The Process of Identifying the Perpetrator of a Crime: Debates on Scientific Development in Criminalistics

The traditional approach to criminalistic investigation of the issues of identifying the perpetrator of a crime is to scientifically develop this topic at the stage of preliminary investigation and, for the most part, does not cause discussions on understanding the essential content of this type of activity. In many respects, the current situation is predetermined by well-established scientific approaches to the interpretation of the term “perpetrator of a crime” and its use as a synonym in relation to the terms “criminal”, “suspect”, “accused”. At the same time, the completed process of identifying this person can be studied and presented taking into account the stage of criminal proceedings. Purpose: To justify the feasibility of revising the traditional approach to the scientific development of the issues of identifying the perpetrator of a crime in criminalistics, not limited to the stage of preliminary investigation. Methods of observation, analysis, comparison, and generalization are used to determine the degree of elaboration of the issues of identifying the perpetrator of a crime in criminalistics and to develop proposals for their improvement; the use of situational modeling allows for differences in the study and identification of the specified subject, taking into account existing scientific approaches to the interpretation of the term “perpetrator of a crime”. Results: In order to create a comprehensive knowledge system reflecting all stages of identifying the perpetrator of a crime, the research on this type of activity is substantiated, taking into account the stage of criminal proceedings. The expediency of differentiating the issues of studying and identifying the perpetrator is noted, as well as the significant importance of scientifically elaborating the issues of identifying and studying the suspected offender at the pre-investigation stage. The article recommends clarifying the author’s understanding of the term “perpetrator of a crime” indicating the stage or stages within which the stated issues will be addressed.