Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

Article analyzes topical issues connected to search of data regarding the material objects (objects of special operative interest), simultaneously presented as objects of operative units’ search activity. Definition and scientific justification is provided for classification of objects of operative units’ search activity as a process aimed at detection of persons and facts as objects of special operative interest. It is noted that search activity comprises two elements: stage of any cognitive activity; organization system with specific legal nature, grounds and principles. As an organization system it is characterized by some special features distinguishing it from other operative activities, including structured division of its areas: search of persons who prepare, commit or have already committed a crime; search of items and documents which may prove the fact of crime preparation or commission. It is concluded that not all items and documents are the objects of search activity – only those which may be fixed and used in further pre-trial investigation; regarding persons as objects of search activity – the abovementioned categories do not strictly present persons who are of special operative interest but gain this status only if specific features are combined (allowing to define a relevant category) and search features of specific crimes. Article presents grounds for consideration of theoretical basis of operative search as means for collection of data regarding objects of search activity with use of dialectic approach.