CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE

WHAT IS
EVIDENCE?
Revised Rules on Evidence
Rule 128 Section 1

• Evidence defined:
Evidence is the means, sanctioned
by these rules, of ascertaining in a
judicial proceeding the truth
respecting a matter of fact.
 To prove that a crime has been committed or establish
key elements of the crime.

Importance To link a suspect with the victim or with the crime scene

of Evidence To establish the identity of persons associated with a

crime

To exonerate the innocent

To corroborate victim’s testimony

To induce suspect to make admissions, or even confess

To identify property or contraband connected with a

crime
LEGAL CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

Ability to Establish a Fact in Dispute of an Direct Evidence - It is that which proves

Evidence. the fact in dispute without the aid of any
inference or presumption. The evidence
presented corresponds to the precise or
actual point at issue.
 CIRCUMSTANCIAL

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THE PROOF OF FACT OR FACTS FROM WHICH, TAKEN EITHER SINGLY OR COLLECTIVELY, THE EXISTENCE OF
(INDIRECT EVIDENCE). A PARTICULAR FACT IN DISPUTE MAY BE INFERRED AS A NECESSARY OR PROBABLE CONSEQUENCE.
HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING REQUISITES MUST BE PRESENT BEFORE A CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE WILL
BECOME SUFFICIENT FOR CONVICTION
 There is more than one
circumstance;

The facts from which the

CIRCUMSTANCIAL inferences are derived are proven;
and

The combination of all the

circumstances is such as to
produce a conviction beyond
reasonable doubt.
 1. Prima Facie Evidence - This evidence suffices for the proof of
a particular fact until contradicted by other evidence.
Standing alone
• Ex: Possessing of Picklock for robbery or be contradicted if
Degree of Value in facts presented (for your subject)

Establishing a
Disputed Fact of an
Evidence
2. Conclusive Evidence - This evidence is incontrovertible or
one which the law does not allow to be contradicted. It is
insurmountable evidence.
• Ex: DNA – di pwedeng kontrahin
 (present another evidence)
3. Corroborative Evidence - This evidence is of different
kind and character as that already given and tends to
prove the same proposition.
Testimonial or Documentary (CCTV)

4. Cumulative Evidence - This evidence is of the same kind

and character as that already given and tends to prove the
same proposition.
• EX: Several eyewitnesses presented (all Testimonial)
 1. Primary or Best Evidence - This evidence affords the greatest certainty
of the fact in question.
Now: Original Document – Only the original will be accepted

Weight and
Acceptability of
an Evidence. 2.primary
Secondary or Substitutionary Evidence - This evidence is inferior to
evidence and admissible only in the absence of the latter. Ex:
Photocopy
 1. Object Evidence (Physical Evidence) - This evidence is
addressed to the senses of the court and is capable of
being exhibited to be examined or viewed by the court.
This is also known as Autoptic Evidence or Real Evidence.
• Ex: Knife

Nature of an
Evidence
2. Documentary Evidence - This refers to evidence
supplied by written instruments or derived from
conventional symbols and letters by which ideas are
represented for material substances (Texts in Cellphone)
 Category of Physical Evidence
1. Associative Evidence – Pieces of evidence which links a person to crime.
Ex: Weapon, tools, garments or foot impression, broken headlights in hit-and-run
cases.

2. Tracing Evidence – may assist the investigator in locating the suspect.

EX: Blood stains , physician’s record showing medical treatment of suspect for
injuries sustained in an encounter.
 Biological and Transient Evidence
1. Biological Evidence – It is an evidence that can be tested through DNA
mapping and other profiling methods.

2. Transient Evidence- evidence that by its nature can be easily changed or lost.
Ex: Temperature, odor, blood in the rain.
 WHAT IS CORPUS DELICTI?

Used to describe physical or

material evidence that a
crime has been committed
Latin for body of the crime.
such as the corpse of a
murder victim or the cleaned
of the torched building.
1.Testimonial Evidence - This evidence is either verbal or oral. It is an evidence which consists of the
narration or deposition by one who has observed or has personal knowledge of that to which he is
testifying.

Ordinary Witness and Expert Witness

2. Positive Evidence - This evidence exists if the witness affirms that a fact did or did not occur, it is
entitled to greater weight since the witness represents his personal knowledge about the presence or
absence of a fact.

3. Negative Evidence - This evidence exists if the witness states the he did not see or know of the
occurrence of a fact and there is total disclaimer of personal knowledge.
 Kinds of Testimonial Evidence

1. Ordinary Witness – any

2. Expert – A person
person who perceived the
whose testimony based
commission of a crime
on his training and
and testified before the
experience. Ex: Physician
court
 WHAT IS DEPOSITION?

