The article examines the issues of periodization of pre-trial investigation of criminal offenses related to interference with the activities of public authorities. The author substantiates the need to distinguish four stages of pre-trial investigation: initial, initial, subsequent and final. The author identifies the features and tasks of each of them, and focuses on the specifics of organizational, procedural and tactical actions at each stage of the proceedings. Particular attention is paid to the problems of latency of such offenses, difficulties in recording primary information, and attempts of external interference with the investigation process, especially at its final stage. The author emphasizes the importance of interaction between investigators, operational units and other entities as a key condition for an effective procedural response. The proposed periodization makes it possible to ensure the systematic and tactical flexibility of pre-trial investigation, which is particularly relevant in cases of criminal offenses against public authorities.