Types and objects of forensic identification

Forensic identification is onefrom the ways of establishing the truth in the course of the investigation of crimes. It involves the study and comparison of the object with its representations, represented in the form of "ideal" and materially fixed traces left by the attacker or arising from the commission of illegal actions by him. Let's consider further objects, types and forms of forensic identification.

General information

Legal relations associated with identification arise when:

1. Methods of research.

2. Subjects performing the study of subjects.

3. Objects of criminalistic identification.

Classification

Criminal identification is divided depending on the legal nature of:

• The processual. In this case, the concept and objects of forensic identification are regulated by the CCP.
• Nonprocessed. Such identification is carried out during the operative-search activity, when forming forensic accounts.

Identification is classified and by subjects. Objects of forensic identification are studied:

• The investigator.
• The operational employee.
• Specialist.
• An expert.
• The court.
• The prosecutor.

Depending on the display method, the identification is divided into a match by:

• Materially fixed maps of properties and attributes of forensic identification objects.
• Mental image, fixed in the memory of a person. This is, in particular, about identification in identification.

Another criterion of classification is the evidentiary value of identification. She may be:

• Individual. In this case, there is a close interaction subject and object of criminalistic identification. The authorized employee determinesbelonging of a fixed trace to a specific person. The establishment of an object of forensic identification takes place by comparing the traces of hands, smell, blood, hair, other biological objects.
• Group. In this case, according to properties of forensic identification objects their possible connection with the event is determined. During the research establish the species, class, genus, group of the object. For example, it is determined that the tracks left by the wheels at the scene of the accident were left by the GAZ-3113 car.

Identification can be carried out on general grounds, that is, an entire object is established for some part of it. For example, we study the pieces of the document, the detail of the mechanism, etc.

Basis for the formulation of conclusions

When using existing types of forensic identification and objects, and their parts are compared for relatively stable signs. They are divided into:

• Private. As a rule, they are the elements of the object formed during the repair, production, use, elements of the finger of the human hand, etc.
• Are common. They are inherent in homogeneous objects. Their presence allows you to relate an object to a specific group (for example, to identify a blood group).

Stages and tasks

Objects of forensic identification are classified into identifiable and identifying. The first include:

• Subjects.
• People.
• Animals.
• Substances.
• The weapon.
• Means of transport.
• Instruments.

In the second group there are objects containing the mappings of the traces under study. Speech, in particular, about the signs of appearance, the totality of skills in handwriting, traces of feet, teeth, hands, blood, etc.

The most commonclassification of forensic identification by forms and objects. In this case, regardless of the specific method of investigation and comparison of traces, the process involves 4 stages:

1. Inspection. During such a survey, all types of forensic identification objects and their elements are studied. In addition, samples (experimental, free and conditionally-free) are investigated.
2. Detailed study forensic identification. Its task is to identify the maximum number of particular and general characteristics. At this stage, an experiment can be conducted. For example, the experimental extraction of bullets and cartridges from weapons.
3. Comparison of identified signs. At this stage, coinciding and differing properties are established.
4. Evaluation of traits and drawing conclusions about the absence or presence of identity. They can be negative or affirmative, probable or credible.

Group and individual identity

Establishment of group identification, speaking inAs a research stage, it is considered an indispensable stage of an individual comparison. Moreover, this procedure can be an independent type of research.

When group learning is established identity, not similarity. This is due to the fact that the similarity between objects of forensic identification It can not be considered sufficient to formulate the conclusion that the tracks belong to a particular group.

More significant for the investigationhas an individual identification. But the definition of group identity can perform no less important tasks, because it allows us to significantly narrow the list of compared objects and can serve as a basis for stopping their comparative study.

Determination of source of origin

This methodology was developed to minimize the amount of classification groups that may be relevant forensic identification objects.

In the course of such a study,the attribution of the traces to one mass (cartels, fractions, ink in the pen and strokes, etc.), a group, a batch of products (usually mass consumption) produced by a particular enterprise. In some cases, the shop, the machine, the date of release of the goods, the working shift, etc. are determined. A comparative study is also carried out with respect to the internal features of the object, its structure, composition, and traces reflecting the course of its creation, characterizing the tools and mechanisms used in production.

Study of the whole object in parts

Depending on the initial information, the study can be conducted on a materially fixed mapping, in a mental image, in parts of the whole forensic identification.

In the latter case,elements of the damaged object. These can be fragments, debris, scraps of paper, details, knots, etc. The study is performed on separation lines, the microrelief of the elements being combined, the features of the structure, and the physicochemical properties.