It is a testimony taken
orally with an attorney Generally taken under
asking questions and the oath, often signs
deponent (the individual affidavits attesting the Deposition is a
being questioned) accuracy of the testimonial Evidence
answering while a court subsequent printed
reporter or tape recorder transcript.
(or sometimes both)
records the testimony.
Quality of an Evidence.
1. Relevant Evidence
Evidence is relevant if it has relation to the fact in issue as to induce belief in
its existence or non-existence. Must have logical relation.
• EX: Shooting Incident (Firearm) Irrelevant: Shabu

2.Material Evidence.
This evidence tends to prove the fact in issue and is determined by the rules
of substantive law or the Rules of Court.
(May gustong patunayan – X Testifies the killing of Y) Immaterial: saw buying
firearm
COMPETENT EVIDENCE
is not excluded by the Rules, Statutes of the Constitution.
-katanggap-tanggap na evidence

Ex: Shooting evidence – CCTV footage (no law prohibit to pass this kind of evidence
Incompetent – Wire-Tap

Admissible Evidence
Evidence is admissible if it is relevant to the issue and is not excluded by the Rules of
Court.

Credible Evidence.
Evidence is credible if it is not only admissible evidence but also believable and used by
the court in deciding cases.
 THE
CRIME
SCENE
 First Responders
Incident proceed to the
crime scene
SUMMARY

Investigator on-case
Conduct of SOCO by
arrived at the crime
Crime Lab
scene

Investigator on-case
Check Crime Scene
before Cordon is
lifted
 What is a Crime Scene?

It may also be called

A venue or place as “treasure island” in
where the alleged criminal investigation
crime/incident/event because it is where
has been committed. pieces of evidence
(treasures) are
located.
 According to Time of Commission
Daytime Crime Scene- from sunrise to sunset
6:00 AM (6:00 AM6:00PM)

Nighttime Crime Scene- from sunset 6:00 PM

to sunrise (6:00 PM6:00 AM)
 According to Location
• Indoor Crime Scenes- takes time for
investigators to process the scene in a slow
and methodological manner, without
concern for weather influences.
• Outdoor Crime Scene- most vulnerable to
weather condition
• Continuing/Mixed Crime Scene- From
indoor to outdoor or vice versa.
 According to Location
• Special Location- Because of its nature, it is the
most complex to manage and generally
necessitates the employment of specialized
support resources to process. Vessels, cars,
airplanes, and other vehicles are examples.

• Conveyance – The crime scene refers to crimes

committed in vehicles or vehicles as of the
object of crime. Conveyance is a means of
transportation: it includes the ff:
Vehicle burglary, Grand Theft, car theft
CRIME SCENE PROCESSING OR
INVESTIGATION GUIDELINES
 What is Crime Scene Processing?
Refers application of diligent and careful methods by an
investigator/policeman to recognize, identify, preserve and collect fact
and items of evidentiary value that may assist in reconstructing that
which actually occurred.
 What is Crime Scene Integrity
It is part of crime scene management, processing, or
investigation. It entails protecting the integrity of the
crime scene, it involves tasks that must be performed by
the investigator to identify, collect, preserve, and protect
evidence that it will be accepted by the court.

-Locking down the crime scene

-Setting up Crime Scene Perimeters

Typically and ideally there will only be one

controlled access point to the crime scene, and that point
will be at the entry point for the Path of Contamination.
 Kinds of Contamination Control

a. Single Barrier Perimeter – for initial purposes. It does not provide a sufficient buffer for
long term scene effort.

b. Multi-level Containment – It involves two barriers which creates three areas of access.
1. Inner Scene – actual crime scene
2. Working Area – surrounding the inner scene
3. Outer Area – everything on the outside of the second barrier,
on-lookers and media may gather.
Kinds of Contamination
Control
Principle of Chain Custody

Evidence passes through several persons for several purposes.

Due to this, the principle of Chain of Custody must be observed.
The chain of custody is the most critical process of evidence
documentation. It should be the same evidence seized at the
crime scene.

Chain of Custody – is the number of persons who handled and

possessed the pieces of evidence the moment that they were
collected, marked and tagged up to the time of the disposition of
the case.
Who is a First Responder (FR)?

Members of the police,

military, fire, medical teams,
and other volunteer
organizations who are
expected to be the first to
respond to calls for aid and are
tasked with assisting victims as
well as protecting and securing
the event site.
 Who is an Investigator on Case (IOC)?
• Any PNP officer who is properly assigned to conduct a criminal
investigation in accordance with a number of methodical processes and
methods to locate witnesses, preserve evidence, arrest suspects and
prosecute offenders.
• He assumes all responsibility in the conduct of crime scene investigation.
 Who is the investigation Team?
It refers to a group of investigators formed to investigate crime.
It refers to a team originating from local police of a certain municipality or city.

