FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE

Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

MODULE 2
THE THREE TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION (3 I’S OF INVESTIGATION)

1. Information
- It is an unprocessed material of every description including those derived from observations,
communications, reports, imagery and other sources.
- It is the knowledge, which the investigator gathered, and acquired from other person through
observation, personal study, research, experience etc.

A. Classification of information as to sources:

a) Regular Sources
- These are records, files from the government or non-governmental
agencies, news items. The bulk of applications of this nature are news
items, included also are news of TV broadcast, intercepted radio, telephone
messages and stored computer data.
b) Cultivated Sources
- These are information furnished by informants or informers.
c) Grapevine Sources
- These are information coming from the underworld people such as
criminals, prisoners or ex-convicts.

B. Sources of Information
a) Persons
- People with knowledge to the occurrence of a crime are good sources of
information. Persons as sources of information include the victim, witness,
or the offender himself.
- Interview is conducted among people who are willing to talk about their
knowledge of the crime, but for those who are reluctant and hostile,
interrogation is conducted.
- Classical Means of Gathering Information:
⮚ French System
- A system of information gathering utilizing the
INFORMERS, those paid in exchange for information.
⮚ British System
- It is also called the as English system. A system of
information gathering that relies to the INFORMANTS, those
persons who voluntarily surrender information to the police.
b) Places
- This includes the areas where the crime has transpired, where evidences
are dumped, and other areas which may have a connection to the case at
hand.
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- The Crime Scene (locus criminis) is considered as the starting point of all
criminal investigation.
- Kinds of Crimes Scene:
⮚ Primary Crime Scene
- This refers to the place where the crime scene has actually
transpired.
⮚ Secondary Crime Scene
- It includes all other areas where evidences may have been
dumped in order to elude detection or mislead the police.
c) Things
- This includes physical evidences and or records that contain clues as to who
is involved, what, why and how was the crime committed.
- Kinds of Things as Sources of Information:
⮚ Physical Evidence
- These are considered as silent witnesses to crime. They may be
minute, too obvious to the observer, or concealed to avoid
detection
- Physical evidences are left at the crime scene and are
considered as part of the errors committed by the perpetrator
that results to his later arrest.
⮚ Documents
- It refers to written instruments which may give a lead to the
police.

● Traces of Information – Refers to any written or documented

statements of persons who possess relevant knowledge concerning
a crime. It covers any object of recorded data that can be used by
investigators in their inquiry concerning a criminal incident. Thus,
“traces of information” include any form of documented data such
as directory file, audio or video tapes, and written testimonies that
may aid in solving criminal cases.

2. Interview and Interrogation

I. Interview
- It is the simple questioning of a person who is usually cooperating with an investigator.
- It is the method of obtaining information from other person who is aware of giving wanted
information, though he may be ignorant of the true connection and purpose of the interview.

A. Qualities of a good Interviewer

- A good interviewer must possessed the following qualities:
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Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

a) Rapport
- It is the good and harmonious relationship between interviewer and interviewee
that is necessary in order that the latter will tell the former all useful and factual
information below.
- The interviewer should be in respectable civilian attire because most of the time
majority of people is intimidated to the police uniform.
b) Strong & Forceful Personality
- The interviewer must have a forceful personality which can be shown in
appearance, communication techniques and force of his language. He must be
sympathetic and understanding without any air superiority.
c) Knowledge of Human Behavior
- This can help the interviewer to gauge the character and intelligence of his
interviewee. The former should go down on the level of the latter to attain
effective and fruitful interview.
d) Conversational Tone of Voice
- The tone of voice of the interviewer should be conversational not confrontational.
e) Breadth of Interest
- The interviewer should have a broad practical knowledge of almost anything to
build common interest betweeb him and his interviewee in order to have a good
flow of communication and understanding.
f) Good Actor
- He should know how to use the power of persuasion by being a good actor,
salesman and psychologist.
g) Humility
- He must be humble and courteous to the interviewee.

B. Interview format
- The interview of the witness can be done by following the “IRONIC” formula, which stands
for:
a) Identity
- Before the start of the interview, the interviewer should identify himself by telling
his name, rank and agency except there is no need to identify him.
b) Rapport
- A friendly atmosphere is important for both subject and the investigator so that
they will have better interaction. This will serve as a door for overflowing
information coming from the subject.
c) Opening statement
- The investigator should explain why the subject is being interviewed.
d) Narration
- The interviewee should be allowed to talk and narrate whatever he knows about
the incident being investigated with little interruption from the investigator.
e) Inquiry
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- After all the information have been given by the interviewee, the investigator can
now ask clarifying questions regarding those details which are not clear for the
investigator.
f) Conclusion
- After the interview, the investigator should thank the subject for his cooperation.

