Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation
Honest
HANS GROSS a noted Criminologist, Austrian Jurist and
Magistrate, once said that Criminal Investigation is; 95%
perspiration, 3% inspiration and 2% luck.
• Father of MODERN CRIMINALISTICS
• Considered as Father of Criminal Investigation
Historical Background of Criminal Investigation
 1961 – US Supreme Court in case of Mapp vs.
Ohio rules that “illegally obtained evidence is
inadmissible”
 1966 – Miranda vs. Arizona
 1754 – History of Investigation started in
England.
 Bow Street Runners – First privately paid group
to follow up investigation of crime in Paris,
France.
 1852 – First police Line – up in Boston was
introduced.
INVESTIGATION – it is the process of inquiring, eliciting,
soliciting and getting vital information/ facts/
circumstances in order to establish the truth.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION - it is the collection of facts to
establish the three-fold aim: a. to identify the guilty party
b. to locate the guilty party; c. to provide evidence of his
(suspect) guilt
CRIME INVESTIGATOR – is a public safety officer who is
tasked to conduct the investigation of all criminal cases as
provided for and embodied under the Revised Penal Code/
Criminal Laws and Special Laws which are criminal in
nature. A well-trained, disciplined and experienced
professional in the field of criminal investigation duties and
responsibilities.
• He is an artist in his chosen field, who had his
skills to produce the finest work of art by busting
blank wall cases.
• Criminal Investigators are the cream of the crop
of the police organization. They are removed
from the stratum of the ordinary police man and
they belong to the realm of police intellectuals,
hence their selection must be based not only on
qualifications but competence and nothing less.
TRAINING
• The National Forensic Science Training Institute
(NFSTI) –under the PPSC, is an institution that
trains uniformed personnel of the PNP to
become a certified investigator.
• All investigator in any police unit must be a
graduate of prescribed investigation course with
a rank of at least PO2.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD INVESTIGATOR
1. Perseverance
2. Intelligence
3.
4. Understanding people and environment
5. Keen power of observation
6. Acting ability
7. Sense of justice and fair play
8. The power to read between the lines
Arrest – It is the taking of person into custody in order that
he may bound to answer for the commission of an offense.
How Made: An Arrest is made by an actual restraint of the
person to be arrested, or by his submission to the custody
of the person making the arrest.
VALID WARRANTLESS ARRESTS
1. When the person to be arrested has
committed, is actually committing, or is about to commit
an offense in the presence of the arresting officer.
2. When an offense has in fact just been
committed and the arresting officer has personal
knowledge of facts indicating that the person to be
arrested has committed it.
3. When the person to be arrested is a prisoner who has
escaped from a penal establishment or place where he is
serving final judgment or temporarily confined while his
case is pending, or has escaped while being transferred
from one confinement to another.
Waiver of an invalid arrest:
When a person who is detained applies for bail,
he is deemed to have waived any irregularity which may
have occurred in relation to his arrest. (NOT FOLLOWED
TODAY)
Hot pursuit
 A. The pursuit of the offender by the arresting
officer must be continuous from the time of the
commission of the offense to the time of the
arrest.
 B. There must be no supervening event which
breaks the continuity of the chase.
Stop and frisk (TERRY DOCTRINE)
 When a policeman observes suspicious
activity which leads him to believe that a crime is
about to be committed, he can investigate the
suspicious looking person and may frisk him for
weapons as a measure of self-protection. Should
he find, however, a weapon on the suspect
which is unlicensed, he can arrest such person
then and there for having committed an offense
in the officer’s presence.
PHASES OF INVESTIGATION
PHASE I: Identify the suspect/s through (1) confession; (2)
eyewitness testimony; (3) circumstantial evidence; and (4)
associate evidence;
PHASE II: Locate and apprehend the suspect/s
PHASE III: Gather and provide evidence to establish the
guilt of the accused.
In proving the guilt of the accused in
court, the fact of the existence of the crime must be
established; the accused must be identified and associated
with the crime scene; competent and credible witnesses
must be available; and the physical evidence must be
appropriately identified. The investigator must know by
heart the elements of a specific crime.
RECURRING QUESTIONS IN INVESTIGATION
Mental Reconstruction - conclusions formulated based on
the physical reconstruction taking into account all
available pieces of evidences (investigator)
Physical Reconstruction - based on the physical
appearance of the crime scene mainly focused on the
pieces of physical evidence (witness)
Crime Reenactment - written confession of the accused is
used as a script in describing events of the crime.
