Teaching criminalistics in Estonian higher education institutions

As crime becomes increasingly international in nature, the need for cooperation between investigative authorities of different countries in solving such crimes also grows. One of the prerequisites for smooth and effective cooperation is uniform training in criminalistics, or at the very least, an understanding of the training received by investigators and prosecutors in partner countries. This article is not a legal research study but a review that outlines the development of criminalistics education in Estonian universities following the restoration of independence, with particular attention to the integration of innovative instruments and technologies into the teaching process. The article also briefly touches on the COVID-19 period, which necessitated a shift to remote and virtual learning, and discusses the impact this has had on current teaching practices.