DOI: https://doi.org/10.33994/kndise.2022.67.25

K. Kaliuha

The article deals with the current state of detective activity in Ukraine. The state and private sectors of detective activity in Ukraine have been investigated; possibilities and expediency of its legalization and functioning. A number of bills on the legalization of detective activity were considered; prerequisites for using such services; considered, so to speak – the prototypes of such activities. The experience of foreign countries and the developments of existing Ukrainian agencies are illustrated. The significance of the peculiarities of this type of law enforcement activity is highlighted, its individuality and common practice (like any other type of economic activity) are noted simultaneously. Preliminary conclusions are made about the state of its functioning and the prospects for further development and ways of improving detective activity in Ukraine and the like are outlined.

The future Law should clearly define the subject of detective activity. The principles of providing detective services should be: confidentiality, decency, informing the client about the real prospects of the investigation. The information basis (databases) of detective activity should be outlined: for example, access to the register of individuals and legal entities engaged in entrepreneurial activity; access to separate databases (MIA). Thus, at the pre-trial stage of the investigation, it is necessary to give the opportunity to as many subjects as possible (including detective agencies) – the opportunity to investigate information about the crime and information already received about the crime committed. Such detective agencies are designed to fill the existing gaps in the implementation by other participants of pre-trial proceedings (in particular, defenders) of effective means, methods, and techniques of research. The means (methods, techniques) with the help of which information about the crimes committed are collected.

In our opinion, detective activity has its own separate goals and objectives, its own object and subjects of activity; its own tools that will make detective work as effective and independent as possible, etc.

The functions and tasks of private detectives and private detective agencies should be almost the same as those of law enforcement agencies. When citizens, for some personal reasons, cannot apply to these bodies, their functions will be taken over by private detective agencies.

Key words: detective work, detective firms, detective agencies, detective services, journalistic activity, police authorities, entrepreneurial activity, law enforcement activity, private security activity, security firms, searches.