Andrii Haichenko, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine and Nataliia Tkachenko, the Head of the Office of Expert Support for Justice of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine paid a working visit to Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise.
According to tradition, the visit to Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise began with a historical excursion to the Museum of the Institute. The guests had the opportunity to see unique documents – the findings of the first expert studies of the Cabinet of Scientific and Forensic Expertise at the Prosecutor of the Kyiv Judicial Chamber from 1913, 1914 and 1916. The Museum also presents materials for the study of a man-made catastrophe called “Kurenivka Tragedy”, which occurred in Kyiv on March 13, 1961, when a powerful mudflow from the Babi Yar through a broken dam flooded Kurenivka and resulted in numerous casualties. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to get an idea of the material base used by experts of different generations, prominent figures who were the founders of forensic activity in the territory of modern Ukraine and have made significant contributions to expert work.
After visiting the museum, Oleksandr Ruvin, Director of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, presented to the representatives of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine with statistical data on the overall performance of the Institute in recent years and elaborated on the activities of expert laboratories: Criminalistics Laboratory, Laboratory of Engineering and Technical Research, Laboratory of Automotive, Commodity and Special Research and Laboratory of Economic Research. Particular attention was paid to the work of the Department of Military Expertise and the Department of Psychological Research.
Experts of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise talked about the process of performing a full range of technical research of documents and handwriting research. Opportunities for the work of experts have expanded significantly by using the modern Video Spectral Comparator Foster + Freeman (UK), a modification of the VSC8000.
Separately, it was a question of conducting trasological, ballistic research, weapons research, and military examinations. In 2017, VisionX optical digital microscope was provided to experts of ballistics research. The device is designed to carry out the whole complex of ballistics and trace studies. The microscope combines an optical system built on a revolving principle with a high-quality zoom system. The motorization system allows conducting research with maximum accuracy. The microscope is equipped with a specialized digital camera and software for acquiring images and measuring objects of study. This complex allows bringing the accuracy and evidence of research to the highest level.
The presented material and technical base of the department of materials, substances and products is considered one of the best expert laboratories in Ukraine. Modern instruments and the experience of experts from Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise now allows collaborating with leading European expert laboratories, to represent Ukraine in the international arena. In particular, the findings of research by Ukrainian experts were taken into account during the study of the crash of the Boeing 777 flight MH17.
Attention was also drawn to the asphalt laboratory and studies of the quality and cost of road construction works. Experts from Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise check the conformity of the work performed and the use of materials, asphalt samples are separately selected and further laboratory testing is carried out.
In general, during the presentation of the work of certain structural divisions of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, Andrii Haichenko, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine and Nataliia Tkachenko the Head of the Office of Expert Support for Justice of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, communicated with experts directly at workplaces and discussed current issues as well.