It is composed of:
• Team Leader
• Investigator/recorder
• Photographer
• Evidence custodian
• Composite Illustrator/ Artist [SJ
What is the Scene of the Crime Operations Team (SOCO Team)?
A group of trained personnel of
the PNP Crime Laboratory tasked
in the recognition,
methodological search, proper
documentation/recording and
collection of physical evidences at
the scene of the crime.
The SOCO Team shall not join any
operations conducted by the local
police or accompany the FRs or
the IOC in going to the crime
scene. They will only respond
upon request through the
Operations Center and after the
IOC has already made the proper
assessment of the crime scene.
What are the Protocols of Crime Scene Investigation?
• Jurisdictional Investigation by the Territorial Unit Concerned
• The Police Station, which has territorial jurisdiction of the area where
the crime incident was committed, shall immediately undertake the
necessary investigation and processing of the crime scene, unless
otherwise directed by higher authorities for a certain case to be
investigated by other units/agency.
 Official Police Blotter
• Police Blotter is an 18” x 12” logbook with hard-bound cover that contains the daily register of all
crime incident reports, official summary of arrests, and other significant events reported in a
police station.
• As a general rule, all crime incidents must be recorded in the official police blotter. A separate
Police Blotter, however, shall be maintained for offenses requiring confidentiality like violence
against women and children and those cases involving a child in conflict with the law to protect
their privacy pursuant to R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004).
• 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006)
• The duty police officer shall record the nature of the incident in the police
blotter containing the five “W”s (who, what, where, when and why) and
one “H” (how) of the information and inform his superior officer or the
duty officer regarding the occurrence of such incident.

Pink blotter for WCPD to record all cases involving violence against
women and children and those cases involving a child in.
In answering the above 5Ws and 1H and the
Case Disposition, all such material details about
the incident, including the nature of the action
or offense; the Date, Time, and Place of
Occurrence; the names of the suspect/s, the
victim/s, the witness/es, if any; facts of the case;
significant circumstances that aggravate or
mitigate the event or the crime should be
entered along with the identity of the officer to
whom the case is assigned (Officer-on-case);
and, the status of the case.
 Duties of the First Responder
• Proceed to the crime scene to validate the information received;
• Record the exact time of arrival and all pertinent data regarding the incident in his issued
pocket notebook and notify the TOC;
• Cordon off the area and secure the crime scene with a policeline or whatever available
material like ropes, straws or human as barricade to preserve its integrity;
• Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger and call for back up if necessary;
• Identify possible witnesses and conduct preliminary interview and ensure their
availability for the incoming investigator-on-case
• Arrest the suspect/s if around or in instances wherein the suspect/s is fleeing, make
appropriate notification for dragnet operations;

• Prepare to take the “Dying Declaration” of severely injured persons with the following
requisites:
• That death is imminent, and the declarant is conscious of that fact;
• That the declaration refers to the cause and surrounding circumstances of such death;
• That the declaration relates to facts which the victim is competent to testify to;
• That the declaration is offered in a case wherein the declarant’s death is
the subject of the inquiry. (Section 37, Rule 130 of the Rules of Court).

• Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital using emergency services;

o Account for the killed, wounded and arrested persons for proper
disposition;
o Conduct initial investigation; and
o Brief the investigator-on-case upon arrival and turn over the crime scene
 Duties and responsibilities
of the Investigating Team
• Take full control of the crime scene to include the conduct of
crime scene search; taking of photographs; making sketches;
lifting of fingerprints; markings of physical evidence; (Chain of
custody) the transmittal of evidence to crime laboratory;
interview of witnesses; gathering and evaluation of evidence;
follow-up of the case and the documentation and filing of
appropriate charges in court.
• Establish a command post in the immediate vicinity of the
crime scene;
• Designate a holding area in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene (for the media,
VIP‟s and other personalities present);
• Conduct case conference with the first responder, SOCO, other law enforcers and rescue
personnel;
• Note any secondary crime scene (if situation requires); and
• Release the crime scene after investigation.
 Investigation of Suspects
Procedures when arrest is made.

o Secure the person arrested (handcuff at the back);

o Inform the arrested person on the cause of his arrest and his rights as
provided for in the Constitution;
o Conduct thorough search for weapons and other illegal materials against
the suspect/s;
o Use reasonable force in making arrest;
o Confiscated evidence shall be properly documented and marked;
o Bring the arrested person to the Police Station for investigation.
 Booking procedures of the Arrested
Person/Suspect

