ISSUES OF FORENSIC SUPPORT FOR THE DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION OF ARSON-RELATED CRIMES

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the procedures of forensic support for the detection and investigation of arson-related crimes. Trends in the change of the objects of criminal encroachment, as well as of the technical means used to commit such crimes, are discussed. The authors draw attention to the imperfection of the approaches and methods currently used, in particular those concerning the expert examination of petroleum products for the purpose of identifying the combustible component of fuel-air mixtures, and propose promising directions for solving such problems. The article analyzes the possibilities and gives examples of the successful application of the results of the forensic registration of improvised incendiary devices. It is concluded that it is necessary to improve the existing and introduce the latest instrumental methods, to expand the capabilities of the material and technical base of forensic laboratories and the scope of application of modern analytical methods in order to increase the effectiveness of combating arson and preventing its negative consequences.