«Threat Carrier» as a Subject of Post-Criminal Influence at the Stage of Preliminary Investigation: Gender and Age Components

Introduction. Opposition to the disclosure and investigation of crimes should be viewed as a reaction of the criminal environment to the activities of law enforcement agencies, employing a wide range of mechanisms. Among these mechanisms are acts of physical and psychological violence against bona fide participants in the criminal process. The manifestation of such violence is not limited by gender or age—women and minors, alongside men, are actively involved in this process. As a consequence of post-criminal influence, it is common during investigations to encounter false testimony, retractions of previously given truthful statements, or outright refusal to testify by various categories of participants, regardless of their procedural status. Materials and Methods. The study is based on scholarly publications and judicial practice. It relies on the universal method of comprehending phenomena and processes of objective reality, reflecting the dialectical interconnection between theory and practice. The research employs special scientific methods, including analysis and synthesis, comparative-legal and historical-legal methods, as well as specific sociological methods (interviews, study of criminal cases). Theoretical foundations of conflictology were also used. Research Results. The psychological profile of a “threat carrier,” regardless of gender and age, is primarily determined by the motivation for unlawful actions and the purpose and meaning of the opposition. Analysis of the psychological characteristics of the individual allows the investigator to anticipate their behavioral stance and model investigative scenarios for the future. Conclusions. Life and health are not only biological foundations of existence but also enduring social values. Therefore, when a person is involved in the investigation process, the state is obliged to guarantee the constitutional right to personal safety. Manipulation of law-abiding citizens’ behavior through unlawful influence during investigations fosters distrust in state institutions and a reluctance to cooperate with them.