• The arrested suspect shall be fingerprinted, photographed and subjected to medical

examination to include liquor and drug tests.
• Conduct record check.
Taking of • The execution of a suspect’s
“WAIVER” as stipulated in Art
Sworn 125 of the RPC shall always be
Statements done in the presence of his
chosen counsel or any
of Suspects independent counsel.
Taking of Sworn Statement/s of the Witnesses

• Sworn Statement or Affidavit of complainant/s and witness/es must

be taken immediately by the investigator-on-case.
• Affidavit of Arrest of arresting officers must be taken immediately not
later than 24 hours.
• In Inquest cases, the investigator-on-case and the arresting officer/s
shall observe Art. 125 of the RPC.
Preparation of Reports and Filing of Charges
• The Investigator-On-Case shall submit the following:

• Spot Report within 24 hrs. to HHQ;

• Progress Report;
• After Operation Report;
• Final Report after the case is filed before the prosecutor’s office/court;
• Accomplishment Report.
 Procedure in the Release of Crime Scene

• Ensure that appropriate inventory has been made;

• Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey and
proper documentation of evidence, witness/es, victim/s and
suspect/s;
• If the crime scene is within a private property, the same must be
released to the lawful owner witnessed by any barangay official. In
case of government facility, it should be released to the administraton
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES
 What is Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?

• CSI is a systematic process of different investigative methods that

includes recovering physical evidence and testimonial evidence with
the aim of finding witnesses and arresting perpetrators for trial.

• CSI begins when the First Responders arrive and ends when the
Investigator on Case lifts the security cordon and releases the crime
scene (IOC).
What are the general
procedures in Get the Upon receipt
conducting CSI? number of of call/walk-in
victim/s; complainants

Get the
Duty Desk
nature of the
Officer shall:
incident;

Get the Record the

place of the time it was
incident; reported;
Get the identity
of the
caller/complain
ant;
• Record a brief synopsis of the incident;
• Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrollers or the nearest police
precinct to act as first responder equipped with “police line” to
secure the place of incident a camera; and
• Inform the duty investigator (preferably one team of investigators).
At the crime scene

The First Responder shall perform his/her duties

and check the condition of the victim while the
other members of the first responders shall
simultaneously secure the area by putting a police
line or any material (like rope, straw and etc).
 If in serious condition

o Bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital

using emergency services;
o Photograph and make a sketch of the victim (if the
victim is dead);
o Get the dying declaration; if necessary (ask 3 questions)
• Ano ang pangalan at address mo?
• Kilala mo ba ang gumawa nito sa iyo?
• Sa pakiramdam mo ba ay ikamamatay mo ang
• tinamo mong sugat?

However, if there is still a chance to ask more questions, then follow-up

should be done.
The statement, once reduced into writing, shall be duly signed by or with
thumb mark of the victim.
 If the suspect is arrested at the scene

1 2 3 4 5

Get the Isolate the Record what Wait for the If the suspect
arrested time the suspect investigator to volunteers any
names of suspect/s and was arrested. interview the statement, take
the persons separate them suspect. note of the time,
who turned- from any location and
probable witness circumstances of
over or of the incident. the statements.
arrested the
suspect.
 Investigation Procedure at the Crime Scene
Upon arrival at the crime scene

Receive the crime scene from the first responder.

Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the scene, condition of the
weather, condition and type of lighting, direction of wind and visibility.
Photograph and/or video the entire crime scene.
Before entering the crime scene, all investigators must put on surgical gloves.
Before touching or moving any object at the crime scene in a homicide or murder case,
determine first the status of the victim, whether he is still alive or already dead.

Victim is alive – gather information

Only a coroner or a medical examiner shall remove the dead body unless unusual
circumstances justify its immediate removal.
• Identify and retain for questioning the person who first notified the
police, and other possible witnesses.
• o Determine the assailant through inquiry or observe him if his
identity is immediately apparent. Arrest him if he is still in the vicinity.
• o Separate witnesses in order to get independent statements
 Recording

He also writes down the identification

of persons involved and what he initially
The investigator begins the process of
saw. He also draws a basic sketch of the
recording pertinent facts and details of
crime scene and takes the initial
the investigation the moment he arrives
photograph (if a photographer is
at the crime scene. (He should record
available, avail his services). This is to
the time when he was initially notified
ensure that an image of the crime scene
prior to his arrival).
is recorded before any occurrence that
disturbs the scene.
• As a rule, do not touch,
alter or remove
anything at the crime
scene until the evidence
has been processed
through notes, sketches
and photograph, with
proper measurements.
 Each crime is different, according to the
physical nature of the scene and the crime or
offense involved. Consequently, the scene is
processed in accordance with the prevailing
physical characteristics of the scene and with
the need to develop essential evidentiary
Searching for facts peculiar to the offense. A general
evidence survey of the scene is always made,
however, to note the locations of obvious
traces of action, the probable entry and exit
points used by the offender(s) and the size
and shape of the area involved.
• In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is
initiated (In the interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise
movement be used.) The investigator examines each item encountered on the
floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value.

