SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL CENTER OF THE STATE COMMITTEE OF FORENSIC EXPERTISE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS: ROLE IN SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF FORENSIC ACTIVITIES

The article is devoted to the role of the Scientific and Practical Center of the State Forensic Examination Committee of the Republic of Belarus in scientific and methodological support of forensic activities. It examines the legal and organizational foundations of this activity, including the provisions of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Forensic Activity" regulating the use of scientific developments, maintaining the register of methodological materials and the functioning of the Interdepartmental Scientific and Methodological Council. Particular attention is paid to the history of the Center, which was founded in 1929 and received its current status in 2013. Its main functions are described: conducting scientific research, developing and implementing new expert methods, educational activities, and international cooperation. The article also discusses the current areas of the Center's work, including genetic analysis, developing software for forensic handwriting examination, introducing new types of forensic examinations (art history, botanical, environmental, video, etc.). The importance of the Center as a leading scientific institution in the field of forensic examination, its contribution to the development of forensic science and law enforcement practice are noted.