Kostiantyn Lahoda, the Head of Kropyvnytskyi Branch and experts from the Department of Commodity, Engineering and Economic Research took part in a round table discussion on the topic: “Inspections of the activity of certified forensic experts of non-state specialized expert institutions”.
The meeting was held on the basis of the Main Territorial Department of Justice in Kirovohrad oblast, with the participation of Vadym Hutsul, the Head of the Department of Justice, as well as the management employees and certified forensic experts of non-state specialized expert institutions.
There were submitted general questions for consideration related to the implementation of expert activity by certified forensic experts of non-state specialized institutions and the protection of experts in conducting expert examinations in court proceedings.
Kostiantyn Lahoda, the Head of the Kropyvnytskyi Branch noted that, based on the latest conditions for the development of the state and the demands of society, the reform of the judicial system are being implemented in the country. In addition, the reform of law enforcement bodies and justice is actively being carried out and it already has positive consequences and public approval.
“In the context of the reform of the justice bodies, the Minister of Justice of Ukraine announced the implementation of the reform of the expert activity. Currently, the relevant issue is already under consideration,” said Konstantin Lahoda.
The Head of Kropyvnytskyi Branch of KFI also familiarized the participants with the order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated April 26, 2017 No. 1420 / 5 “On Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated October 08, 1998 No. 53/5” according to which Kirovohrad, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblsts are service area of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise.
Kropyvnytskyi Branch of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise was established in the Kirovohrad oblast in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated June 30, 2017 No. 2065 / 5. Currently, the specialists of the branch provide 15 types of expertise in different areas. In the future it is expected to expand the range of expertise and expert studies.
During the roundtable, Viktor Poltavets, the leading forensic expert, Iryna Shevchenko, the senior forensic expert and Olena Liashenko, the senior forensic expert reported the results of earlier reviews conducted within the framework of the audit of certified forensic experts of non- state specialized expert institutions. Discussion of the results of the review was held, the speakers drew attention to the identified characteristic shortcomings and general observations.
At the suggestion of Vadym Hutsul, the Head of the Main Territorial Department of Justice in the Kirovohrad oblast, the participants of the event considered the issues of protection of experts during the examination in the court process. The point was that the forensic expert, like any other person, could, if necessary, turn to the experts of the Justice Department with a view to obtaining primary legal assistance.
At the end of the round table, the participants have decided to start a similar event on an ongoing basis. In the future, the format of communication will be expanded by inviting more participants, employees of relevant departments to participate. Holding round tables, seminars, briefings and meetings to discuss topical forensic issues will contribute to promote the development of the forensics.
