Is the procedural independence of the investigator a myth or a reality?
The article is devoted to problems of the procedural autonomy of the investigator. The author defines terminology scope of the problem, considering various approaches to its understanding and relationship between the concepts of "procedural independence of the investigator and the independence of the investigator". Based on the analysis of the provisions of the criminal procedure law and conducted research in the article reveals a substantial component of procedural autonomy of the investigator. In addition, the author considers the problem of interaction of the investigator with other subjects of the criminal process, highlighting several areas of its activities in this context. On the basis of this analysis, formulates the basic issues arising in the implementation of procedural autonomy of the investigator in criminal procedure practice. In particular, it is concluded that the investigator is deprived of a significant amount of their procedural autonomy in the final, most crucial phase of the investigation. Also, the author formulates the main directions of optimization of activity of the investigator.