The paper looks at the world’s systems and models of criminalistics and forensic science. Comparison of the conceptual foundations and technological subsystems of forensic knowledge of the Austro-German, Roman and Anglo-Saxon schools (the concept of «Forensic Science») reveals an important pattern in the development of criminalistics and forensic science in Russia. The indicated vectors and prospects for further evolution of national criminalistics and forensic science point to a clear trend towards differentiation of specialized knowledge by branches, objects, methods and levels of investigation. The strengths and weaknesses of the western and Russian systems of forensic knowledge are demonstrated. Conclusions and recommendations are put forward regarding the modernization of both the structure and the theoretical and methodological framework of criminalistics and forensic science in Russia.

The paper examines some key concepts of forensic science, namely the subject, object and objectives of investigation, in terms of how they are defined and how they relate to each other. It follows the history of the term «the subject of forensic facial recognition» as a special case of the subject of forensic science. The essence of the term «the subject of forensic facial recognition» is embodied in the facts and circumstances investigated by means of scientific analysis of objective representations of the features of human appearance and established by thoroughly addressing specific diagnostic and identification objectives. It is important to distinguish the essence and substance of the subject of forensic investigation from its objects and objectives.

The legal framework for application of professional standards is analyzed, and the case is made for developing and implementing professional standards in the practice of forensic science. Priority measures are proposed towards achieving these objectives.

The article discusses the question of assessing the forensic validity of methodologies for the analysis of vehicle identification markings. The need is emphasized for further piecemeal efforts to achieve the goals of standardization of forensic science practices.

The paper examines the structure and peculiarities of developing information support for the forensic analysis of vehicle markings, along with requirements for relevant information resources. Problems related to the organization and functioning of the information management system are investigated, and possible solutions are suggested. In addition, the author describes the capacity of some specific elements of information support systems to address problems facing the vehicle markings examiner.

The forensic task of establishing a causal relationship between the failure status of copper wiring and the moment of fire ignition is a pertinent one. Experts of the Russian Federal Centre of Forensic Science of the Russian Ministry of Justice routinely review the findings of initial investigations conducted by forensic science organizations of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations using methods and guidance materials that claim to help determine the time of fault initiation in electrical wiring (prior to or during the fire), and thus establish whether the fault status caused or contributed to fire ignition. The paper offers a critical review of methodological materials produced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Emergency Situations for practitioners investigating this causal relationship, and exposes their inconsistencies and limitations that will need to be corrected in order to make these practitioner guides actually practicable.

The article presents a new methodological approach to forensic comparison of large amounts of text to establish their similarity/distinctiveness. The proposed approach assumes interaction between a forensic linguist and a forensic examiner with specialized knowledge in the field of forensic computer science, which the effect of optimizing forensic workflow and maximizing objectivity of the resulting expert conclusions.

Practice indicates that construction forensics investigations to identify severable and nonseverable property improvements often present a challenge even for construction experts. This has to do with the complex legal nature of property improvements. Moreover, definitions of the terms «severable» and «non-severable» improvements are absent from regulations and legislation. The paper covers key terms and concepts, examines the defining features of improvements, and offers recommendations on how to perform this type of analysis, with examples from forensic casework and generic questions commonly included in the examination request.

Presented is a draft occupational health and safety manual for construction forensics practitioners. The draft guide was developed with the purpose of improving the reliability of workplace health and safety arrangements in construction forensics units within the system of the Russian Ministry of Justice. The expert community is invited to consider the proposed draft document.

The paper looks at the advantages and potential of network-based training of state forensic examiners, and the use of e-learning and distance learning technologies in continuing professional education in forensic science disciplines. The system of professional retraining developed by the RFCFS of the Russian Ministry of Justice is described in terms of how it combines face-to-face and distance learning approaches.

The article uses the competence based approach to present a comparative analysis of three options for training forensic experts: (1) continuing professional education in the form of professional development and retraining; (2) higher education as per the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education 40.05.03 (five-year specialist degree programs in Jurisprudence, Forensic Science concentration); (3) higher education as per Standard 40.04.01 (two-year master’s degree programs in Jurisprudence). The contingent of trainees and the scope for application of these forms of forensic science training are defined. The problems of didactics in forensic expert training are examined, along with ways to improve and develop them further. The paper shows that all three forms of training of forensic experts in the Russian Federation are currently in demand and organically complement each other.

Based on a detailed analysis of the specifics of teaching the foundations of forensic engineering and construction forensics, as well as distinguishing features of the forensic field itself, the authors identify a number of significant didactic problems and offer solutions. Emphasizing the importance of this type of expertise in modern legal proceedings, a convincing case is made for continuous efforts to improve professional training of the next generation of specialists in the field of construction forensics.

The paper examines the current state of environmental forensic science in the system of the RFCFS of the Russian Ministry of Justice. The authors highlight the courts’ growing demand for expert investigation of elements of the environment and whole ecosystems. The potential for developing environmental forensics in the system of forensic science organizations of the Russian Ministry of Justice is analyzed. The need for new structural divisions that would undertake environmental investigations on the territorial basis is demonstrated. Requirements are listed for the professional retraining of state environmental forensic scientists.

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the detection of handwritten entries made with sympathetic inks, and a forensic algorithm for the examination of such documents.

The article focuses on the issue of damaged handheld device data extraction with the help of JTAG and Chip-Off technologies. Practical experiments were conducted to extract data from an HTC Wildfire S phone using the JTAG interface and from a BQ S-4525 Vienna phone using the Chip-Off technology. Also discussed are the knowledge and skills required for successful application of these methods by practitioners.

The subject of this work is to present forensic science standardization trends in the world and in Europe with special review of the application of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard, which is a condition for forensic laboratory accreditation. Through the analysis of needs and constant efforts to make the forensic area simpler for cooperation and more practical for use, as well as to improve the quality of forensic analysis results and their acceptance beyond the borders of a country, the author will try to point out the significance of implementing this international standard, in terms of economics and cost-effectiveness, as well as overall rationality. Accepting and exchanging the best professional and scientific experiences, professional help and cooperation in the form of international exchange of forensic data bases, and unreserved acceptance of valid forensic laboratory results ensure the quality the forensic science and profession are striving for, as shown in the EU document titled “Creating a common European space for the forensic sciences 2020”. We believe that forensic activity standardization in Bosnia and Herzegovina will help in fighting terrorism and organized crime more effectively. In other words, the process of forensic analysis will be more valid and practical, forensic laboratories more competent, and court proceedings more effective through norming the forensic handling of evidence. Thus an important obligation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its way to European integration will be fulfilled, because once a forensic laboratory receives an affirmation for its results, it becomes a benchmark for forensic analyses and crime detection.

The study addresses recent criticisms of forensic science, specifically those pointing to a lack of sound scientific basis behind examination methods. Conclusions are based on the analysis of documents published in the United States, as well as forensic expert practices in Russia. Analysis demonstrates both methodological and legal issues with the application of specialized knowledge in the expert form. The use of Karl Popper’s principle to support the scientific status of forensic methods is demonstrated to lack justification, and is therefore debatable.

Questioned document examiners from forensic science organizations supervised by Voronezh Reginal Center of Forensic Science of the Russian Ministry of Justice gathered for a meeting to discuss current issues arising in the conduct of ink dating examinations in some of the regions, and to consider possible solutions. Key concerns relating to examination requests were also addressed.

The paper presents the outcomes of the 26th Meeting of the ENFSI Textile and Hair Expert Working Group and the Animal Hair Workshop held in Zurich (Switzerland) on June 11–15, 2018.