Some issues of working with biological traces in the investigation of crimes committed in conditions of non-obviousness

Introduction: The article attempts to examine some peculiarities and difficulties of work of an investigator and specialist with biological traces during the investigation of non-obvious crimes, whereupon the author highlights certain problems of organizational and legal nature and suggests ways to solve them, and also comes to relevant theoretical and applied conclusions in this field. Materials and Methods: general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, such as systematic, comparative legal, method of logical deduction and induction, as well as methods of interpretation, structural analysis and observation were used to conduct the study. The normative and legal basis of the study was formed by the legislative acts regulating the activity of detection, fixation and seizure of biological traces. The Results of the Study: allowed to identify the main problems faced by law enforcement officers when working with biological traces in the investigation of crimes committed in conditions of non-obviousness, as well as to determine the most effective methods of their detection, fixation and seizure. Findings and Conclusions: The effectiveness of using traces of biological origin is that even in small quantities they can carry information of evidential value. This demonstrates the persistent nature of biological traces and the value of the information they contain. Often such traces contain information that directly identifies the perpetrator of the crime. The forensically relevant information of such traces has two forms of manifestation: directly perceptible and hidden within the biological structure. Biological traces are directly related to the crime pattern of crimes against property, therefore, their study is very important for investigation of such category of crimes. The investigator (inquirer) must have theoretical knowledge and practical skills in detection, fixation and seizure of such traces. This need grows with the introduction of scientific and technological advances in the investigation of crimes.