NOTES ON CRIME DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION

CDI-1: FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION – is an art which deals with the identity and location of the offender and provides evidence
of guilt through criminal proceedings.
INVESTIGATION DEFINED: The collection of facts to accomplish a three-fold aim: a. to identify the guilty party; b. to
locate the guilty party; and c. to provide evidence of his guilt.
PRIMARY JOB OF AN INVESTIGATOR The primary job of the investigator is to discover whether or not an offense has
been committed under the law, after determining what specific offense has been committed, he must discover how it was
committed, by whom, where it was committed, when and why it was committed (Cardinal points of Investigation 5W’s and
1H).
SIX CARDINAL POINTS OF INVESTIGATION
WHAT specific offense has been committed? Nature of crime WHERE crime was committed? Place or location WHEN it
was committed? Time and date WHOM it was committed? Persons/s involved WHY it was committed? Reason or motive
of Committing the crime HOW it was committed? Manner, method or modus operandi
QUALITIES OF A GOOD INVESTIGATOR 1. Perseverance 2. Intelligence 3. Honest 4. Understanding of the people and
environment 5. Keen power of observation
TRAINING Training, as one of the foundations of investigation, is concededly a vital ingredient in the creation of a total
investigator. Experience alone does not make one good investigator. Many who had been hostage to this notion often
ended in jeopardy. The ideal conjugal partnership is training and experience. The fusion of the best training and vast
experience is a formidable force that can threat even the most sophisticated technology and syndicated crimes. The
necessity of training as a purveyor of change builds the investigator’s confidence. It widens his vision for professional
growth and strengthens his will to survive and prevail over crises. The National Forensic Science Training Institute (NFSTI)
under the Philippine Public Safety College is the institution that trains uniformed personnel of the Philippine National
Police to become a certified investigator.
THREE TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION
1. INFORMATION
It is the knowledge/data which an investigator acquired from other persons and records.
Classes of Information
a. Regular Sources – records, files from government and non-government agencies, news items. b. Cultivated Sources –
information gathered upon initiative of the investigator from informants, vendors, taxicab driver, GRO, and others.
c. Grapevine Sources – these are information coming from the underworld characters such as prisoners and ex-convicts. 2.
INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION INTERVIEW – Is a conversation with a purpose, motivated by a desire to obtain
certain information from the person being interviewed as to what was done, seen, felt, heard, tasted, smell or known. This
is the questioning of a person believed to possess knowledge that is in official interest to the investigator.
BASIC ASSUMPTIONS Nobody has to talk to law enforcers. No law compels a person to talk to the police if he does not
want to. Therefore, people will have to be persuaded, always within legal and ethical limits, to talk to law enforcers. This
makes interviewing an art.
I.R.O.N.I.C. FORMAT The interview of a witness can be described by its acronym ‘IRONIC’ which stands for Identity,
Rapport, Opening Statement, Narration, Inquiry, and conclusion. Identity – prior to the commencement of an interview,
the investigator should identify himself to the subject by name, rank and agency. Except, when there is no need to know
the officer’s identity. Rapport – it is good to get the positive feeling of the subject towards the investigators, such friendly
atmosphere is a vital for both the subject and the investigator t have a better interaction. Opening Statement – the
investigator must have to indicate why the subject is being contracted. Narration – the witness should be allowed to tell all
he knows with little interruptions from the investigator. Inquiry – after all information have been given by the subject, that
is the time for the investigator to as question to clarify him about the case under investigation. Conclusions – after the
interview, it is but proper to close the interview with outmost courtesy and thanking the subject for his cooperation.
RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN QUESTIONING a. One question at a time b. Avoiding implied answer c. Simplicity of the
questions d. Saving faces e. Avoid close ended questions (yes or no)
CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION/INVESTIGATION – is the questioning of a law enforcement officer on a person under
custody and otherwise deprived of his freedom or liberty. This is the stage in investigation where there is strict observance
of the Miranda Doctrine.
