Contemporary Methods for Training and Evaluating the Qualification of Forensic Experts

Based on the analysis of law enforcement practice, the article shows the role of forensic expertise in the administration of justice. The authors demonstrate that individuals authorized to appoint forensic expertise face with difficulties in determining the level of a forensic expert’s qualification, as there are no clear criteria for non-state forensic experts. The similar problems have the employers when they hire candidates for a forensic expert. In this context, taking into account the growing demand for the forensic expertise segment, the risks of performing substandard work are increasing. To overcome these difficulties is possible only if the persons in question have a high level of professional competence, especially if they are forensic experts who assist law enforcement agencies in protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, business entities, and the state. It was concluded that an expert's professional qualification first of all means that he has sufficient knowledge to make an expertise, knowledge that he has received as part of his basic professional educational program of higher education, as well as knowledge acquired through additional professional education in a specific expert field, the level of which is determined by expert qualification commissions during the certification process. The possibilities of the development and introduction into expert practice such professional standard as “Forensic Expert” has been considered. The need to improve the efficiency of the expert certification mechanism is substantiated. Based on the experience of the Chair of Criminalistics at the Saratov State Law Academy, which trains forensic experts in the specialization “Forensic Expertise”, the article explores innovative approaches to the training and evaluation of forensic experts. The authors emphasize the importance of acquiring competencies in professional ethics and the digital transformation of forensic activity. They also highlight the need for a comprehensive system of training and certification for forensic experts.