6 CARDINAL POINTS OF INVESTIGATION
(I=5W’S + 1H)
1. WHAT specific offense has been committed
(Nature of Crime)
2. WHERE the crime was committed
(Place/Location/Venue)
3. WHEN it was committed (Time and Date)
4. WHO committed it (Suspect)
5. WHY it was committed (Motive) *cle
6. HOW it was committed (Modus Operandi)
GOALS OF CRIME INVESTIGATION
1. Determine if a crime has been committed;
2. Legally obtain information and evidence to
identify the person(s) responsible;
3. Arrest the suspect(s);
4. Recover the stolen property; and
5. Present the best possible case to the prosecutor.
TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION (3 I’s)
1. Information
2. Interview/ Interrogation
3. Instrumentation
INFORMATION - is the knowledge/ data gathered by the
investigator from records and persons.
a) Regular Source- acquired from open sources,
records, files
b) Cultivated Source- furnished by informants/
informer
c) Grapevine Source- coming from underworld
characters such as prisoners or criminals
INTERVIEW - is a simple inquiry/ conversation-type
elicitation of information from a willing victims/ witnesses
relevant to a certain crime/ incident/ event under
investigation.
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.
Golden Rule in Conducting Interview
Never let anyone conduct an interview
if the interviewee has not gone to the crime
scene.
Cognitive Interview – it is a technique in the conduct of
interview upon will of witness and cooperative witness
where they are given full opportunity to narrate their
accounts w/out interventions, interruption and
interference from the interviewer.
I.R.O.N.I.C FORMAT
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 to 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.
WITNESS – a person, other than a suspect, who is
requested to give information concerning an incident. He
may be a victim, complainant, an accuser, a source of an
information, custodian of physical evidence, etc. He is
usually interviewed but he can be interrogated when he is
suspected of lying or withholding pertinent information.
Field Inquiry – is the general questioning of all persons at
the crime scene conducted by the investigator.
SUSPECT - a person whose guilt is considered on
reasonable grounds to be a practical possibility.
SUBJECT – used most commonly represents the person
whether witness or suspect who is being interviewed or
interrogated. He is not necessarily the subject of the case.
If the term is used to refer to the subject of the case, the
distinction will be apparent from the phrasing and context.
The Golden Rule of Interview
“Never conduct or let anyone conduct an interview if the
interviewer has not gone to the crime scene. The
questioning will lead wayward for the interviewer who had
not seen personally the crime scene and he will not be in a
position to distinguish half-truths, exaggerations for
falsehood from the answer of the person being
interviewed”.
What are the rules to be observed in questioning?
1. One question at a time
2. Avoid implied answer
3. Simplicity of the questions
4. Saving faces
5. Avoid close ended questions (yes or
no)
6. Positive attitude
INTERROGATION - is the skilful questioning of a hostile
person suspecting of having committed an offense or a
person who is reluctant to make a full disclosure of
information in his possession which is pertinent to the
investigation.
Purposes of Interrogation
1. To obtain confession to the crime
2. To induce the suspect to make
admission
3. To learn the facts of the crime
4. To learn the identity of the accomplice
5. To develop information which will lead
to the recovery of the fruits
of the crime
6. To discover the details of other crimes
participated by the suspect
7. Obtain all the facts to determine the
method of operation and the
circumstances of the crime in question;
8. To gather information that enables
investigators to arrive at logical
conclusion.
Confession – is the declaration of an accused
acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged. (sec. 33
rule 130 Rules of Court)
Admission – it is an act, declaration or omission of a party
as to a relevant fact. (sec. 26 rule 130)
 Do not directly involved the
acknowledgement of guilt in the
commission of crimes for which he is
charged.
Classifications of Admission
 Express – positive statement or act.
 Implied – one which may be inferred from the
declarations or acts of a person.
 Judicial – made in the course of a judicial
proceeding.
 Extra-Judicial – made out of court
The Golden Rule of Interrogation
“Make him admit something, no matter how small or
trivial. Usually the first admission will lead to another. In
Securing the first admission is the biggest stumbling block
in dealing with tough suspects”.
What should be the attitude of the interrogator?
1. Dominate the interview
2. Avoid distracting mannerism
3. Language
4. Dress
5. Preliminary conduct
6. Presence of other person
7. Place
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF INTERROGATION
The statement of the subject must
obtained voluntarily and trustworthy and not by means or
use of threat, fear, coercion, duress or any improper
tactics which will vitiate the free will of the subject.
*Sec. 12 Art. III of 1987 Phil. Const.
