STUDY OF ISSUES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL FORENSIC DIAGNOSTICS INTO PRACTICE

Abstract

Aim: To study the prerequisites for the introduction of virtopsy into practice, as the main component of digital forensic 
diagnostics.  
Materials and Methods: In order to conduct research to determine the role of virtual autopsy in forensic examination, an 
effective bank of questions has been created for application, including its comprehensiveness (the issues were discussed 
and approved at the methodological council of 06.10.2023 Protocol No. 1). In order to determine the prerequisites for the 
introduction of virtual autopsy, the Aktobe Interregional Center for Forensic Examinations conducted a study consisting of 
two stages: an online questionnaire and an interview method (focus group) among several specific groups. The answers 
received at two stages were statistically processed in the programs SPSS Statistics 22, graphpad Prism, classified into 
groups based on the similarity of answers, and prerequisites related to the introduction of virtopsy into practice were formed.  
Results: A survey on the introduction of virtual autopsy into practice, conducted among those persons who are not 
related to the production of forensic examination (as recipients of services), showed their full support for the introduction of 
virtual autopsy into practice. As established by the survey, for religious reasons, they are of the opinion that it is necessary to 
carry out the last journey without autopsy and any damage to the corpse. When asked about receiving virtual autopsy 
services on a paid basis, 60% of participants noted that they fully approve, and 29.4% indicated that they partially support. 
According to residents, the introduction of a virtual autopsy will reduce the number of misunderstandings among the 
population. Data conducted with a focus group among law enforcement officers closely associated with forensic medical 
examination showed that 89.3% of the study participants are confident that the introduction of virtual autopsy into practice 
will shorten the time of examination, and 7.2% remained of the opinion that this is due to the complexity of the examination.