• You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or
contaminated if it is not collected when discovered.

• If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven
otherwise.

• Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely
examined and that action is taken to develop the prints.
• Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces conducive to
making casts or molds. If possible, photograph the impression and make a cast or
mold.
• Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence.
• Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and earth particles foreign
to the area in which they are found; for example, matter found under the victim’s
fingerprints.
• Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the processing of
the scene. The search for evidence is initially completed when, after a thorough
examination of the scene, the rough sketch, necessary photograph and
investigative notes have been completed and the investigator has returned to the
point from which the search began.
• Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained
have been evaluated.
• In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips about four
(4) feet wide. The policeman may first search the strip on his left as he faces
the scene and then the adjoining strips.

• It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be the

immediate scene of the incident or crime. For example, evidence may indicate
that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden by the
offender somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene.

• After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the object
or person attacked by the offender. For example, a ripped safe, a desk drawer
that has been pried open or a room from which items has been stolen, would
be processed after the remainder of the scene has been examined for traces
of the offender.
• In a homicide case, the position of the victim should be outlined with
a chalk or any other suitable material before the body is removed
from the scene. If the victim has been pronounced dead by a doctor
or is obviously dead, it is usually advisable to examine the body, the
clothing and the area under the body after the remainder of the
scene has been searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator
to evaluate all objects of special interest in the light of all other
evidence found at the scene.
 This is accomplished after the search is completed, the
rough sketch finished, and photographs taken. Fragile
evidence should be collected as they are found. All
firearms (FAs) found to have tampered serial numbers
(SNs) shall be automatically subjected to macro etching
at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory
(PNP-CL). A corresponding request to the Firearms and
Explosive Office (FEO) must be made for verification
Collection of purposes.
Evidence
The investigator places his initials, the date and time of
discovery on each item of evidence for proper
identification. Items that could not be marked should
be placed in a suitable container and sealed.
 • Any physical evidence obtained must be
marked or tagged before its submission to
the evidence custodian.

Markings of • These are information to ensure that the

Evidence items can be identified by the collector at
any time in the future. This precaution will
help immeasurably to establish the
credibility of the collector’s report or
testimony and will effectively avoid any
suggestions that the item has been
misidentified
Markings on the specimen must at least contain
the following:
• Exhibit Case Number
• Initials and or signature of the collecting officer.
• Time and date of collection.
• NOTE: It is also important to note the place or location where the
evidence was collected.
 • Each item of evidence must be
evaluated in relation to all the
evidence, individually and
collectively. If necessary, these
pieces of evidence must be
Evaluation of subjected to crime laboratory
examination. Example: firearms
Evidence for ballistic examination, hair
strands etc.
 • It is the investigator’s
responsibility to ensure that
every precaution is exercised to
preserve physical evidence in the
state in which it was recovered/
Preservation of obtained until it is released to
the evidence custodian.
Evidence
 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.
Adherence to standard procedures in recording the
Chain of location of evidence, marking it for identification,
and properly completing evidence submission forms
Custody for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody.
Every person who handled or examined the evidence
and where it is always must be accounted for.
As a rule, all seized evidence must be in the
custody of the evidence custodian and
deposited in the evidence room or
designated place for safekeeping.
 Transmittal of Evidence to Crime Laboratory
• Proper handling of physical evidence is necessary to obtain the
maximum possible information upon which scientific examination
shall be based, and to prevent exclusion as evidence in court.
Specimens which truly represent the material found at the scene,
unaltered, unspoiled or otherwise unchanged in handling will provide
more and better information upon examination.
• Legal requirements make it necessary to account for all physical
pieces of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in
court. With these in mind, the following principles should be
observed in handling all types of evidence:
• The evidence should reach the laboratory in same condition as when
it was found, as much as possible.
• The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the best
equipment available, good results cannot be obtained from
insufficient specimens.
• Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purposes.
• Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no
intermingling or mixing of known and unknown material. Wrap and
seal in individual packages when necessary.
• Mark or label each of evidence for positive identification as the
evidence taken from a particular location in connection with the
crime under investigation.
• The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained.
• Account for evidence from the time it is collected until it is produced
in court. Any break in this chain of custody
 GENERAL RULES AND EQUIPMENT IN PROCESSING
EVIDENCE o Equipment of the investigator
• Gloves
• Police line • Flashlight • Investigator’s tickler
• Video camera • Fingerprint kit • Investigator’s checklist
• Voice recorder • Evidence bag • Anatomical diagram form
• Camera • Evidence tag • Evidence checklist
• Measuring device • Evidence bottles/vials • Turn-over receipt
 Releasing of Evidence