*R.A. 7438
Custodial Investigation - any questioning initiated by law
enforcement officers after the person has been taken into
custody or otherwise deprived of his freedom of action in
any significant way.
Sec. 12, Art. III of 1987 Philippine Constitution
1. Any person under investigation for the
commission of an offense shall have the right to
be informed of his right to remain silent and to
have a competent counsel, preferably of his own
choice. If the person cannot afford the services
of counsel, he must be provided with one. These
right cannot be waived except in writing and in
the presence of counsel.
2. No torture, force, violence, thereat, intimidation,
or any other means which vitiate the free will
shall be used against him. Secret detention are
prohibited.
3. Any confession or admission obtained in
violation of this or Section 17 thereof shall be
inadmissible in evidence against him.
4. According to R.A. 7438 “custodial investigation
shall include the practice of issuing an
“invitation” to a person who is investigated in
connection with an offense he is suspected to
have committed without prejudice to the liability
of the ‘inviting’ officer for any violation of the
law.
General Suggestions Regarding the
Interrogation of Criminal Suspects
 1. Interview the victim, the accuser, or the
discoverer of the crime before interrogating the
suspects.
2. Be patient and persistent. Never conclude an
interrogation at a time when you feel
discouraged and ready to give up; continue for a
little while longer.
3. Make no promises when asked, “What will
happen to me if I tell the truth?” View with
skepticism the so-called conscience-stricken
confession.
4. When a subject has made a repeated denials of
guilt to previous investigators, first question him,
whenever circumstances permit, about some
other unrelated offense of a similar nature of
which he is also considered to be guilty.
5. An unintelligent, uneducated criminal suspect,
with low cultural background should be
interrogated on a psychological level compared
to that usually employed in the questioning of a
child.
Evidence Obtained From Mechanical Acts
Mechanical Acts - are human actions which do
not involve the use of mental processes.
1. Physical examination of the suspect;
2. The accused could be required to stand up in
court for purposes of identification;
3. To appear at the scene of the crime;
4. To put a blouse to see if it fits him;
5. To stand up and remove his eyeglasses
6. To place a handkerchief over his face
7. To remove his shirt and coat to permit the court
to see scars on his body;
8. To exhibit his hands and arms to show tattoo
marks thereof which a previous witness has
sworn they were there;
9. To discharged prohibited drugs from his mouth;
10. To submit to a face shaving and hair cut for
purposes of identification;
11. To submit to scientific test for alcoholic
examination;
12. To remove any article or dress which denies that
opportunity for observation which has
commonly existed for those coming in contact
with him such as his hat or an article dress hiding
his face;
13. To exhibit himself to any manner in which an
ordinary person is commonly seen in public;
14. To allow the taking of any portion of substance
emitting from his body;
15. To be fingerprinted and photographed and
measured;
16. To be paraffin tested;
17. To submit himself to police line-up; and
18. To submit to drug test.
Evidence Obtained From Mental Acts
Mental Act is any human action which requires
the use or application of mental faculties or processes to
make the specific act.
1. Ordering the person to write in order to get his
handwriting specimen;
2. Ordering the person to speak and answer
questions;
3. Submitting a person to a lie detector
examination test and to answer questions;
4. In the re-enactment of the crime at the scene by
ordering the accused to demonstrate how he
committed the crime; and
5. Taking the dictation for the purposes of
detecting his participation in a crime.
INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES
Emotional Appeal
Place the subject in the proper frame
of mind. The investigator should provide emotional stimuli
that will prompt the subject to unburden himself by
confiding.
Analyze the subject’s personality and
decide what motivation would prompt him to tell the
truth, and then provide those motives through appropriate
emotional appeals.
Sympathetic appeal
The suspect may feel the need for
sympathy or friendship when he is apparently in
trouble. Gestures of friendship may win his
cooperation.
Kindness
The simplest technique is to assume
that the suspect will confess if he is treated in a kind
and friendly manner.
Extenuation
The investigator indicates he does not
consider his subject’s indiscretion a grave offense.
Shifting the blame
The interrogator makes clear his belief
that the subject is obviously not the sort of person who
usually gets mixed up in a crime like this. The interrogator
could tell from the start that he was not dealing with a
fellow who is a criminal by nature and choice.
Bluff on a Split Pair
This is applicable when there are more than one
suspect. The suspect are separated and one is informed
that other has talked.
Pretense of Physical Evidence
The investigator may pretend that
certain physical evidence has found by laboratory experts
against him.
Jolting
May be applied to calm and nervous
subjects. By constantly observing the suspects, the
investigator chooses a propitious moment to shout a
pertinent question and appear as though he is beside
himself with rage. The subject may be unnerved to the
extent of confessing.
