Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

Article provides analysis of terms «search» and «tracing» as essential components of crime detection process. Key characteristics (features) common for both analyzed phenomena are determined (integrated in the context of crime detection process). A number of specifying characteristics is identified including primacy (exploratory nature), focus on information (procedural and non-procedural) required for investigation of crimes, awareness-raising and tactical potential of collected data (collection of data itself is not completing the process but provides a sustainable foundation for further investigative actions to be taken and vice versa – any search result is basically completion of tasks defined by investigative actions (e.g. establishment of a case prioritized by criminal proceeding).