre-trial investigations or suspend the term of pre-trial investigations may lead to abuse.
suspension of criminal proceedings under martial law
consequences of revoking decisions to suspend pre-trial investigations and suspend the pre-trial investigation period
Pharmacological Properties of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Specifics of Their Detection and Forensic Examination
The illegal circulation of synthetic cannabinoids intensifies criminal threats and negatively impacts vulnerable segments of the population due to their specific effects on the human psychophysiological state. This article examines the historical background of the recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids and their emergence in the illicit drug market. It presents data from contemporary neurobiological studies dedicated to these compounds. The article analyzes both the therapeutic potential of synthetic cannabinoids and the adverse effects of their misuse in uncontrolled settings. It identifies key issues that must be addressed to resolve challenges in the forensic examination of objects containing these psychotropic substances and outlines the specific features of their detection and seizure. Recommendations are provided for forensic experts in the field of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances regarding the selection of chemical analysis methods for solutions or herbal mixtures that may contain synthetic cannabinoids. The article evaluates the applicability of instrumental analysis techniques for the qualitative identification and quantitative determination of target compounds, especially in the presence of masking agents or interfering processes during sample preparation and analysis. Based on the study, both the positive and negative aspects of synthetic cannabinoid use are outlined, along with the most effective methods for their examination in laboratory and field conditions. The article also highlights prospects for further research into the long-term effects of synthetic cannabinoids on human physiological and mental health, their neurotoxicity, and mutagenic potential. Overall, the findings contribute to the integration of pharmacological and forensic research data into practical application.
Peculiarities of Involving a Specialist in the Preparation and Conduct of Interrogation at the Stage of Pre-Trial Investigation
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and practical framework for involving specialists in interrogation at the pre-trial investigation stage. It is noted that in the current conditions of crime investigation, the requirements for the quality of information collected and the objectivity of evidence are increasing. This necessitates the involvement of specialists from various fields of knowledge – criminologists, psychologists, doctors, linguists, teachers and others – with a view to improving the effectiveness of investigative actions. Specialists not only provide technical and methodological support for interrogation, but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the individual characteristics of the person being interrogated, which allows for adaptation of communication tactics and minimisation of the risks of obtaining distorted information. The specifics of legal regulation of the participation of specialists, including their procedural status, powers and responsibilities, are considered. The author analyses the stages of interaction between an investigator and a specialist: from preparation for interrogation to recording its results. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the qualifications and level of competence of specialists on the reliability, completeness and evidentiary value of the information obtained. It is emphasised that taking into account the psychophysiological and psychological characteristics of the person being interrogated helps to reduce pressure, increase the informative value of testimony and respect for human rights. The article substantiates the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in pre-trial proceedings based on the interaction of forensic science, legal psychology, psychophysiology and other related sciences. The methodological problems and organisational features of involving specialists, as well as the criteria by which the expediency of their participation is determined, are considered. It is concluded that integration of expert knowledge into investigative practice is a relevant direction of increasing the efficiency of crime detection and strengthening the evidence base in criminal proceedings.