MODERN TECHNIQUES OF INTERROGATION
 Rationalization – use of reasons which is
acceptable to the subject that led to the
confession of the commission of a crime.
 Projection – putting the blame to others, not to
the suspect.
 Minimization – convincing the subject that
confession will reduce the offense and penalty.
THE GOLDEN RULE OF INTERROGATION
“Make him admit something, no matter how small or
trivial. Usually the first admission will lead to another. In
securing the first admission is the biggest stumbling block
in dealing with tough suspects”.
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.
- It is the sum total of the application
of all sciences in investigation known as criminalistics.
The police sciences involved:
1. Polygraph
2. Police Photography
3. Forensic Medicine
4. Forensic Chemistry-Toxicology
5. Forensic Ballistics
6. Dactyloscopy
7. Questioned Document Examination
8. Odontology
9. Forensic Psychology
10. Forensic Computer Technology
Modern discoveries of Instrumentation
 DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID) – No two
persons have the same DNA Profile. Sir Alec
Jeffrey is the father of DNA.
 Hair Examination – presence of drugs taken
within two years can be determine by examining
the roots of the hair.
 Global Positioning System (GPS) – effective
identification in the location of criminals and
objects thru modern and special gadgets.
What are the ways of identifying the criminals?
1. By confession and admission
2. Eyewitness
3. Circumstantial evidence
4. Associative evidence
Confession
- It is the direct admission of guilt arising for the
commission of a crime.
Admission
- Is a self-incriminatory statement by the subject
falling short of an acknowledgement of guilt. It is an
acknowledgement of fact which guilt can be inferred. It
implicates but does not incriminate.
EFFECTS OF CONFESSION
1. May be given in evidence against him in the
investigation or trial of the offense
with which he is charged; and
2. Maybe given to prove the guilt of his
companions but it will pass a lot of court
argumentation and debate.
Rules to be observed in taking confession
1. It must be in writing and under oath
2. Written in the language known and understood
by the accused, if not it must be clearly
translated
3. Freely and voluntary
4. Signed in the presence of competent and
independent counsel chosen by the accused.
Kinds of Criminals Identified by Witnesses
a. Known Criminals (fugitive) - these are criminals
whose pictures are available from police files and
records.
b. Unknown Criminals (fugitive) - these are
criminals whose identification are furnished by
eyewitness only.
Methods of Identification by Witness
1. Verbal Description (Portrait Parle)- speaking
likeness
2. Photographic files (Rogues Gallery)
3. General Photograph
4. Artist sketch (Composite Criminal Illustration)
Procedures of identification by eyewitness
1. Physical line-up 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.
2. 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.
The value of identification by eyewitness depends on:
1. The ability to observe and remember distinct
appearance of suspect.
2. The prevailing condition of visibility
3. The lapse of time
Circumstantial Evidence
 - Evidence which goes to prove a fact or series of - Avoidance of punishment
facts, other than the facts in issue, which, if proved, may - Competition
tend by inference to establish the fact in issue. - Revenge
- Facts or circumstances from which, either alone - Jealousy
or in connection with other facts, the identity of the - Remuneration (money)
person can be inferred. Can Informant be a Witness?
What must be inferred to prove identity by circumstantial Informant per se is not a witness in
evidence? contemplation of the rules, therefore, his statement is
1. Motive - is what induces criminal to act hearsay and not admissible in judicial proceedings.
2. Intent- is the result or accomplishment of the act Similarly, the declaration of an asset falls within the
3. Opportunity - the physical possibility that the province of hearsay rule and likewise exclusionary.
suspect could have committed the crime Hearsay Evidence means all evidence which are not found
upon the personal knowledge of the witness from whom it
Meaning and importance of modus operandi? is elicited. The only exception however, is when the
- Modus operandi means the method of informant or asset is categorized as primary source.
operations. It enables the investigators to recognize a Surveillance - It is the secret observation of places,
pattern of criminal behavior, to predict, approximate the persons, and vehicles for the purpose of obtaining
next target of the criminals and to assist complainants to information concerning the identities or activities of the
recognize the suspect by means of recorded information subject.
concerning the characteristics of criminal activities. Surveillant - is the person who maintains the surveillance
Physical Evidence to Identify Criminals 1. Surveillance of Place (fixed/ stake-out)
1. Corpus Delicti - is the body of the crime or fact 2. Tailing or Shadowing
of specific loss or injury sustained. It constitutes 3. Undercover investigation or Roping
the essential parts or elements in the Subject - the person or place being watched or surveyed
commission of the crime. How to conduct surveillance of place?