• All collected evidence can only be released upon order of the court or
prosecutor, as the case maybe.
Searching The Crime
Scene
 • It's a methodical approach used by the SOCO
What is a Team and the IOC (Investigator-on-Case)
while conducting searches at the crime
Crime Scene scene and in the surrounding regions where
Search? the alleged crime/incident/event occurred in
order to locate and collect evidence.
What are several Crime Search Methods?
 Double Strip or Grid Method

• It has the same process as that

of the strip method but with the
modification that the lanes
covered by the strip method is
processed twice.
 THE SPIRAL OR CIRCULAR METHOD

• The searchers follow each other

in a path of spiral, beginning in
the outside and spiraling toward
the center of the scene.
ZONE METHOD
 THE WHEEL METHOD, RADIAL OR SPOKE METHOD

o This method is applied if the area to be search is approximately circular or oval .

 Procedures on taking photographs
• The scene is photographed in its entirety to demonstrate the
approach to the region, the position of street signs and streetlights in
relation to the real scene, as well as street addresses and identifying
items at the scene. Additionally, photographs should be taken of
every room in the home, even if their connection to the crime scene
is obscure.
• Before changing the body's position or any other evidence inside the
scene, photograph the scene in a clockwise direction. Photograph the
scene from at least two opposing corners, preferably all four. This
ensures that nothing is overlooked or obscured from view by
intervening items.
• Take photographs of the corpse and the area immediately around it. If
you have a camera boom, photograph the victim and any other
evidence from ceiling height down. This viewpoint often reveals
details that are overlooked when seen from ground or eye level.
• Keep a photo log.
 Crime Scene Photographing Methods
• Overlapping Method
• A photograph method of taking a series of photographs in a circular
or clockwise direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the
entire crime scene.
• If a single photograph cannot show the entire crime scene, apply this
method.
• Step inside the door and photograph the room in overlapping
segments.
• Then repeat process from each corner of room, taking a series of
overlapping photos.
 Progressive Method

• is a photography technique for shooting crime scenes that begins

from a fixed point and progresses toward each item of evidence,
photographing it from general to particular as the photographer
approaches it and gets closer.
 General View

• The general view of the scene must be photograph in different angles,

showing the specific location of every physical evidence discovered
during the search
• Photographs of the overall scene are fundamentally taken to portray
the areas as if a person viewing the scene is seeing it from the
standing position.
• To obtain this result, the photographer takes the photograph with the
camera at eye level.
 Close up View
• Every physical evidence must be photograph in a close-up views and
different angles. And this close up views must be enlarged in court
presentation
• Photographs are normally taken approximately five feet or less from
the subject matter.
• The attention of close-up photography is directed to objects which
could not effectively be seen in the long range and mid-range
photographs.
• Take necessary extreme close-up shot of the subject to show the
extent of damage.
Sketching The Crime Scene
 What is a sketch?

• refers to the practice of drawing to scale. It refers to a visual depiction

of the crime scene, replete with measurements of the relative
distances between important objects and the circumstances that
were there.
• A sketch is the simplest way to depict the layout and dimensions of a
crime scene.
• To establish admissibility, the investigator must have personal
observation of the data in question. In other words, the sketch must
be sponsored or verified.
• Reminder that sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos; they
are but a supplement to them.
 What the Parts of Sketch?

• Title
It refers to the crime or occurrences such as a vehicle accident, murder,
drowning, rape and others.

• Body.
It refers to an appropriate drawing to include the victim's position and
other things on the scene of crime. o Proper measurements of item
distances in the crime scene are included.
• Compass Direction (Orientation)
• o It refers to the conventional arrow for the north.
• Determine where the sun rises to the east to locate the north without
a compass. Facing east, the north is your left
• side
• Nature of Case.
The state of the case relates to whether it has been committed at now
or days after its discovery.
• Location of Incident.
It refers to the pace where the incident happened.
• Date and Time of Incident.
The precise time and date of the event is indicated. This may be
collected through interviews with eyewitnesses and other local people.
• Name of Victim.
This is the sketch section where the victim's name is written.

• Name of Suspect.
This refers to the sketch section where the suspect's name is written.