MIRANDA DOCTRINE – this case which entitled Miranda vs. Arizona, is a US Supreme Court Jurisprudence which laid
down the constitutional rights of the accused during custodial investigation. It was incorporated in our 1973 Constitution
and later in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
3. INSTRUMENTATION
It is the application of instruments and methods of physical science to the detection of crimes. In cases where there are no
significant physical evidence to be found, then the use of instrumentation is relatively unimportant.
PHASES/STAGES OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 1. Identification of criminals 2. Tracing and locating the criminal 3.
Gathering of evidence to prove the guilt of the criminal
1. IDENTIFICATION OF CRIMINALS
METHODS OF IDENTIFYING CRIMINALS a. By confession or admission of the criminal himself b. Identification by
accounts or testimonies of eyewitnesses c. Identification by circumstantial evidence d. Identification by associative
evidence e. Identification by the Method of Operation (Modus Operandi)
CONFESSION – is the direct acknowledgement of guilt arising from the commission of a crime.
Types of Confession
a. Extra-Judicial Confession – those made by the suspect during custodial investigation. b. Judicial Confession – those
made by the accused in open court. The plea of guilt may be during arraignment or in any stage of the proceedings where
the accused changes his plea of not guilty to guilty.
ADMISSION – is a self-incriminatory statement by the subject falling short of an acknowledgement of guilt. It is an
acknowledgement of a fact or circumstances from which guilt maybe inferred. It implicates but does not incriminate. It is
also an acknowledgement that a fact, action or circumstances are true which strongly infer or directly admit guilt but lacks
the detail of the elements of the crime.
RULES TO BE OBSERVED IN TAKING CONFESSION OR ADMISSION 1. Confession or admission must be taken
preferably in writing and under oath 2. It must be written in the language known and understood by the accused, if not it
must be clearly translated 3. It must be freely and voluntary given by the accused

4. Under the New Constitution, it must be taken in the presence of competent and independent counsel chosen by
the accused
KINDS OF CRIMINALS IDENTIFIED BY WITNESSES a. Known criminals b. Unknown criminals
Methods of Identification by witness a. Verbal description b. Photographic files (Rogues Gallery) c. General Photograph d.
Artist sketch (Composite Criminal Illustration)
The value of identification by eyewitness depends on: a. The ability to observe and remember distinct appearance of
suspect; b. Prevailing condition of visibility; c. The lapse of time. What are the procedures of identification by
eyewitness? a. Physical line-up – is a means of selecting a suspect from a group of innocent persons usually composed of
seven to ten persons. The purpose of line-up is to eliminate the power of suggestion. b. Physical show-up – only one
person is shown to the witness usually at the scene of the crime and made immediately after the arrest of the suspect.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE - facts or circumstances from which, either alone or in connection with other facts, the
identity of the person can be inferred.
What must be inferred to prove identity by circumstantial evidence? a. Motive – is what induces the criminal to act b.
Intent –is the result or accomplishment of the act c. Opportunity –is the physical possibility that the suspect could have
committed the crime. It could be inferred from the following: a. The suspect could have been in the vicinity of the crime
scene at the time it was committed. b. Knowledge of the criminal objective. c. Absence of an alibi on the part of the
criminal.
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE TO IDENTIFY CRIMINALS
1. CORPUS DELICTI – is the body of the crime or fact of specific loss or injury sustained. It constitutes the essential parts
or elements in the commission of the crime. 2. ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE – these are the pieces of evidence that will link
the suspect to the crime scene. The suspect may leave some clues at the scene such as weapons, tools, garments or
prints. 3. TRACING EVIDENCE – articles which assist the investigator in locating the criminal. Stolen goods in the
possession of the suspect in an example of tracing evidence.
MODUS OPERANDI – is the method of operation by a specific criminal or criminal syndicate. It is a distinct pattern of how
a crime is committed and is established by a series of crimes under one classification. The modus operandi of one criminal
is distinct and different from the other. It is a criminal trademark, logo or brandname.
plants, as they facilitate positive identification of person entering or leaving the place under and observation. A still or
video camera with telephoto lens can also be used effectively. Agents should take careful notes of what they observe and
should record detailed descriptions of all individuals entering the target. A chronological log is usually the best of recording
pertinent occurrences.
TAILING OR SHADOWING – is the act of following a person, depends on the number of surveillant available, volume of
pedestrian traffic and importance of concealing the surveillance.
METHODS OF SHADOWING a. One man –extremely difficult and should be avoided, if unavoidable keep subject in view
at all times. b. Two man – two agents are employed to follow the subject. c. ABC method – reduces the risk of losing the
subject, affords greater security agents detection. d. Progressive/Leap from method – poor chances of obtaining good
results, agents are stations at a fixed point assuming that subject followed the same general route each day. e. Combined
foot-auto surveillance – employment of surveillants on foot and agents in an automobile.
What are the things that should be avoided during shadowing? a. Don’t meet the eye of the subject b. Don’t adopt a
slinking, sleuthing, creeping manner c. Don’t wear story book disguises d. Don’t carry noticeable items e. Don’t greet fellow
agents f. Don’t make notations ostensibly
How to detect foot surveillance? A subject who is suspicious of being under surveillance may resort to trickery in order to
verify his suspicion. When a subject resort to such trickery, it is good policy to change agents, for the suspect may have
‘spotted’ one or more of his surveillants. a. stopping abruptly and look back b. casually looking around c. reversing
course/retracing steps d. boarding bus and alighting just before they start e. riding short distance on bus f. circling the
block on a taxi g. entering a building and leaving immediately via another exit h. stopping abruptly after turning a corner i.
using convoys j. watching reflection in shop windows k. walking slowly and rapidly at alternate intervals l. dropping a piece
of papers to see if anyone retrieves it m. stopping to tie a shoe string, meanwhile looking around for surveillants n.
arranging with a friend in a shop, stores or other places to watch for surveillants.
How to elude foot surveillance?
Common method to elude foot surveillance in which surveillants must be prepared and guard against are the following: a.
jumping off a bus, trains just as the doors are about to close b. leaving a building through the rear or side exits c. losing one
self in crowds d. entering theaters and leaving immediately through an exit e. pointing out one surveillant to a police to a
generally require the agent to explain his action f. using decoys g. taking the last taxi at a stand h. changing clothing
AUTOMOBILE SURVEILLANCE
The methods of auto surveillance to be used depends upon the numbers and type of surveillance vehicles available, the
volume of vehicular traffic in the area, the importance of concealing the surveillance from the subject, and the subject’s
estimated ability to detect and elude surveillance. At all times each vehicle should be occupied by at least two agents; one
to concentrate on driving, and the other to observe, take notes, operate radio equipment, or to dismount and continue the
surveillance on foot.
How to detect automobile surveillance As in the case of foot surveillance, a subject who believes he is being followed may
resort to trickery in order to verify his suspicions. Some of the common tricks employed: a. Alternate fast and slow driving
b. Driving into dead-end streets c. Frequency parking d. Committing flagrant traffic on one way streets, and running
through red lights e. Stopping suddenly around curves or corners f. Pulling into driveways g. Speeding up a hill, then
coasting slowly down
How to elude automobile surveillance a. Committing traffic violations b. Using double entrances to driveways; in one and
out the other c. Curbing through parking lots d. Driving through congested areas e. Deserting the vehicle behind curves or
corners, but permitting the drivers to drive on as a decoy. UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION – is a form of investigation in
which the investigator assumes a different and unofficial identity in order to obtain information.
DEFINITIONS a. Undercover - an investigative technique in which the Agent’s/Investigator’s official identity is concealed
to accomplish an investigative mission. b. Natural cover - using the individual’s true identity, occupation or profession. c.