2. Associative Evidence - these are the pieces of - A careful survey of the surrounding area should
evidence that will link the suspect to the crime be made.
scene. The suspect may leave some clues at the - The character of the neighborhood, residents
scene such as weapons, tools, garments. and transient should be noted.
3. Tracing Evidence - articles which assist the - The observation point should be selected
investigator in locating the criminal. (Ex. Items properly.
containing the identity of the suspect.) - When observation is conducted from a ‘plant’,
TRACING & LOCATING THE CRIMINALS surveillance agents must be extremely careful
Informant – is a person who gives information to the not to reveal their true activity.
police relevant to a criminal case about the activities of - Observation may be made through a window or
criminals or syndicates. other aperture so as to be unnoticed from the
Informer - refers to a person who gives information to the outside.
investigator by reason of price, reward or favor. - Venetian blinds afford the best coverage, but
(PROVIAL BASIS: IT NEEDS A THIEF TO CATCH A THIEF) may appear to be out of place of some
TYPES OF INFORMANTS buildings.
1. Anonymous- Do not wish to be identified - An alternative is to lower the roller of draw
2. Rival elimination- to eliminate competition shades another inch from the window.
3. False- reveals information of no value - Binoculars are generally essentially equipment of
4. Frightened- motivated by anxiety the plants, as they facilitate positive
5. Self-aggrandizing- hangs about the fringes of the identification of person entering or leaving the place
criminals under and observation.
6. Mercenary- gives information for a price - A still or video camera with telephoto
7. Double crosser- to get more information lens can also be used effectively. Agents should take
8. Woman - most dangerous specie careful notes of what they observe and should record
9. Legitimate - operators of legitimate business detailed descriptions of all individuals entering
Motives of Informants the target.
- Vanity - A chronological log is usually the best of
- Civic-mindedness recording pertinent occurrences.
- Fear Tailing or Shadowing
- Repentance
 - is the act of following a person, it 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. Three-Man Surveillance or ABC Method -The
use of three officers reduces still further the risk
of losing the subject and affords greater security
against detection or risk.
d. Leapfrog or Progressive Method - This is used in
attempting to locate the hideout of a subject
from a vantage-point without moving after the
subject. The following day the shadower/ agent
takes up a watch from the point at which the
subject was last seen. Agents are stations at a
fixed point assuming that the subject followed
the same general route each day.
e. Combined Foot-Auto Surveillance - Employment
of surveillants on foot and agents in an
automobile.
f. Open Shadow - Usually two men are used as
shadower and their goal is to tail the subject in
an obvious manner of all time for the purpose of
annoying and worrying the subject.
What are the things should be avoided during
shadowing?
1. Don’t meet the eye of the subject
2. Don’t adopt a slinking, sleuthing, creeping
manner
3. Don’t wear story book disguises
4. Don’t carry noticeable items
5. Don’t greet fellow agents
6. Don’t make notations extensively
Undercover Investigation - is a form of investigation in
which the investigator assumes a different and unofficial
identity in order to obtain information.
a. Undercover - an investigative technique in which
the agent’s/investigators 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.
Requisites for Undercover Agents
1. The agent must have histrionic ability.
2. Undercover works requires unceasing mental
alertness.
3. Ability to assume various identities.
4. Patience and endurance.
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION - Is a comprehensive inquiry
of a crime by conducting systematic procedure of various
investigative methodologies which involves recovery of
physical and testimonial evidence for the purpose of
identifying the witnesses, and arrest of perpetrator(s) for
prosecution. CSI shall technically commence upon the
arrival of the FRs and conclude with the lifting of the
security cordon and release of the crime scene by the IOC;
Crime Scene - A venue or place where the alleged
crime/incident/event has been committed.
Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) –is the conduct of
processes, more particularly the recognition, search,
collection, handling, preservation and documentation of
physical evidence
– A forensic procedure performed by the trained
personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory SOCO Team
through scientific methods of investigation for the purpose
of preserving the crime scene, gathering information,
documentation, collection, and examination of all physical
and other forensic evidence.
Crime Scene Investigation - it is the conduct of processes,
more particularly the recognition, search, collection,
handling, preservation and documentation of physical
evidence to include the identification and interview of
witnesses and the arrest of suspect at the crime scene.
First Responder (FR) - the very first person to arrive and
respond at the crime scene.