• Measurements
This is a sketch element in which measurements are provided in the
drawing to indicate precise spaces and distances to their point of
reference.
• Essential Items
All objects must be included in the scenario. Never determine clearly that
some things are unimportant. These apparently unimportant things will
become significant or substantial in the inquiry as you continue with the
investigation.

• Scale of Proportion.
• It's the final sketch part. It is the key to the real size or dimensions on scene
of the completed drawing. The 1:50 scale implies that in the real scene
measurement one inch in the sketch measurement is 50 inches.
• Legend.
This is typically positioned at the bottom of the drawing outside the
scene sketch.
Numbers represent the objects in the crime or letters in order not to
unnecessarily crowd the graphic presentation. Their descriptions are
found in the legend

• Sketcher's Name and Signature.

This is part of the drawing, where the sketcher's name is written and
signed, and the team leader or officer in command.
 What are types of Sketches?

• Sketch of the Locality

It is concerned with the location of the crime scene in relation to its
surroundings, which may include adjacent buildings, structures, or
methods of access leading to the site. This kind of drawing is used in
conflagrations that are suspected of being arson, showing the origin of
the fire and how it spreads naturally or unnaturally against the wind.
• Sketch of Grounds

This is the kind of drawing that depicts the crime scene with its
immediate physical surroundings, such as the room next or opposite
the crime scene, the number of floors of a building or home, the yard,
and other natural structures
• Sketch of Details
It contains the positions and precise locations of the physical evidence
at the crime scene. It simply specifies the immediate scene, such as the
room where the crime was committed and the specifics of the things in
the room.
• Exploded View/Cross Projection
It also only defines the local area, particularly within a room as the
crime scene. The chamber is modelled like a cardboard box, with the
sides and lid crushed to the same plane as the bottom. The bottom
represents the floor, the four sides represent the walls, and the cover
represents the ceiling. The evidence discovered on the floor, walls, and
ceilings is represented or sketched with corresponding dimensions and
reference points, such as gunshot holes, blood splatters, and other
important data.
 What The Types of Reference Points for Sketches?
• Rectangular coordinates method
• o a sketching method that
involves measuring the distance
• of an object from two fixed lines
at right angles to each
• other.
 Triangulation method

A sketching method that requires

measuring the distance of an
object along a straight line from
two widely separated fixed
reference points.
 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.
 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.
Collection, Marking and
Tagging of Evidence
 Collection of liquid blood:

• Use clean, disposable pipette or eyedropper for each sample collected.

• Place the sample in a container, avoiding air space because air will cause
the blood to dry.
• If the amount of blood is minimal, collection may best be made by placing
the sample in a normal saline solution (1 tablespoon salt in 1 quart of
distilled water.
• Refrigerate sample in saline solution as soon as possible. e. Do not mix
areas where samples are collected.
• Above all, avoid contaminating the samples by re-using collection tools
 Collection of dried blood:

• On absorbent surfaces bring in the entire object or cut out the

stained area and bring to the laboratory.
• On non-absorbent surfaces, scrape up the sample and place in
container, or if possible, submit the entire article.
• If sample is scraped from surface, also scrape a portion of the surface
where no blood is present and submit in a separate container for
control in case some substance on the surface causes difficulty in
tests.
 Collection of wet blood on clothing:

• Do not fold the clothing as it may destroy the stain pattern.

• Do not package while the stain is still wet.
• Allow the clothing to dry in a room before packaging.
• Do not expose to sunlight or high temperature, as they may destroy
factors which will determine blood typing.
 Collection of hair:

• Take sample of head hair from the top, the back and each side of the
head.
• Take by combing, pulling or cutting close to it.
• Take at least a dozen of hair from each location. In rape cases, take
two samples from both the victims and the suspect. The first is taken
by combing, and the second is by cutting and pulling.
• Each of these samples should be collected in separate containers and
properly labeled
• Identify hair carefully as to exact location found.
• Do not mix hair found in several locations.
• Place the hair in folded paper and put it in an envelope in glass vial
and seal.
• Do not tape the hair to an object as it will alter the hair and destroys
any debris adhering to it
 Collection of Fingernail or Fingernail
Scrapings:
• Clean each fingernail with a clean fingernail file.
• Place the scraping from each finger on already labeled paper with
notation of which finger it came from.
• Place the scrapings from each finger in a separate envelope or glass
vial.
• Fingernail scrapings should be obtained from both the victim and the
suspect.
• If the subject's hand is contaminated with blood, note this on the
container
Three types of Fingerprints that can be found
in a Crime Scene
1. Latent Fingerprint – are made of several sweat and on the oil skin.
Invisible to the naked eye. Basic powder technique will be
employed.

