CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

Crime scene investigation is a comprehensive inquiry of a crime by conducting systematic

procedure of various investigative methodologies. It involves recovery of physical and
testimonial evidence for the purpose of identifying the witnesses, and arrest of perpetrator(s)
for prosecution. Crime scene investigation 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
Investigator –On- Case.

Objectives of Investigation
 To detect a crime
 To locate and identify suspects in crime
 To recover stolen property
 To prepare sound criminal cases for prosecution

Crime Scene
 Any place where a crime was committed that may include surrounding areas where
evidence may be located There could or could not be physical evidence present.
 It could encompass an area as small as a postage stamp or as large as several City
blocks
 Any movement through a crime scene results in the addition and/or removal of
evidence by those persons who are allowed to enter the area

“A SCENE”. Is an acronym to help you remind the importance of protecting and its
integrity. It stands for the following:
 Arrive on the scene in response to a call as safely and quickly as possible.
 Secure the scene as soon after arrival as possible.
 Contain the scene, protect it from contamination and alteration.
 Evacuate everybody from the scene that is not absolutely essential!
 Remember to keep witnesses separated.
 Notify Crime Scene and while awaiting their arrival,
 Evaluate the scene. Be prepared to document it as you found it and to brief the Crime
Scene Investigator as to what you found.

 Crime scene investigation originates at the crime scene. It is important to point out
that what is done at the crime scene will either have a positive or negative effect on
the outcome of the criminal case when it reaches the court of trial.

The crime scene compromises the area from which the evidence of a crime may be
recovered by the crime scene investigator or by the crime scene examiner. It is not only
limited to the place where the body of the victim is found as a result of a crime
committed.

 Multiple crime scenes consist of two or more locations of physical evidence

associated with a crime. They can be described as primary, secondary and often
tertiary crime scenes. For example, a woman was drugged, raped and killed inside a
car after which the body of the victim was left at an isolated grassy area, Few
kilometers away from the highway. Which could be identified as the crime scene? In
 the given example, the car and the isolated grassy area are included as part of the
crime scene.

 All locations where pieces of physical evidence can be possibly recovered must be
protected by the first responder and/or the crime scene investigator from the
interference of any kind so as to preserve any trace evidence that would later on be
used to link the suspect to the victim.

 It must be noted the determination of the crime scene boundaries or the perimeter
surrounding potential physical evidence associated with the crime is crucial to the
maintenance of the integrity of the physical evidence. The number of crime scenes
and their boundaries can be determined by their location and the type of crime
committed.

What to Expect at the Crime Scene

When two objects come into contact, there will frequently be a transfer of small
amount of material from one to the other. Thus, when suspects come in contact with
the victim and objects at the crime scene, they frequently leave behind traces of
themselves and take with them traces of any objects touched. Materials transferred in
this way are normally referred to as trace evidence. This evidence is defined;
however, as minute or microscopic bits of materials that are not immediately
apparent to even a trained investigator.

1. Weapons – firearms, bladed weapons, etc.

 One weapon may mean one suspect. More weapons may mean more than one
suspect
 Projectiles and casings can be compared to determine if they were fired or
chambered in the same weapon.
 Weapons should match the injuries sustained by the victim
 Weapons may have deposits of flesh, blood, saliva, etc.
 Fingerprints maybe present

2. Tool marks – when two objects come into contact with sliding or compressing
motion, is unique, and identifying marks are left on each of the object’s surface.
 May be found in circumstances such as automobile collisions
 Bite marks on leftover food
 Shovel imprints at illicit grave sites
 Screwdriver marks on a door
 Crowbar or hammer marks on the head

3. Biological samples –applies to any material which originates from an animal;

however this term is often used to include plant material evidence.
 Dried drop of blood on a car or the pool of blood under a body
 Saliva left on the flesh around a bite mark
 Hair strands on a victim’s hand/s
  Seminal fluid on bed sheets and pillows
 Broken fingernails
 Plant sources such as leaves, seeds, flowers, etc.
4. Physical matches – matches of torn or broken edges can establish with absolute certainty
that two or more objects once formed a single item.
 Assembly of a broken vase used as the murder weapon
 Broken pieces of a baseball bat
 Fractures in a license plate
 Paint chip
 Shard of glass

4. Trace evidence –materials that can be used to show an association between two or
more objects because they contain “similar” trace materials.
- Glass Fractures
- Fibers
- Latent Fingerprints
- Paints
- Arson Evidence
- Explosive Evidence
- Tool Marks

Other Physical Evidence:

 Seized Drugs
 Poisons
 Firearm Evidence
 Questioned Documents

CRIME SCENE PROTECTION

 A crime scene can be protected and secured when the pieces of physical evidence
found at the scene are prevented from being disturbed or altered. The first responder
and the Crime Scene Investigators must be prompt, cautious and methodical in their
approach to a crime scene.