– Are members of the PNP or other law
enforcement agencies who are mandated and expected to
be the first to respond to calls for assistance in cases of
incidents of crime. They generally refer to police officers
who have jurisdiction of the area where the incident or
crime has taken place and will proceed to the crime scene
to render assistance to the victim and to protect and
secure the incident scene.
SOCO Assistance
a. 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.
b. 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.
TYPES OF CRIME SCENE
1. PRIMARY- where the body of the victim is found.
2. SECONDARY - may include the victim’s home,
suspect home, suspect’s vehicle, and the road between
suspect’s and victim’s homes or any other comparable
indoor or outdoor area.
GOLDEN RULE AT CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
“Never touch, move, or alter any object at the
crime scene unless it has been photographed, measured
and sketched from any conceivable angle”. MAC RULE
PROCEDURES:
1. Upon Receipt of the Crime Incident Duty Desk
Officer Shall:
a. Record the time it was reported;
b. Get the identity of the
caller/complainant;
c. Get the place of incident;
d. Get the nature of incident;
e. Get the number of victims;
f. Record a brief synopsis of the incident;
g. 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
h. Inform the duty investigator (1 team of
investigators)
2. At the Crime Scene The First Responder Shall:
1. Cordon off crime scene with whatever available
materials like ropes, straws,
human barricade, police line;
2. Evacuate injured persons to the nearest hospital;
3. Prepare to take the “dying declaration” of
severely injured person, if any;
4. Prevent entry/exit of persons within the
cordoned area; and
5. Prepare to brief the CSI Team Leader of the
situation upon their arrival.
The four main tasks of the first officer on the scene are:
1. To give first aid;
2. To apprehend the suspected offender;
3. To protect and if necessary collect and preserve
evidence; and
4. To cordon off and protect the area.
First Responder - Must be able to properly preserve the
crime scene in order to get maximum scientific
information that will help in the successful prosecution of
the perpetrator of the crime.
COMPOSITION OF CSI TEAM
 Team Leader
1. CSI who is tasked to arrest
the suspect at the CS.
2. CSI who is tasked to identify
and interview witnesses
 CS Examiner
1. Evidence Collector
2. Evidence Custodian/Recorder
3. Crime Photographer
4. Sketcher
5. Measurer
6. Health Officer
7. Security Officer/Driver
COMPOSITION OF SOCO TEAM
 Team Leader
 Evidence Collector
 Crime Photographer
 Sketcher
 Evidence Custodian
 Recorder
 Driver and Security
Basic Equipment
 Police line
 Camera with extra film
 Evidence collection kit
 Video camera & tape recorder
 Measuring devices
 Flood lights, hand gloves, masks, eye
goggles
 Recording materials e.g. chalk bond
paper, pencil, clipboard, pen.
 Compass
Receipt of Briefing and Designation of Command Post
The team leader upon arrival at the crime scene
received the briefing from the FR and shall immediately
designate a command Post.
Command Post- an area which is ideally located adjacent
to the Crime Scene where CSI, Evidence Custodian stays
and receives the pieces of evidence turned over to him for
safekeeping by the other evidence collectors.
Initiation of Preliminary Survey
Makes a general assessment
Takes a cautious walk-through
Takes down extensive notes to document
important factors
Establishes evidence types most likely to be
encountered
Defines the extent of the search area
Determines the personnel and equipment
needed, and makes specific assignments
Documentation of the Crime Scene
Note taking must be a constant activity
throughout the processing of the crime scene. The
photographer begins taking photographs as soon as
possible. The investigators/evidence collectors must not
touch or move any found evidence without completion of
proper documentation such as photography and sketch.
Crime Scene Photography
  To create an accurate, objective, visual and
permanent record of the crime scene before any
item is moved or removed as possible physical
evidence.
 It is recommended to take as many photographs
as you can giving emphasis to possible physical
evidence.
Guidelines for taking photographs of a Crime Scene
 Photographs of a crime scene should be taken as
soon as possible, before note taking, sketching
or a search for evidence begins.
 The pictures should illustrate the original,
uncontaminated condition of the crime scene.
 Photographs should be taken of the crime scene
only, without spectators or police personnel.
 To adequately present the crime scene initially,
the photographs must form an organized
sequence and show all relevant locations and
objects.
 The crime scene photographs must progress
from general to specific.
3 Major Types of Pictorial Views
1. General View or Long-Range - photograph of the
overall scene. It will depict the location of the
crime.
Distance: From the doorway to the room and
other corners of the room
2. Mid-Range Photograph – shows the nature of
the crime.
Distance: 8 or 10 ft. from the victim
3. Close-Up Photograph – shows the details of the
crime.
