Issues of Forensic Experts Training and Their Advanced Training in Ukraine

Abstract

An evaluation is made regarding the current state of the training process for state forensic experts, as well as private forensic experts who operate independently outside the state specialized expert institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. The article analyzes current legislation and recent amendments concerning the training of individuals intending to acquire forensic expert qualifications or re-certify existing qualifications, emphasizing the verification of the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities mandated by regulatory acts in Ukraine. Furthermore, the specialist training process within the expert institutions of the Ministry of Justice is critically examined alongside common issues arising during the instruction of both state and private experts. A primary challenge identified is the significant workload of training supervisors, who must balance teaching duties with their primary administrative and operational functions, leading to a lack of time, methodological resources, and motivation for effective instruction.

Special attention is given to recent legislative changes transferring the responsibility for training private forensic experts on theoretical, organizational, and procedural matters of forensic examination to the Institute of Law and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. The author considers this step to be a crucial milestone in reforming expert training within the Ministry's system.

The article also addresses ways to refine the expert training process, highlighting the need to establish unified methodological standards, develop a comprehensive educational framework, and create optimal learning conditions. Specific methodological recommendations are offered to improve forensic expert training, culminating in the proposal to establish a unified educational and methodological center based at the Institute of Law and Postgraduate Education of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine