Module 1
present.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
• It is an art which deals with identifying and locating
of offenders and provide evidences of his/her guilt
through criminal proceedings.
• It refers to a person who is charged with the duty of
carrying the objectives of criminal investigation.
• The primary job of an investigator is to determine
whether the crime is committed under law.
QUALITIES OF GOOD INVESTIGATOR
• PERSEVERE
• INTELLIGENT
• HONEST
• UNDERSTANDING OF THE PEOPLE AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
• KEEN POWER OF OBSERVATION AND
ACCURATE DESCRIPTION
DEDUCTIVE REASONING
• It forms a general conclusion PRIOR to have a
complete explanation based on facts.
• From general to specific
INDUCTIVE REASONING
It forms a general conclusion AFTER further investigation and
evidence gathering.
From specific to general
NINE GOLDEN RULES OF INVESTIGATION
• Identify, and if possible, retain for questioning the
person who first notified the police.
• Determine the perpetrator by direct inquiry or
observe him, if his identity is immediately apparent.
• Detain all persons present at the scene, if possible.
• Summon assistance, if necessary.
• Safeguard the area by issuing appropriate orders and
by physically isolating it
• Subsequently, permit only authorized persons to enter
the area.
• Separate witnesses in order to obtain independent
statements.
• Do not touch or move any object until taken
photograph.
• Definitely assign duties of the search if assistant are
BASIC ELEMENTS OF INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
• Recognition
• Collection
• Preservation
TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION
• Information
– It is the knowledge which the prober
gathered and acquired from other persons.
• Interrogation- is a skilful questioning of a person
under custodial investigation. Its main purpose is to
obtain a confession and to come to the objective
truth, or other critical information about the crime,
from an interviewed suspect, who is subject of
interrogation.
• Interview
Is conducted to elicit evidence or information from a person
(i.e., witness, victim, complainant or suspect) during the
process of an investigation. Investigative interviews conducted
by police can vary greatly in purpose, scope and content.
• Interviews are used in an investigation to gather
information — objective facts — by asking open-
ended questions and allowing the witness to supply
the evidence. ... 
• Interrogations, on the other hand, are designed to
extract confessions where police already have other
concrete evidence connecting the suspect to the crime
• Instrumentation
• it is the application of instruments and
physical science to the detection of crime. It
is otherwise known as Criminalistics.
SKECTH
• It is the diagram of the crime scene that supplement
to the photographs by portraying the accurate
measurement of objects in the crime scene. It must be
presented in logical and methodically manner.
RULES ON SKETCHING
• Include only essential details which are relevant to
the case.
• Keep it simple.
• Be complete.
• Show directional points.
 • Include measurements and stationary objects as
reference points.

TYPES OF SKETCHES

• Sketch of Locality

KINDS OF SKETCHES

• Rough Sketch – made at the crime scene

• Sketch of Ground

• Smooth Sketch – made for court presentation

• Cross Projection

PHOTOGRAPHS

• It is used to preserve the crime scene permanently

through film and synthetic paper. It shows the
relationship of various objects of evidence to another.

TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS

• Over All Photographs

 • Attack Scene and Its Surroundings COURT ROLES:

• Photographs of the Evidences – it should be taken 1. PLAINTIFF- accuser; could be the government or a
first without marks and with marks on the other hand. person, or a business
2. DEFENDANT- accused party; could be the
HOT CASE government or a person, or a business
• It is the violation of law that has been unearthed or 3. PROSECUTOR- lawyer of accuser
discovered and the suspects or the witnesses to the 4. DEFENCER- lawyer of accused
case are still emotionally upset or excited. 5. Misdemeanor 
COLD CASE 6. is a less serious crime than
It is a dormant case where a suspect or witness has the luxury a felony. Misdemeanors usually involve jail time,
or ample time to mull over the ramifications of the case and to smaller fines, and temporary punishmen
put their ability or defense or otherwise for the subjective 7. Felonies are the most serious crimes you can commit
impression of the case. and have long jail or prison sentences, fines, or
permanent loss of freedoms. Punishable by RPC

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

- The lawful search for people and things to reconstruct

the circumstances of an illegal act, apprehend or
determine the guilty party, and aid in the state’s
prosecution of the offender(s).

DEDUCTIVE VS. INDUCTIVE REASONING

DEDUCTIVE- the drawing of conclusions from logically

related events or observations.
Module 2
INDUCTIVE- the making of inferences from apparently
• By the end of this lecture you will be able to know: separate observations or pieces of evidence.

• What is Crime? THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

• Modus Operandi and Its Categories - Formulate a question worthy of investigation.

- Formulate a reasonable hypothesis to answer the
• Crime Scene Processing question.
- Test the hypothesis through experimentation
• 7 S of Crime Scene Investigation
- Upon validation of the hypothesis, it becomes
• Physical Evidence suitable as scientific evidence.

• Kinds of Physical Evidence MODUS OPERANDI

• Methods of Search - Major General Llewely Atcherly devises the first

modus operandi file. It is a human nature that
• Chain of Custody personal habit and mannerism do not change easily
but remains with the individual for years. It signifies
• Special Crime Investigation and It’s phases
the method of operation or the distinct manner of
and Elements
how crimes are committed by known criminals.
• Responsibilities of Special Investigator
MOTIVE
WHAT IS CRIME?
- It refers to the reason that impels a person to commit
CRIME- an offense against the public at large, proclaimed in a criminal act for definite result.
law and punishable by a governing body.
INTENT
CRIMINAL LAW- the body of law that, for the purpose of
- concerned with their willingness to carry out specific
preventing harm to society defined what behavior is criminal
actions related to the offense
and prescribes the punishment to be imposed for such
behavior.
 - Determine if the location is a primary crime scene
(where the crime occurred), or a secondary location
(such as where a body was moved)
4. SEEING THE SCENE
- Take photos including close-up pictures with and
without rulers for scale.
5. SKETCHING THE SCENE
- Drawn to scale
- All objects should be measured from two immovable
objects
- Direction of North should be included
- Scale of drawing, date, and location should be
included.
6. SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE
- Tools such as flashlights, UV lights or vacuums may
CATEGORIES OF MODUS OPERANDI be used.
- Investigators walk patterns to avoid missing
• Description of the Criminal
anything.
• Nature of Target 7. SECURING AND COLLECTING EVIDENCE
- Liquids and arson remains are stored in airtight,
• Observation of the Crime Scene unbreakable containers.
- Biological evidence is placed in a breathable
• Motive of the Criminal
container to dry.
• Time of Commission - After drying, biological evidence is transferred to a
paper bindle and sealed in a bag.
• Human Peculiarities
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
• Manner of Commission
- It comprises all objects and materials in connection
THE CRIME SCENE with an investigation that are instrumental in
discovering the facts. It can prove that the crime has
- It is the location which a suspected criminal offense
been committed or establish the element of a
has occurred. It is considered as the most important
crime(e.g. in rape, torn clothing indicates non –
phase of investigation. it focuses on the search of
consent); in contact with the victim(e.g. in robbery,
evidences.
the fruit of the crime(; establish the identity of the
CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION suspect (e.g. latent prints) exonerate the innocent(thru
laboratory examination of the evidences); corroborate
INVOLVES: the victim’s testimony; lead to admission/confession;
- Forming a hypothesis of the sequence of events from more reliable than the statement of the witness &
before the crime was committed through its provide useful information.
commission. LOCARD’S PRINCIPLE
THE SEVEN S’s OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE
1. SECURING THE SCENE
- Responsibility of the first offender
- Restricts entrance to scene
- Starts log of all person entering
- May send for additional experts or officers
2. SEPARATE AND QUESTION THE WITNESSES
- When did the crime occur?
- Who called it?
- Who is the victim?
- Can the perpetrator be identified?
- What did you see happen?
- Where were you when you observed the crime scene?
3. SCANNING THE SCENE
- Determine where photos should be taken
LOCARD’S EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE
- When a person comes in contact with an object or
another person, material can be transferred.
- More intense interactions result in greater exchange
- Transferred material is known as trace evidence.
TYPES OF EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE
DIRECT CIRCUMSTANTIAL
PHYSICAL BIOLOGICAL
DIRECT EVIDENCE- First hand observations ex: eyewitness
accounts, video, etc.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE- Indirect physical or
biological evidence that can link a person to a crime, but don’t
directly prove a guilt.
Physical ex: bullets, weapons, fibers, tool marks, etc
Biological examples: body fluids, hair, plant parts, etc.
CLASS EVIDENCE- narrows an identity to a group of
persons or things example: paint chip from a blue 1987 Toyota
INDIVIDUAL EVIDENCE- narrows an identity to a single
person ex: DNA sample
KINDS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:
• CORPUS DELICTI
– These are the objects/substances that are
essentials to the body of the crime.
• ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE
– It links the suspect to the crime scene or
offense.
• TRACING EVIDENCE
– It assists the investigator in locating the
suspect.
Organization and Procedures for Search Operations
• Preparation
1. Evaluate the current legal ramifications of crime
scene searches (e.g., obtaining of search warrants).
2. Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel
before arrival at scene, if possible.
3. Select, when feasible, person-in-charge prior to
arrival at scene.
4. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel
— do not be caught unprepared when encountering a
potentially dangerous scene or inclement weather —
examples are:
– Clothing
Transportation
– Communication
Food/Shelter
– Lighting assistance
Equipment
– Medical assistance
– Scene security
5. Organize communication with services of an
ancillary nature (e.g., medical examiner, prosecutive
attorney) in order that questions which surface during
crime scene search may be resolved. Take steps to
organize a "command post" headquarters for
communication, decision-making, etc., in
major/complicated investigations.
Basic Stages in a Search
1. Approach scene Secure and protect scene
2. Initiate preliminary survey/determine scene boundaries
3. Evaluate physical evidence possibilities
4. Prepare narrative description
5. Depict scene photographically
6. Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
7. Conduct detailed search
8. Record and collect physical evidence
9. Conduct final survey
10 Release crime scene
METHODS OF SEARCH OF EVIDENCE
• STRIP METHOD - requires that crime scene
personnel walk a path from one end of the crime
scene, over to the other side of the room or area, and
then return in the direction from which he or she first
started. Every lap brings the investigator closer to the
center of the room or space being searched.
• DOUBLE STRIP METHOD- Grid Method (two
parallel strip): It is just like the strip method; the only
difference is that two strips are considered to form
a grid. Again, only two people can do
the searching walking through on separate strips and
then will switch their strips for the more accuracy.

