COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC COOPERATION EXPERIENCE OF EXPERT SERVICES IN UKRAINE

Abstract The relevance of the study is driven by the ongoing development of the forensic field and the need to enhance legal regulation in this area in Ukraine. The aim of the work is to systematize and compare the state of forensic services in European countries. This article provides an analysis of disparities in forensic services across European countries. It adopts a comparative approach, examining key aspects such as service provision structure, resource allocation, and quality control mechanisms. The study employed methods such as analysis, classification, comparative analysis, and a systemic approach to facilitate synthesis. The article compares the current state of forensic services in Germany, France, Georgia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Various models utilized by European countries are described. While some, like France and Germany, prefer state forensic institutions, others, such as the UK and the Netherlands, combine public and private experts. This raises questions about the optimal balance between standardization and flexibility in forensic practice. Investment in forensic services also varies significantly. Countries with a dominant state model tend to allocate a larger portion of their budget to public institutes. However, the volume of examinations conducted is not solely dependent on the model but also on population size and crime rates. The peculiarities of each system have been summarized and described. The comparison was conducted based on criteria such as structure, level of centralization, role of state and private institutions, expert independence, quality control, and effectiveness of forensic services. The article emphasizes the paramount importance of quality control, identifying national accreditation bodies and proficiency testing programs as necessary safeguards for the accuracy and reliability of forensic evidence. The practical value of the work lies in the potential development of recommendations to improve forensic practice in Ukraine and other countries based on the analysis conducted.