The author of the article points out that the quality of the investigation of criminal offenses is deteriorating, the number and quality of criminal proceedings reaching the court is declining. Not the least role in this negative trend is the state of special knowledge applying. That is why it is necessary to improve this activity direction.

In the article the author analyzes the historical aspect of special knowledge using while fighting against crime and identifies the following stages of development of such activities: the emergence of forensic knowledge in the ancient world; development of forensic knowledge during the Middle Ages and early modern times; formation of expert criminology as a scientific discipline in modern times.

The first stage is characterized by inconsistency in applying special knowledge while fighting against crime, an attempt to develop certain methods of crimes detecting. Often, these techniques were based on person’s psychophysiological reactions, using the knowledge of a person obtained through the usual activities not related to the investigation and crime prevention.

The second stage is characterized by the emergence of forensic knowledge, the creation of areas of forensic research, especially in the medical field and in the field of document research, as at that time was widespread concealment of murders using toxic substances and counterfeiting banknotes, bills, wills, etc.

The third stage is characterized by the formation of forensic science as a scientific discipline, the use of special expert knowledge not only in order to investigate crimes, but also while carrying out activities related to their prevention. This stage is characterized by the start of systematization of expert’s scientific, special knowledge in these areas, the transition from church to social paradigm of crime, outlining the requirements for legislation as acts that protect the population, not its ruling elite.

In future, the development of criminology as a science becomes more systematic, forensic schools are created, that develop certain methods of using special knowledge, generalize them and implement them in the practice of law enforcement agencies.

Key words: special knowledge, crime, dactyloscopy, photography, forensic examination, fighting against crime.

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