• SPIRAL METHOD - the investigator move in an inward
outward spiral from the center to the boundary of a
scene.
• WHEEL METHOD- the use of several crime scene
personnel or searchers. Starting in the middle of an
imaginary circle, each investigator moves in a
direction straight out from the center, or "hub" of
the wheel, much like the spokes of a bicycle wheel
• ZONE METHOD- The Zone or Quadrant search is
a method in which the crime scene is divided into
smaller sections and team members are assigned
to search each section. Those sections can be
subdivided into smaller sections for smaller teams
to search thoroughly
Search Patterns
Spiral Search Wheel Search
Search Patterns
CHAIN OF CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE
• It is the list of persons who handled the evidence. The
gap in the custody results to the inadmissibility of
such evidence in court proceedings.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY- a list of all persons who came into
possession of an item of evidence
CONTINUITY of possession, or the chain of custody, must be
established whenever evidence is presented in court as an
exhibit.
This means that every person who handled or examined the
evidence and where it is at all times must be accounted for.
Maintaining a chain of custody log is essential to present
credible evidence in court
1. Bag the evidence ; Add identification; seal it; sign it
across the sealed edge
2. Sign over to a lab technician; open bag on non-sealed
edge
3. Return items to the evidence bag; seal evidence bag
in another bag; sign the evidence log
Zone Search

SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION
• It is the investigation of cases that are unique and
often require special training to fully understand its
broad significance.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR
• Determine whether the crime has been committed.
• Verify jurisdiction.
• Discover all facts and collect physical evidence.
• Recovery of stolen property.
• Identifying the perpetrators.
• Locate and apprehend the perpetrators.
• Aid in the prosecution of perpetrator.
• Testify effectively in court.
PHASES OF SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION
• 1. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
– It is the first exposure of the criminal
offense to the investigation effort.
12 COMMON AREAS OF INFORMATION
• Witness to the crime
• Name of the suspect
• Location of the suspect
• Description of the suspect
• Identification of the suspect
• Identification of the suspect’s vehicle
• Stolen property can be traceable
• Suspect method of operation
• Physical evidence present
• Report of a trained technician
• Conclusion of a normal investigative effort
• Opportunity in the commission of the crime
2. IN – DEPTH INVESTIGATION
– It starts with the general examination of all
facts. Leads and other types of information
secured during preliminary investigation.
• Inquiries in IN – DEPTH INVESTIGATION
A. CRIME SCENE
• Familiarization of localities and other details.
• Search for physical evidence.
• Location of victims and witnesses.
• Verification of physical evidences and suspect,
victim and witnesses.
B. COORDINATION OF DOCUMENTS
• Local and national agencies
 • Modus operandi files

• Examining filed interviews and interrogation

C. GATHERING OF INVESTIGATIVE LEADS

• Criminal informants

• Non – criminal informants

• Neighbourhood search for witnesses

• Utilization of media

D. APPLICATION OF CRIMINALISTICS

• Transportation of evidence

• Accounting of examination requested

• Arranging of expert criminalistics

E. CONCLUDING INVESTIGATION

• It is the direct outgrowth of investigation

3. PREPARATION FOR TRIAL

-Review of legality of arrest, evidences and admission or

confession.

-Legal requirements of victims and witnesses.

-Review and compile of all notes.

-Arrangement of all expert witness testimony.

ELEMENTS OF SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION

1. INITIAL INVESTIGATION – it is the responsibility

of the patrol officers.

2. CASE SCREENING – determine whether unsolvable

or recommend further investigation.

3. CONTINUING INVESTIGATION – the

coordination with the patrol officers.

4. POLICE – PROSECUTION RELATIONS –

coordination and comparison

5. INVESTIGATIVE MONITORING SYSTEM – It is

set up to give administrators continues feedback on
the investigative process and the quality of personnel
performance.