Workload of National Police Investigators Amid War
Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, has detailed the efforts of National Police investigators during the ongoing conflict. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, law enforcement officers have been processing close to 2.3 million criminal proceedings, underscoring an immense burden on the force. On average, each investigator is managing roughly 280 cases simultaneously—one of the highest caseloads in the justice system. The strain is especially severe in the Kirovohrad, Poltava, and Odesa regions, as well as the city of Kyiv.
Throughout the armed aggression, National Police investigators have documented over 222,000 war crimes committed by the Russian Federation. Klymenko emphasized that this documentation takes place under constant threat of renewed enemy attacks.
“This workload is among the heaviest in the law enforcement system. Despite this, investigators continue to deliver uninterrupted, high-quality work even in the most challenging conditions,” said Ihor Klymenko.
Key Responsibilities of Investigators
Investigators carry out critical tasks, including:
- inspecting crime scenes
- commissioning expert examinations
- interviewing witnesses
- evaluating different leads
- recording war crimes
- documenting the aftermath of hostile shelling
- engaging with victims of Russian terror
Tragically, during the full-scale war, the National Police has lost 13 investigators who were killed as a result of enemy attacks.
“Eternal memory to each of them. The remembrance of our fallen colleagues is a stark reminder that an investigator’s service in wartime has long moved beyond desk work,” Klymenko stated.
Gratitude is extended to all personnel in the National Police investigative units for their professionalism, resilience, and principled work in uncovering the truth.
As the conflict continues, the role of National Police investigators is vital for recording war crimes and upholding justice. They now perform their duties at great personal risk, highlighting their heroism and dedication. The acknowledgment of losses among investigators also reminds the public of the price law enforcement officers pay in the pursuit of justice during wartime.