Countering Pre-investigation: Analysis of Systemic Issues and Recommendations

This scientific work conducts a comprehensive study of counteraction to preliminary investigations as a significant element of forensic science. The research thoroughly analyzes existing theoretical approaches and definitions of this phenomenon, highlighting its key characteristics and features in modern practice. A significant part of the study consists of developing an author’s concept of understanding counteraction to preliminary investigations, taking into account current trends in the development of forensic science and law enforcement practice. A separate discussion deserves the systematic analysis of methodological and forensic support aimed at effectively identifying and overcoming obstructive activities when investigating various categories of crimes. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility of using the obtained results to improve the work of law enforcement agencies in the context of counteractive activities. The study lays a theoretical foundation for the further development of methods and techniques to counteract the obstruction of investigations, which contributes to enhancing the overall effectiveness of law enforcement activities. To address these tasks, it is necessary to systematize all existing forensic knowledge about counteraction to investigations, including practical tactical and methodological recommendations. The research is based on the dialectical method of scientific cognition, acting as a universal tool, as well as a set of cognitive methods: observation, analysis, generalization, and description, including systematic analysis. The scientific novelty of the study is determined by a comprehensive approach to the study of counteraction to preliminary investigations as a systemic phenomenon. The work presents a new definition of this concept for the first time, taking into account current trends in the development of forensic science and law enforcement practices. A significant innovation is the proposed original classification of forms of counteraction to investigations, based on a set of criteria that include the specifics of the counteracting subjects, the nature of the relationship between the subject and forensically significant information, as well as the nature of the actions (or inactions). For the first time, the study has identified and substantiated the structural content of counteraction to preliminary investigations, which includes subjects, goals and motivations, objects, time, place, context, methods, and techniques of counteraction. Based on the obtained data, a comprehensive set of practical recommendations for identifying and overcoming counteraction has been developed, becoming an important element of forensic methodologies for investigating specific types of crimes. A significant innovation is the identification of new directions in methodological and forensic support for law enforcement agencies in counteracting the obstruction of preliminary investigations.

counteraction to preliminary investigation, system, investigative actions, forensics, methodological and forensic support of activities, forensic knowledge, methods, systematization, classification, recommendation