2. Patent Fingerprints – made by blood, grease, ink

3. Plastic Fingerprint – three-dimensional impression, can be made

pressing your fingers in fresh paint, wax
 Collection of fiber:

• Treat and package fibers in the same manner as hair.

• Be extremely careful not to cross-contaminate during the collection
process.
• Collect the clothing which is considered to be the source of the fibers.
• Do not shake the items as this may dislodge the fibers.
 Collection of glass:

• Collect from each broken glass at the crime scene.

• Package them individually in glass vials or envelopes.

• In hit and run cases, collect all broken glasses to ensure the possibility
of a physical match, should fragments be found on suspect' s vehicle.
 Collection of firearm:

• Firearm must be handled carefully, not only as a safety measure, but

to avoid disturbing any evidence they may provide.
• They must be properly marked for later identification.
• Never insert anything in the barrel as it may damage the identifying
characteristics and dislodge material which may be inside the barrel.
• Pick up the weapon by the trigger guard or checkered grip so as not
to disturb any fingerprints.
• Unload but do not wipe or clean the weapon.
• When unloading, carefully record the location of fired, unfired and misfired
cartridges.
• Record the serial numbers description of the firearm.
• Firearm with no serial number should be marked with initials on the
receiver or the underside of the barrel.
• Never use "X" or other non-individual type of marking
• Do not mark the weapon on any easily removable part such as the stock or
grip.
• Use discretion so as not to disfigure the weapon.F'J
 Collection of bullet:

• Handle the bullet so as not to dislodge any extraneous materials or

damage the markings.
• If a bullet is lodged in wood or similar material, cut out the Lesson
and bring it to the laboratory.
• At autopsies, request the use of hands or rubber-tipped forceps to
minimize the possibility of damage to the bullet.
• Wrap each bullet separately in tissue in cotton to prevent damage
and place in a container.
 Collection of cartridge case

• Handle cartridge cases so as not to add any scratches or marks.

• Wrap each one separately to prevent damage.
• Be sure to note specific locations in which each was found
 Collection of seminal stain:

• Allow any stains to air dry, wrap in paper, and package evidence in
paper bags. Do not use plastic bags.

• For sex offense cases, the victim should always be examined by a

physician. A Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit is used to collect
evidence from the victim. It is very important that the instructions on
the kit be followed with care in order to gain the greatest benefit
from the collected evidence.
• Label all garments such as undershorts, panties, or other exhibits and
package each garment separately.
• If damp, allow fabric to dry completely before packaging.

• Handle fabrics as little as possible.

 Collecting Fingerprints

• Pour a small amount of powder into a piece of paper or a shallow

bowl.
• Touch the tip of the brush to the powder being careful not to pick up
too much.
• Apply the powder to the surface gently, using short strokes.
• When a print begins to appear, begin making the brush
• strokes to conform to the pattern of the ridges.
• Pull off approximately 3 inches of tape from the roll.
• Begin pressing the tape from the leading edge with a back and forth
motion of a finger.
• Continue pressing the tape an inch or more past the latent.
• To make the lift, use a steady, even pull.
• Once the tape is pulled beyond the latent print and the print is lifted,
stop so that the leading edge is still in contact with the surface.
• The print should be mounted on some form of backing material.
 General Rules in Marking Tools or
Objects as Physical Evidence
• Mark with initials of recovering officer.
• Never use "X".
• Record any serial number (if applicable) and other distinctive mark.
• Mark the object without damage.
• Always mark the container in which the object is placed even if object
itself is already marked.
• When tags are used, make corresponding entry in the tag and attach
it securely to the object.
 SOCO Assistance

• In cases where the crime scene needs special processing due to its
significance or because of its sensational nature, the Scene of the
Crime Operation (SOCO) specialists of the Crime Laboratory shall be
requested.

• If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological

weapons, radiological or chemical threats, the appropriate agency
should be contacted prior to entering the scene.
WHAT ARE SIGNIFICANT
CASES?
 Significant Cases:
• Bombing Incident • Calamity/Disaster
• Initiated terrorist activities • Massacre
• Raids, ambuscade, liquidation • Heinous crimes (as defined by
• KFR case law)
• Armed Robbery of Banks and • Murder, Homicide, Arson, Rape
other with Homicid
• Financial institution
 Sensational Cases:
• Elected Public Officials (Brgy
Captain up to President of the RP)
• Appointed public officials with the
rank of commissioner,
• secretary and undersecretary
• Foreign diploma
• Any foreigner
• PNP/AFP personnel
• Former high-ranking government
officials
• Other prominent figures such as
movie stars, sports stars, trimedia
practitioners, prominent
businessmen, professionals, and
• prominent leaders of religious
organizations.