Distance: 5 ft. or less from the subject/ object.
CRIME SCENE SKETCHES
Sketches are excellent companions to
photograph.
Where photographs provide exact details, sketches offer
accurate information about the placement of objects and
they show relationship and distances between things.
SKETCH - the graphic representation of the scene of the
crime with complete measurements of the relative
distances of relevant object and conditions.
THE GENERAL KINDS OF SKETCH
1. Rough Sketch – It is made by the investigator at
the crime scene which is full of important details.
But without the scale of proportion. This is used
as the basis for the finished sketch.
2. Finished Sketch – This is a sketch indicating the
actual measurements of things with a scale of
proportion observed and oriented to the North
Pole. All necessary information are placed in the
sketch and primarily made for court
presentation.
ELEMENTS OF SKETCH
1. Measurement – it should be accurate up to the
last inches.
2. Compass direction – determine the NORTH
location of the crime scene.
3. Essential items – necessary details.
4. Scale and proportion – scale of the drawing
depends on the area of details to be shown and
size of the drawing.
5. Legend – refers to explanation of the diff.
symbols found in the sketch.
6. Title – case id, scene portrayed, location, date
and hour made, id of victim, name of sketcher.
SPECIFIC KINDS OF SKETCHES
1. Sketch of Locality/ Neighborhood Sketch - gives
picture of the scene, the crime and its environs,
including neighboring buildings, roads, etc.
2. Sketch of the Ground/ Floor Plan/ Overview -
picture of the scene of the crime with its nearest
physical surrounding.
3. Sketch in Details - the immediate scene only.
4. Exploded/ Cross projection - gives the clear
impression of the scene in cases where blood
stains or bullet holes are found.
TYPES OF MEASUREMENT
1. Triangulation method
2. Rectangular coordinates method
3. Baseline method
4. Compass point method
5. Cross projection method
TRIANGULATION METHOD- An object is located by
drawing two straight lines from two fixed points creating a
triangle; the object is in an angle formed by the line.
Sketching method that requires measuring the distance of
an object along a straight line from two widely separated
fixed reference points.
RECTANGULAR METHOD – This method uses two walls in a
room as fixed points, from which distances are measured
at right angle to the object.
BASELINE OR COORDINATE 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.
CROSS PROJECTION METHOD - A sketching method in
which the ceiling appears to open up like a lid of 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. The
search for physical evidence is done using the accepted
methods of search depending upon the actual location to
be searched.
Objectives of a Crime Scene Search
 To systematically look for physical evidence that
may prove useful in establishing that a crime has
been committed.
 To determine what method of operation the
perpetrator may have been used.
Methods of Crime Scene Search
1. Strip or Line Search
2. Grid or Double Strip Search
3. Spiral Search
4. Quadrant or Zone Search
5. Wheel/Pie Search
Strip or Line Search - This method, the area is blocked out
in the form of a rectangle. The three (3) Searchers A, B,
and C, proceed slowly at the same pace along paths
parallel to one side of the rectangle. When a piece of
evidence is found, the finder announces his discovery and
the search must stop until the evidence has been cared
for. A photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is
collected and tagged and the search proceeds at a given
signal. At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and
proceed along new lanes.
Grid or Double Strip - The double strip or grid method of
search is a modification of the Strip Search Method. Here,
the rectangle is traversed first parallel to the base then
parallel to a side.
Spiral Search - In this method, the three searchers follow
each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the
outside and spiralling in toward the center.
Quadrant or Zone Search - In this method, one searcher is
assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant, and then each
quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.
Wheel or Pie Search - In this method of search, the area is
considered to be approximately circular. The searchers
gather at the center and proceed outward along radii or
spokes. The procedure should be repeated several times
depending on the size of the circle and the number of
searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great
increase in the area to be observed as the searcher
departs from the center.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
- It is the number of persons who handled and possessed
the pieces of evidence the moment they were collected,
marked and tagged up to the time of final disposition of
the case. This should minimized as much as possible.
Conduct of Final Survey
The team leader makes a final review on the
crime scene to determine whether or not the processing
has been completed.
Release of the Crime Scene
- The release of the crime scene is done if the
investigator is satisfied that all pieces of evidence have
been recovered. Thus, the investigator must evaluate the
items recovered from the results of the interrogations of
the suspect/s and the interview of the witnesses. He must
bear in mind that upon the formal release of the crime
scene to the proper authority, the warrant is already
required for his re- entry to the crime scene.
Procedures of the Released of the Crime Scene
a. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been made;
b. Release is accomplished only after completion of the
final survey and proper documentation of evidence,
witness/es, victim/s and suspect/s; and
c. 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 administrator.
