FORENSIC AND PROCEDURAL ASPECTS OF THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES DURING CRIME SCENE EXAMINATION

Abstract

The article examines the forensic and procedural aspects of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during crime scene examination. The provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, departmental regulations, and contemporary scientific approaches to the use of UAVs as a technical means of recording evidentiary information are analyzed. It is established that the current legislation provides for the use of technical recording devices during investigative (detective) actions; however, it does not contain comprehensive legal regulation governing the specific application of UAVs during crime scene examination, which necessitates the improvement of the legal framework for their use. Based on the generalization of scientific approaches, the main forensic capabilities of UAVs during crime scene examination are identified, including aerial photography, video recording, three-dimensional modeling, laser scanning, infrared, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging. It is substantiated that the use of UAVs contributes to improving the completeness and objectivity of crime scene documentation, reducing the time required for crime scene examination, facilitating the documentation of large-scale and hard-to-reach areas, and minimizing the risk of loss of evidentiary information. The main procedural aspects of UAV application during crime scene examination are identified, including the proper procedural documentation of aerial photographs and video recordings, compliance with legal requirements governing the use of technical recording devices, ensuring the authenticity of digital evidence, the involvement of a specialist operating the UAV, and the procedural use of the obtained materials as sources of evidence. The necessity of improving the legal regulation of UAV use during crime scene examination, defining the procedural status of the UAV operator, and developing unified forensic guidelines for the use of UAVs in pre-trial investigation activities is substantiated.