ORGANIZING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MURDER OF A HOSTAGE OR KIDNAPPED PERSON

Abstract

In this article, it has been emphasized that the murders of hostages or
kidnapped persons are characterized by a special public danger, which, in turn,
requires increased attention from law enforcement and judicial authorities. It has
been noted that the pre-trial investigation bodies must intensify their powers to
establish the identity of the criminal, collect evidence sufficient and necessary to
bring the guilty person to criminal responsibility and impose a punishment in
accordance with the degree of his guilt. The features of the organization of the
investigation of the murders of hostages or kidnapped persons have been
determined. It has been found that the features of the organization of the
investigation of the murders of hostages or kidnapped persons are due to the
complex mechanism of committing the specified type of murders, which, in fact,
combines elements of two illegal acts at once – illegal deprivation of liberty or
kidnapping of a person (Article 146 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) or hostage-
taking (Article 147 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and intentional murder
(Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). It has been established that at the
stage of opening criminal proceedings, close interaction begins with rapid
response units, which must penetrate the place of detention of a kidnapped
person or hostage, neutralize criminals and free victims; with psychologists, who
establish contact with criminals, negotiate with them and provide psychological
support for the work of police officers, including during their operational
activities and investigative (search) actions. It has been emphasized that an
important role in ensuring the success of the pre-trial investigation of the
murders of a hostage or kidnapped person is played by the establishment of close
and fruitful cooperation with the media and the public. Forms of using special
knowledge during the investigation of the murders of a hostage or kidnapped
person have been determined.