Proper Handling, Collection and Preservation of Evidence
Biological Evidence for DNA Analysis Introduction
- DNA examination of recovered pieces of
evidence will surely lead to the conviction of the
perpetrator of a crime of violence if the following critical
points are strictly observed:
- Documentation of Physical Evidence at the Crime
Scene- if the recovered pieces of physical evidence are not
properly documented, its origin can be questioned.
- No physical evidence shall be moved until its
original condition and position have been recorded by
note, photograph, and videotape and sketching.
- Proper Collection of Evidence for Examination-
evidence that could be subjected for DNA analysis is
generally limited to substances that are biological in
nature.
- It should be remembered that not all biological
materials submitted to the DNA Forensic laboratory will
provide sufficient DNA for analysis. Likewise, the biological
activity of the evidence will be lost if not properly
collected.
Preservation - biological specimens which, are not
properly preserved will decomposed and deteriorate. This
will seriously affect the outcome of the DNA typing.
Marking of Evidence – for purpose of identification.
Individual Packaging and Sealing - improper packaging will
possibly cause cross contamination. Substitution or
switching of evidence is also possible.
Proper Chain of Custody - the different persons
responsible for the custody of the evidence from the time
of collection up to the time the evidence reaches the court
on critical in a successful prosecution of a criminal case.
The capability of a Forensic DNA laboratory to provide
maximum scientific information will highly depend on the
condition of the biological evidence submitted for analysis.
GATHERING of Evidence
1. Liquid Blood Samples
 - Blood extraction from a person should - A swab or gauze pad moistened with distilled
be done by a qualified medical practitioner water can be used on stains which can be scraped or
- Five (5) cc of blood should be collected otherwise removed.
with an eyedropper or syringe and placed Semen and Seminal Stains
in a sterile test tube. Wet stain
- No preservatives or anticoagulants - Collect liquid seminal fluid from victims using
should be added cotton swabs and refrigerate
- Liquid blood should never be frozen - Liquid semen sample can be collected using a
- use cotton swabs or gauze if there is clean disposable syringe or pipette and placed into a
small amount of blood, air-dried at room sterile test tube. Keep it refrigerated and submit it at once
temperature and placed in an envelope, test tube to the laboratory for analysis.
or some other sterile container. - It can likewise be absorbed by a clean cotton
cloth or gauze and then allowed to air dry.
Five (5) cc of blood should be collected in another Dry stain
container with EDTA as an anti- coagulant and kept in - Under wears and other articles with wet seminal
the refrigerator prior to submission to the DNA laboratory. stains must be allowed to air dry thoroughly prior to the
- Wet bloodstains on movable objects collection of the item.
should first be air- dried before they are sent to the DNA - Dried seminal stains on big movable objects such
laboratory for analysis. as carpets, upholstery, and other can be collected by
- Wet blood stains on immovable large cutting a seminal stained portion with a pair of scissors.
object should be rubbed or wipe it with clean cotton cloth - Place each cutting in separate paper packets.
or gauze and allowed to air dry before putting it inside a Seal the container and properly label prior to submission
paper bag. to the DNA laboratory. Collect control samples.
- Collected liquid Blood Samples from the Crime - When thoroughly dried, it can already be packaged,
Scene must be refrigerated only and submitted to the sealed and properly labeled.
forensic DNA laboratory as soon as possible. - If the semen is found on an article of clothing or bedding,
- Label the specimen with the case number, time the entire is collected.
and date of collection, location as well as the
initials of the evidence collector.
- Each cutting should be labeled accordingly and
individually packed and sealed.
- Collect an unstained portion of the item to serve
as control.
2. Dry blood
- When thoroughly dried, each item should be
placed in separate paper bags, properly labeled and
sealed.
- Small movable objects with dried blood stains
should be separately collected, labeled, packaged and
sealed prior to its submission to the DNA laboratory.
- Dried bloodstains on big movable objects like
carpets, upholstery and the like can be collected by cutting
a bloodstained portion with a sharp instrument.
- Dried blood spatters on immovable surface can
be lifted from its surface using a fingerprint tape. Each
tape should be packaged and labeled properly.
- Dried bloodstains on large immovable objects
should be scrapped off and placed in a clean paper packet.
- The packet is then placed in a paper envelope,
which is sealed and properly labeled prior to the
immediate submission to the laboratory
- Dried bloodstains are removed from painted
surfaces of motor vehicles by scraping them off using a
sharp instrument. Collect control samples.