C. Tips on Interviewing
a) Only One (1) Question at a Time
- Complex and multiple should be avoided
b) Avoid Question with implied Answer
- The question should be clear so the answer will also be clear. It should be given
orally and explicitly. Nod of the head should not be allowed as a way of
answering.
c) Simple Question
- Legalistic and unequivocal questions are not allowed.
d) Saving Faces
- The subject should not be placed in an embarrassing situation by avoiding
exaggerating errors in terms of time, distance and description. The investigator
should not ridicule the subject’s poor judgment, stupidity and other deficiencies.
e) Avoid Yes or No Answer
- Do not insist on a yes or no answer because it will result to inaccurate answer and
prevent floodgates of information.
f) Dominate the Interview
- The investigator should dominate the interview by showing confidence through
his actions and words.

D. Types of Subject Interview according to their Attitudes

a) Know Nothing Type
- They are the hesitant type of witnesses. They are found among the illiterate and of
low level intelligence. The best technique that can be applied to these is to go
down to their level of intelligence and or by interrogation.
b) Disinterested Type
- This is the uncooperative and indifferent type of subject that should be flattered
first in order to encourage him to answer the questions and to develop his interest.
c) Drunken Type
- The style of questioning should be adapted to the psychology of the subject. He
should be flattered first in order to encourage him to answer the questions and to
develop his interest.
d) Suspicious Type
- Fear must be removed and the investigator must apply psychological pressure. Let
him think that his non-cooperation will work against him.
e) Talkative Type
- These are the exaggerated witnesses who make additional irrelevant details of the
stories.
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f) Honest Type
- These are the cooperative and truthful witnesses where the investigator can rely
upon, with little or no problems in handling them.
g) Boasting Type
- These are egocentric persons. The investigator must be patient in dealing with
them because they will be good witnesses due to their ability of expressing their
accounts in the commission of the crimes. Unfortunately, they are prone to put
color on the stories with more emphasis on themselves.
h) Timid Type
- This is the shy type of witness that should be approached in a friendly way. The
investigator should explain to him that his information will be treated with highest
confidentiality.
i) Deceitful Type
- This is the liar type of witness who provides false and misleading information.

E. How to Evaluate Reaction to Interview?

-Reactions to interview can be evaluated through the actions, gestures and words of the witness.
Below are some of the most common and essential things that an investigator should give attention with:
a) Physical Mannerism
b) Frankness
c) Emotional State
d) Contents of the Statements

II. Interrogation
- It is the vigorous questioning of one who is reluctant/ hesitant to reveal information.
- It is the rigid and skilful questioning of a person suspected of having committed an offense of a
person who is reluctant to make a full disclosure of information in his possession which is
pertinent to the investigation.

A. Purpose of Interrogation
a)To obtain a confession to the crime
b) To induce the subject to make admission
c)To discover facts and circumstances surrounding the offense
d) To determine the identity of the accomplices
e)To develop information which will lead to the recovery of the fruits of the crime
f) To know the details of other crimes where the suspect participated

B. Types of Interrogation
a)Narrative Type
- This is good for a cooperative subject who is willing to talk. The latter should be
allowed to talk with little interruptions but the investigator should observe the
reactions of the subject and the words used while telling the details of the story.
b) Question & Answer Type
- This is preferable when the subject is timid
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Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

C. 10 Useful Tips during Interrogation

a)Dominate the situation
b) Interrogation should be done in the office of the investigator to have a psychological
advantage
c)Control your temper unless it is a part of the plan
d) Never disclose your theory about the case
e)Avoid distracting mannerism
f) Language to be used must be in the level of the subject’s mentality
g) Civilian dress is more preferable
h) Limit the number of persons present
i) Never underestimate the subject
j) Avoid clash of personalities

D. Interrogation room
-This is the place where the questioning of a reluctant suspect is made. It is advisable that it should
be free from any distraction.
-The following are the suggested requirements of an interrogation room:
a) With Privacy
- There must be only one (1) door, no windows or views, sound proof.
b) Simple
- The room must be medium size, with bare walls, no glaring light and
minimum number of furniture.
c) Proper Seating Arrangement
- There should be no intervening furniture between the interrogator and subject.
The chairs should be armless while the table must have flat surface for writing
purposes. The subject should sit with his back facing the door to avoid
distraction by those gtting inside the room.
d) With Technical Aids
- There should be hidden recording and listening apparatus inside the room.
One (1) or two (2) way mirror may also be installed for complainants and
witnesses to observe and identify the subject.