Artificial cover - the manufacture of documents, false documents, passports, or forged documents.
d. Establishes the evidence most likely to be encountered; e. Defines the extent of the search area; f. Determines the
personnel and equipment needed and makes specific assignments; and g. From his assessments, he develops a general
theory of the crime scene.
C. Preparation of Narrative Repor t The Team leader uses the systematic approach in making a narrative report.
D. Documentation of the Crime Scene The photographer begins taking photographs as soon as possible. The evidence
collectors do not touch or moved any evidence once it is located until it has been identified, measured and recorded.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE The main objective crime scene photography is to create an accurate objective
visual record of the crime scene before any item ismoved as possible physical evidence.
MAJOR TYPES OF PICTORIAL VIEWS 1. General View or Long-Range – photograph of the over-all scene. Distance: From
the doorway to the room and other corners of the room 2. Mid-Range View Distance: Eight or ten feet from the victim 3.
Close-up View – every physical evidence must be photographed in close-up view and for different angles.
CRIME SCENE SKETCHES A rough sketch is prepared indicating the actual measurement of things with scale and
proportion observed and oriented to the North Pole. All necessary information is placed in the sketch.
ELEMENTS OF SKETCH
a. Measurement b. Compass direction c. Essential items d. Scale and proportion e. Legend f. Title
SPECIFIC KINDS OF SKETCHES a. Sketch of Locality - give picture of the scene, the crime and its environs, including
neighboring buildings, roads, etc. b. Sketch of the Ground - picture of the scene of the crime with its nearest physical
surrounding. c. Sketch in Details – the immediate scene only. d. Exploded/ cross projection – gives the clear impression of
the scene in cases where blood stains or bullet holes are found.
SKETCHING METHODS a. Neighborhood sketch b. Elevation Sketch
c. Floor Plan Sketch d. Detailed Sketch
TYPES OF MEASUREMENTS 1. Rectangular coordinates method – a sketching method that involves measuring the
distance of an object from two fixed lines at right angles to each other. 2. Triangulation method – a sketching method that
requires measuring the distance of an object along a straight line from two widely separated fixed reference points. 3.
Baseline method – a sketching method that makes measurements along from a single reference line, called a baseline,
which can be established by using a length of string, chalk line, or some other convenient means. 4. Compass point
method – a sketching method that requires a protractor or some method of measuring angles between two lines. One
point is selected as the origin and a line extending from the origin becomes an axis from which the angles can be
measured. 5. Cross projection method – a sketching method in which the ceiling appears to open up like a lid of a hinged
box, with the four walls opening outward. Measurements are then indicated from a point on the floor to the wall.
CRIME SCENE SEARCH A crime scene search could only be started after it has been photograph and sketched to
systematically look for physical evidence that may prove useful in establishing that a crime has been committed and to
determine what method of operation the perpetrator may have used.
METHODS OF SEARCH a. Strip or Line Search Method – the searchers will proceed at the same pace along the path
parallel to one side of the rectangle. b. Double Strip or Grid Method – is a combination of the strip search and is useful for
large crime scene. c. Spiral or Circular Method – the searchers will follow each other in the path of a spiral, beginning in the
outside and spiraling towards the center or vice versa in a clockwise or counter clock-wise direction. d. Quadrant of Zone
Method – the area to be searched is divided into four quadrants and each searcher is assigned to one quadrant. e. Wheel,
Radial or Spoke Method – is applicable for area which is considered to be approximately circular or oval. The area is then
divided into six quadrants in a pie- like fashion.
E. Notes Taking Note taking must be a constant activity throughout the processing of the crime scene.Notes must include:
a. Detailed written description of the Crime Scene with locations of recovered physical evidence; b. The time when the
physical evidence was discovered; c. The person who discovered and collected the physical evidence; d. The time when
evidence was packaged and marked; and e. The disposition of the item when it was collected.
F. Collection of Physical Evidence The competence to recognize and properly collect physical evidence is critical to both
solving and prosecuting crimes.