Influence of the Digitalization Process on the Transformation of the Competence of a Forensic Scientist

The article considers digital footprints as objects of various kinds (types) of forensic examinations. Based on the analysis, the author reasonably concludes that the specificity of digital traces necessitates the development of basic knowledge by experts in the field of working with electronic and digital media.The thesis is substantiated that today virtually every expert should possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to work with electronic and digital media, since otherwise it is not possible to ensure the safety and immutability of the object submitted for examination. According to the results of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that the realities of modern investigative and judicial practice determine the need for experts of various kinds (types) to acquire competence to work with electronic and digital media, the implementation of which is possible both within the framework of mastering the Federal State Educational Standard for Higher Education in the specialty “Forensic Examination”, and by improving the skills of existing experts within the framework of additional professional training education.