E. Methods of Recording Interview/Interrogation

a) Mental Note
b) Written Note
c) Stenographic Note
d) Sound Recording
e) Sound motion Picture

F.Techniques of Interrogation
a)Emotional Appeal
- This is also known as Sympathetic Approach. The investigator must be a good actor
and psychologist to be able to analyze the personality of the subject within a short
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Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

period of time. He must listen to the unfortunate situation of the subject and
eventually offer friendship and acts of kindness to win his cooperation.
b) Friendly Approach
- The following are different forms of this approach:
⮚ Helpful Adviser
- The investigator is the subject’s friend. If he explains the whole thing
to his friend, the investigator will try to advise him.
⮚ Sympathetic Brother
- The subject is seeking peace of mind and thus square things with his
own conscience.
- Recital of his story to the investigator may give him the chance he is
asking for an answer for.
⮚ Shifting the Blame
- If the subject has committed the crime for the first time, the
investigator may able to present the incident that it could happen to
anyone.
- A full narration may convince the judge or the complainant to change
their minds.
- The interrogator makes his belief that the subject is obviously not the
sort of person who usually gets mixed up in a crime like this.
⮚ Role of “Mutt & Jeff”
- Two (2) agents are employed. Mutt, the relentless investigator, who is
not going to waste any time because he knows the subject, is guilty.
Jeff, on the other hand, is obviously a kind-hearted man.
⮚ Extenuation
- If the suspect were to give the details of the unfortunate incident, his
friend, the investigator could present the affair in its true light.
- The investigator indicates he does not consider his subject’s
indiscretion a grave offense.
c)Creating or Increasing feeling of Anxiety
- The suspect is in the state of emotional confusion, unable to think logically and
clearly and hid sense of value is disturbed.
- The following are ways to achieve this approach:
⮚ By Exaggerating Fear
- The interrogator points out that there is no perfect crime and the
suspect cannot win the suspect.
⮚ Choice of Greater or Lesser Guilt
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Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

- Let the subject know about the grave and lighter offenses that he
committed and the investigator will pretend that he is more interested
on the lighter one. The subject will be afraid on the grave accusation
and he will surely choose the lesser evil by confessing.
⮚ Line Up Method
- The suspect will join a group of five to ten men where the complaints,
victims or witnesses will choose and point who committed the crime.
They are previously coached as to who is the true perpetrator and they
will really insist that the suspect is the criminal. At this point, the
suspect will help himself by cooperating to the investigator and ask
some help from the latter.
⮚ Reverse Line Up
- The suspect is placed in the line-up and he is identified with numerous
fictitious offenses. He will become hopeless and desperate that will
result to his confession just to escape from false and malicious
prosecution.
d) Stern Approaches
- The techniques under this approach are very advisable to probably guilty suspects.
⮚ Pre-tense of Physical Evidence
- The investigator may pretend that there are several strong evidences
that the forensic sciences have discovered and proved pointing to the
suspect. An average person will practically accept whatever the result
of the examinations made by the experts and this will result to his own
confession.
⮚ Jolting
- This can be applied to very nervous suspect.
- The investigator will wait for the right timing and suddenly shout to
the suspect. Letting the latter know that he is at the top of his temper &
very angry. The suspect may be unnerved to the extent of making a
confession.
⮚ Indifference
- There are two or more investigators who will intentionally discuss the
case in the presence of the suspect. They will pretend trying their best
on how to attain greatest conviction on the part of the suspect with the
maximum possible penalty. The suspect will now worry and he will
ask the help of the investigators.
⮚ Questioning as Formality
- The investigator gives impression that he already knew about the facts
of the case and he is only asking the suspect for consideration and as a
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matter of following the procedures. When the suspect gives an answer