A variation of such identification isthe study of volume, capacity, storage by comparing the contents with traces of liquid, bulk and other substances and their parts found at the crime scene. For example, operatives need to establish that kerosene found on the site of the fire was taken from a canister seized from a suspect's search. To carry out identification, it is necessary that the materials of the case contain the capacity found by the suspect and reliable information that the liquid was in it, and there are no other storage facilities.

In the comparative study, the nature of the features of the objects is of particular importance. Depending on them, identification is carried out by:

• External structure.
• Features odor.
• Internal structure.
• Functional-dynamic features.

Subjective attribute

Depending on the subject and the nature of the procedural regulations, the judicial, expert and investigative identification is singled out.

The latter is performed by an authorized employee- the investigator - during the course of the procedural actions. For example, identification is performed when objects are presented for identification, comparison of detected and seized items in the seizure, search, inspection. The investigative identification is different in that special problems are not required when solving problems posed.

Expert research is carried out by persons with special knowledge and skills.

Identification can be carried out during the trial. Comparison is made by direct perception of objects or through proof.

Groups of objects

Objects of forensic identification may be very different. All of them are combined into groups:

• Living people.
• Corpses.
• Terrain plots.
• Animals, objects and things.
• Transport.

Depending on the branch of forensic science, to which the objects being mapped belong, identify identification:

• Trasological.
• Forensic ballistic.
• Dactyloscopic.
• Handwriting, etc.

Additional categories

Above were indicated objects of inanimate and living nature.and their elements. However, forensic identification is made in respect of a special group of objects that are associated with the method of comparison. They perform different tasks in the research process. This group includes objects and their samples:

• By which the identity is established.
• Displays traces by which the identification occurs.

Until the objects are identified, they are referred to as sought,i.e. identifiable. Traces found at the crime scene are verifiable. However, their number can be large. Among the traces being checked, the desired object may not be located.

Identifying objects includecontaining the source material, without which identification is impossible. In one such object there can be heterogeneous signs (properties) of different objects. For example, in the manuscript handwriting signs are displayed. On them the person who has written it is established. However, the manuscript contains signs by which the author of the text can be identified. These individuals may not be the same.

Comparative samples

They form a relatively independent group.identification objects. In this case, the samples are not mandatory elements of the study. The need for them arises when it is impossible or significant difficulties in comparing the identified and identifying objects. For example, the determination of weapons from the tracks of the barrel bore on the bullet is impossible without comparing them with the marks on the bullet obtained during an experimental shot. Direct comparison of traces and rifling bore available on the pool is impossible.

Samples in a group study of substancesmaterials, products are their samples. At the same time, they can be only those parts that undoubtedly reflect the signs of the objects being scanned, as well as their carriers, which contain the required volume of signs and are comparable with the identifying objects.

Sample classification

Sample instances of objects differ independing on the conditions and method of preparation. Samples can be experimental and free. The latter are objects that have arisen not in connection with the crime and the investigation. They refer, as a rule, to the period preceding the operational search activities. Such samples are considered the most valuable.

Experimental specimens receive speciallyduring the investigation of the victim, the suspect, the witness, the accused. For example, a person writes a text dictated by an investigator or at the request of an employee; the expert carries out an experimental shooting of weapons, etc.

Identification tag

Each object examined in forensic science.endowed with a huge number of properties and characteristics. For identification, however, not all its signs are used, but only those that are displayed in the trail of the object of interest for the investigation.

For example, to identify the person who wrotetext, only handwriting features reflected in this manuscript can be used. To determine the author of the text are already used other features. In particular, the properties of speech, displayed in the text, are studied.

Identification signs may beexternal features of the object: shape, size, appearance, relief, etc. They can also be features of the internal structure: density, anatomical features, hardness, etc.

Terms of use of signs

In forensic science there are certain requirements for the features of objects:

• Specificity and materiality. Such requirements, as a rule, correspond to properties that may not display the essential attributes of objects, but are atypical, brightly individual. Accordingly, they are recognized as the most significant when identified. For example, such signs are deviations in handwriting, special external signs of a person, etc. The more distinctive a sign is, the higher is the identification significance.
• Sustainability. Its criteria are the constant reproducibility of a feature or its repeatability in different conditions in combination with uniquely transmitted information. A slight variability of the trait within the period of identification is allowed. In this case, the principle applies: the less frequently a given sign is detected, the higher the identification value.
• Relative autonomy. Identifying features should be mutually independent of other properties that do not affect the identification process.

All the signs for various reasons havevariability and variability. Such features are most clearly expressed in the handwriting of man. Individual symptoms may vary depending on living conditions. Consideration of all circumstances affecting the state of signs is of particular importance in formulating conclusions about the absence or presence of an identity.