CLASSIFICATION OF TATTOOS AND THE DIRECTION OF THE USE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THEM IN FORENSIC PRACTICE

The article discusses the concepts of tattoo, developed in the humanities and forensics. The conclusion is made about the significance of both permanent and temporary tattoos for the establishment of a person and his search. Outlines existing in the scientific literature views on the nature and technology of making tattoos. Classifications of tattoos developed by scientists in various branches of scientific knowledge are given. The thesis is formulated that the existing classifications of tattoos do not take into account the emerging technologies of their application, the existing stylistic diversity. The author's classification of tattoos is given, within which they are considered according to the technology and application technique: traditional, 3D tattoos, flash tattoos, mehendi, bio tattoos; according to the degree of stability: permanent and temporary; by color: single color, multi color, invisible; by position: located on open parts of the body, located on closed areas of the bodies; in size: small, medium and large; in the form of expression: in the form of symbols, letters, numbers, text, picture, or their various combinations; by thematic focus: religious, love (erotic), historical, fantastic (fantasy), sports (fan), tattoos in anime styles, cybernetic, etc. Describes ethnic types of tattoos, made in Polynesian, Japanese, Celtic, Scythian, Slavic, Indian, Native American, Scandinavian, Arabic styles. We consider the main methods of tattoo removal, as well as traces that remain on the body as a result of their use. Denotes the main problems associated with the fixation of information about tattoos in search documents, materials of criminal cases and the use of this information in forensic practice and ways to effectively address them.