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Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia Alexander Bastrykin took part in an international scientific and practical conference devoted to the topic «Forensic science - past, present, future: achievements and perspectives of development» that takes place in Moscow Academy of the Investigative Committee of Russia and is held in conjunction with 65th anniversary of the forensic service of the Committee. The event was also attended by Head of the Department of Forensic Examinations of the O.E.Kutafin Moscow State Law Academy Elena Rossinskaya, Rector of the Russian Academy of Advocacy Gasan Mirzoev, Chairman of the National Association of Investigation Veterans Organization Union of Investigation Veterans Vladimir Dontsov, acting Rector of the Moscow Academy of the Investigative Committee of Russia Anatoly Bagmet and staff members of the educational institution, representatives of the Central Office and of Regional Investigations Directorates and officers of law enforcement bodies of a number of foreign countries.

Delivering his speech, Alexander Bastrykin underlined that during its existence the Investigative Committee reached significant results in development of the forensic service of the Committee: «The service is constantly developing - function of expert forensic science has been institutionalized by law, therefore, we can talk about a new stage of forensics development; we don’t only carry out initial investigative activities but also follow the path of development of our forensic studies. Over 600 experts solve their duty in the Committee and perform forensic and other complex examinations. This approach yielded certain results: in certain regions, one of the major indicators - clearance of grave and especially grave offences - reaches 83-85 per cent».

The Head of the Committee underlined that there is no room for complacency and at present, we are working on ways to use forensic science for increasing efficiency of our work. «It is important to think not only about widely used forensics methods but also of economic, financial and construction research. Today the national projects need support and our officers are to think how the Investigative Committee of Russia can, by detecting of caused and circumstances of crimes including those committed in areas of economics, construction and implementation of national projects, help the government in this important issue defining strategy of development of our country,» Alexander Bastrykin noted.

During the event, the audience asked the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia questions related to relevance of different examinations, including linguistic; organization of regional forensic units; engagement of veterans for assistance to work of young specialists.

The Head of the Committee said that it is necessary to move with the times and to be aware of processes going on in the society. Setting an example of illegal mass actions, calls for violence and other illegal actions, Alexander Bastrykin underlined that the modern experts must be ready to give an impartial assessment to such actions and words. Feasibility of development of forensic methods of investigation into mass riots was also noted.

Alexander Bastrykin explained that the forensics level in regional investigative bodies must be sufficient to organize high-quality forensic surveillance of investigation of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Committee requesting help of officers of the Central Unit in special cases only.

The Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia supported the idea of engaging veterans in helping young professionals in their practical work and explained that this practice is already being implemented in some directorates.

The plenary session also included speeches of the Head of the Main Forensics Directorate (Forensics Centre) Sigmund Lozhis; Head of the Department of Forensic Examinations of the O.E.Kutafin Moscow State Law Academy Elena Rossinskaya; Rector of the Russian Academy of Advocacy Gasan Mirzoev and Chairman of the National Association of Investigation Veterans Organization Union of Investigation Veterans Vladimir Dontsov. Talking about relevance of improving methods of solving of crimes committed in IT area, Alexander Bastrykin instructed his subordinates to develop a special education course on this subject and discuss it during a separate scientific and practical conference.

Concluding his speech, Alexander Bastrykin thanked the audience for the discussion and relevant questions, wished luck to officers of forensic services and noted that «it is necessary to do everything possible for triumph of justice so that the person who committed a crime and trampled on the sense of justice was brought to justice under the law».

Official spokesperson for the Investigative Committee of Russia S. Petrenko