Criminalist – who is this and where can one learn this profession in Ukraine.

Ukraine has many reputable professions, including that of a criminalist. But where exactly can one become a criminalist in Ukraine, and who can pursue this profession? One must understand what a criminalist is and how they work. 

The profession of a criminalist has a high status and a high salary, but it is also associated with numerous responsibilities. 

Essentially, criminalistics is a science that studies methods for solving crimes, analyzes evidence, and establishes facts that assist investigative work. Criminalists are key individuals in this field, as their work helps justice find the truth and hold the guilty accountable. This profession requires attention, analytical thinking, and mastery of specialized research methods for evidence.

Who is a criminalist?

A criminalist is a specialist who deals with the investigation of evidence in criminal cases. They analyze the crime scene, collect and examine evidence such as fingerprints, DNA traces, ballistic materials, and other physical objects. Criminalists can work in law enforcement agencies, forensic institutions, or private laboratories.

In 2025, it is possible to become a criminalist in Ukraine; however, one must go through education, internships, and acquire professional skills. A criminalist engages in solving crimes, collecting evidence, and analyzing it to determine the truth in criminal cases. In our country, there are several universities where one can obtain training in law or criminalistics.

The main step to obtaining the profession of a criminalist is obtaining a higher education. With demand for such specialists, one can find a job in law enforcement agencies and private companies dealing with security and investigations. To work in law enforcement, one must pass a competition and obtain permission for access to state secrets.

Another important step is the internship, which allows for practical experience in solving criminal cases and using specialized equipment for securing evidence, such as fingerprint collection and forensic examination.

Analytical skills, attention to detail, the ability to work with documents, and collaboration with other professionals such as investigators and prosecutors are also essential for successful work. Criminalistics requires continuous updating of knowledge due to new technologies and investigative methods.

In summary, in 2025, it is possible to become a criminalist in Ukraine if one is willing to learn and work hard and possesses the necessary skills and desire to help solve crimes.

What does a criminalist do and what functions do they have?

A criminalist has many various tasks that must be learned through special training. 

Criminalists perform the following tasks:

• Investigation of the crime scene - analyzing physical evidence and determining the sequence of events.

• Collection and examination of evidence - working with biological materials, chemical substances, electronic data.

• Ballistic expertise - analyzing weapons, bullets, and other traces of shots.

• Forensic expertise - examining injuries and determining the cause of death.

• Document analysis - analyzing handwriting, signatures, banknotes, and official documents to uncover forgeries.

• Collaboration with police and courts - preparing findings and testifying in court.

This is a complex job, and depending on changes in legislation, new responsibilities may arise for criminalists. 

How does one become a criminalist and where can one study in Ukraine and abroad?

To become a criminalist, one must acquire relevant training in the fields of 'Law Enforcement', 'Forensic Expertise', 'Criminalistics', or 'Forensic Medicine'. In our country, one can study at the following institutions:

• National Academy of Internal Affairs (NAVS) - one of the leading institutions for the training of criminalists.

• Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv - specialty in 'Forensic Expertise'.

• Lviv State University of Internal Affairs - Department of Criminalistics.

• Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs - training of expert criminalists.

Abroad, the following options are popular:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (USA) - courses and training programs for criminalists.

• University of Leicester (UK) - programs for forensic expertise.

• Berlin University (Germany) - specialized courses in criminalistics.

However, it is important to note that there is war in Ukraine, which can impact studies and acquiring higher education. Caution is advised. 

Additionally, one can find a job as a criminalist on the website , where job offers for criminalists are published. 

How much can one earn?

A criminalist's salary depends on experience, workplace, and qualifications. In Ukraine, the salary can start at an average level, while experienced specialists earn more. In private laboratories and international companies, the salary can be significantly higher.

Advantages and disadvantages of the profession

This profession has many advantages but also some disadvantages. Advantages include:

• High significance of the work - criminalists help to uphold justice.

• Career opportunities - one can become an international expert.

• Working with cutting-edge technology - applying contemporary analysis methods.