On the essence and concept of the definition of "body of inquiry"

The author of the article studies the notion and procedural status of the body of inquiry in the Russian criminal process. The article deals with the detailed analysis of the development of criminal procedural functions of police (militia) in different time periods, conceptual approaches of scientists to the problem stated. It concludes about the need for legislative and scientific rethinking of the provisions of the current criminal procedural legislation of the Russian Federation, the role and importance of the body of inquiry in the detection, prevention and investigation of crimes.