which is the opposite of the investigator’s expectation, the latter will
pause for a moment, look at his pad and shake his head ruefully.
Prolonged silence will work against the suspect.
⮚ Affording an Opportunity to Lie
- The suspect will be allowed to tell anything about himself, his
whereabouts before and after the commission of a crime including all
details regarding the case under investigation. After a long
interrogation where the suspect gives inconsistent information and lies,
at a psychological moment, the investigator will shout at the suspect,
throw his pen and pad and suddenly become indignant. The other
investigator will take the advantage by talking to the suspect privately
and explaining to him that the things may get better by forgetting all
details and getting down to a simple admission or confession.
e)Psychological Symptoms of Guilt
- There are some physiological symptoms of guilt which can be observed from the
suspect that indicate different interpretations.
- Here are the most commonly observe symptoms of guilt:
⮚ Sweating
- Perspiring hands indicate tensions while pale color of the face indicates
fear or shock.
⮚ Color Change
- Flushing face may indicate anger, extreme nervousness or
embarrassment but not necessarily guilt. A pale face is a more reliable
sign of guilt.
⮚ Dry Mouth
- Swallowing, wetting of the lips and thirst are some of the indications
of great nervous or tensions which are reliable symptoms of deception.
⮚ Pulse
- The pulse beat is observable sometimes in the neck. An increase in the
rate of heartbeat is an indication of deception.
⮚ Breathing
- Deception is indicated by an effort to control breathing during sensitive
& critical questions.

G. Stages of Criminal Interrogation

a)Initial Stage
- The introductory part, which focus on the ff.
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⮚ Introduction of the material necessary to establish the integrity of the

interrogation.
⮚ Clearly state the reason for the suspect’s presence, and establish the crime
about which he or she is to be questioned the name of the victim, and the
time and place of crime.
⮚ Level with the suspect by indicating or explaining that the interrogation is
not an attempt to deceive but an inquiry being conducted because evidence
has indicated his knowledge of, or participation, on the crime under
investigation.

b) Focussing Stage
- The main body, which focus on the ff.
⮚ Questions are concerned with the activity and whereabouts of the suspect at
about the time of the crime.
o Who is the person he or she was with?
o Who observed or might observed him or her in this period of time?
o What was done?
o Where was it done?
⮚ Questions are concerned whether the suspect had ever been at the scene or
in contact with the victim and under what circumstances.
c) Concluding Phase
- The closing part, which focus on the ff.
⮚ In cases of confession, take a formal statement of the suspect.

⮚ Ask the classic concluding questions:

o “Is there anything else you wish to talk about or any correction you
wish to make in your story at this time?”
⮚ In case of full disclosure, the suspect may be asked for permission to:
o Search certain premises;
o Ride about the investigator to identify other locations or criminal
activities of persons involved;
o Participate in an identification line-up; and
o Visit the crime scene for re-enactment

H. Three Main Questioning Techniques

- To get elicit facts from the suspect, the following techniques may be used:
a) Chronological questioning
- This is the easiest technique.
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- The Interrogation is almost always sure of getting all the necessary information.
After getting the initial admission of guilt, start at the very beginning of the crime
by asking. Whose idea was this? Or when did you get the idea to do this? Proceed
step by step in learning all the details concerning:
⮚ The planning

⮚ The commission and

⮚ What happened after the crime was committed

b) Going Backwards
- Also known as the flashback technique
⮚ Start questioning on the last known act, then backwards to the idea of
committing the crime
⮚ Ask question that elicit an early acknowledgement of guilt and work back
(backtrack) towards the planning stage of crime.
c) General to Specific Questioning
- Also called as Deductive Method
⮚ If the suspects admits to the embezzlement of a total amount (general),
questions can be asked about details of component sum (specific).
III. Field Inquiry
- It is the general questioning of all persons who were present at the crime scene conducted by the
investigator. There is no need to warn the person being interviewed about Republic Act 7438
(Custodial Investigation) considering the facts that this is not part of custodial processes. Any
information taken thereto is relevant or material in the resolution of the case.

3. Instrumentation
- It refers to the application of instruments and methods of physical science in the detection of
crime such as fingerprints, photography, polygraphy, ballistics etc. It is also known as
Criminalistics.

A. Uses of Criminalistics:
a) By supplying one or more missing links in a chain of evidences.
b) By strengthening a weak link or links in the chain of evidences.
c) By checking the accuracy of th statements made by the suspect, or by the
material witness.
d) By clearing up doubts points in the preliminary stages of an investigation
which may or may not be significant at a later stage.
e) By assisting rapid clearing up of routine inquiries.