Organizational-Tactical and Technical-Forensic Support of Inspecting Unmanned Aircraft’s Crash Sites

The author discusses the choice of optimal approaches and methods of work for law enforcement bodies during the initial investigation in cases of self-induced, controlled and uncontrolled crashes of unmanned aerial vehicles. Keeping in mind the high complexity and danger of such work, the possibility of repeat explosions, sudden combustions, structure failures of constructions, as well as the vastness of the territory under inspection, the author presents an algorithm of actions which includes the preparation, the inspection itself and the further use of obtained results. Special attention is paid to the specifics of the organization, technical support and location of field offices, investigation-operative groups and other participants of the inspection who conduct search, recognizance, research, supportive and other activities. Taking into account the circumstances of an unmanned aircraft’s crash and its further consequences, the author presents approaches to determining the area of investigative actions, to choosing the method of inspecting the crash scene, and the methods used to record the surrounding environment and its key objects. Criminalistic emphasis is placed on working with key materially recorded trace complexes, whose identification, recording and research will provide necessary basic data regarding the circumstances of the criminal use of an unmanned aircraft, on the design and technical specifics of its production, the technical characteristics of used explosives and other substances. The author examines the possibilities of conducting complex criminalistic and special expert research based on sorting the seized objects into those belonging to the aircraft itself and those it was transporting. Commissioning and conducting criminalistic and special expert examinations by forensic units of different departmental affiliation will yield forensically relevant information and proof regarding the means and tools of committing a crime, as well as the persons involved in unlawful activities. In conclusion it is stated that, at present, it is necessary to consolidate theory and practice of criminalistics and forensic expert science in order to work out effective interdepartmental technical and tactical solutions that will ensure due counteraction to terrorist crimes.