Capabilities of forensic trassological examinations and the specifics of their appointment in the investigation of criminal offenses committed by organized groups or criminal organizations

The article is devoted to highlighting the capabilities and specifics of appointing forensic trassological examinations of human foot and footwear traces, vehicle traces, locking and protective (control) devices, and burglary tools in the investigation of criminal offenses committed by organized groups or criminal organizations. It has been proven that the forensic trassological examinations play a significant role in establishing the circumstances of criminal offenses committed by organized groups or criminal organizations. However, in practice, their capabilities are not fully utilized. The tasks solved by each of the studied types of examinations in the mentioned criminal proceedings have been identified, including determining the group nature of the offense, differentiating the «roles» of participants in the offense, and more. Problematic issues arising during the appointment of such examinations are outlined, and recommendations are provided regarding the preparation of objects for examination and samples for comparative research. It is noted that for proper preparation of objects when appointing the mentioned examinations, as well as for correctly formulating questions to the expert, it is advisable for the investigator to seek the assistance of a specialist who is an expert in forensic trassological studies. The author presents a viewpoint on the minimum number of shoe prints that should be reflected in the «track» of traces to obtain reliable results from expert analysis (at least 7-8 prints, sequentially left by the right and left feet of a person). Attention is drawn to the fact that current methodological recommendations for appointing forensic trassological examinations of human foot and shoe traces suggest asking the expert: «What is the approximate height of the person who left the traces?» It is noted that this question cannot be reliably answered due to the absence of scientifically validated research methods. A promising area of scientific research, as identified by the author, is the exploration of the possibilities of using other trassological examinations in the investigation of criminal offenses committed by organized groups or criminal organizations.