 There is only one chance for the Crime Scene Investigators to perform a thorough
untarnished crime scene processing. The prevention or control of contamination at a
single or multiple crime scenes is a critical aspect in ensuring the integrity of the
physical evidence.

 It is necessary that crime scene investigators first define the extent of the crime
scene because it can provide means to protect and secure the whole crime scene. If
the crime committed is rape-slay and the victim was found in one of the rooms of the
building, then the building and its immediate vicinity could be considered as the
crime scene.

 Upon the arrival of the crime scene investigators, they can secure a larger area than
what was previously secured by the first responder because it is much easier to
decrease the size of a crime scene than to extend it.
  Securing the crime scene involves cordoning the crime scene with physical barriers
such as police line, crime scene tape, rope or human barricade in order to prevent
kibitzers or spectators from entering the crime scene.

 To minimize contamination and to ensure the integrity of the crime scene, it is

required that the persons at the crime scene must be identified and their movement
controlled. The Crime Scene Investigators must never allow any unauthorized person
inside the police line.
 The Crime Scene Investigators should use a crime sheet (contamination sheet) to
record all personnel who enter and leave the crime scene including those present at
the crime scene upon their arrival. The crime scene must be protected until all pieces
of physical evidence have been documented and collected.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

 The series of events that surrounded the commission of a crime can be vividly seen
and clearly understood by the court during trial, The crime scene investigator who
attended to the scientific processing of the crime scene had made proper assessment
of what really transpired based on his scientific observations.

 It is supported by proper recognition, collection, handling, preservation and

documentation of all pieces of physical evidence at the crime scene as well as the
formulation of a sound theory regarding the crime that was committed which can
lead to the identification and successful prosecution of the suspect.
 Hence, crime scene reconstruction is simply the use of scientific methods, physical
evidence and inference as each of them, relate to another, to gain a plain
understanding of what really happened at the crime scene.
Crime Scene Photography

 In certain types of crime, particularly those involving physical violence, the crime
scene, including the location of relevant objects within it, is of vital importance in
establishing points of proof. A permanent record of such a crime scene is
indispensable to a successful presentation of the case in court. If the scene altered
through carelessness or haste, it can never be restored to its exact original
condition; and vital elements of proof may thereby be lost.

 Similar photographs should also be made after the body or bodies have been
removed. It is always wise to take too many photographs rather than too few. Since
crime scene photographs are designed to provide such views of the area as would
have met the eye of an observer, the procedure of taking crime scene photographs is
straightforward. A set of four photographs is the usual minimum to show a room
adequately, and many more maybe made in case of a major crime.

 Medium distant views as well as close-up photographs should be made of important

objects. Two lenses are usually sufficient. A wide-angle lens is used for interior
photographs and normal lens for outdoor photographs and other purpose. Rarely is a
 telephoto lens is required in crime scene photography. Occasionally existing room
light may be satisfactory for photographic purposes. However, the photographer will
usually have to provide additional illumination for interior shots like photoflood,
photoflash, or electronic flash can be used.

 For general view of the scene, use the camera at eye level. These photographs
provide a representation of the scene as an average eye witness might have observed it
naturally, if you wish to show an object not in normal line of vision you must place
the camera elsewhere.
 Measuring devices such as rulers, yardsticks or tape measures can be used to show
the relative size of and distance between objects or the degree of magnification of an
enlargement. They should not obscure any important part of the evidence.

 In document and small-object photographs, a 6-inch or 15 centimeter ruler placed

at the bottom or just below the object will show the relative size of objects in a
photographic exhibit.

 Photography proves itself as a vital necessary aid to the investigation, solution, and
prosecution of a crime. Photography affords a permanent visual record of the
crime scenes, persons, places and things. Therefore, standard procedures are
indicated in order to obtain the desired result. Remember that photographs are often
necessary to corroborate testimony of certain witness and usually add weight and
credibility to their testimony.

 In photographing the scene, the photographer should attempt to record all useful
information in series of photographs that will help the viewer to understand WHERE
and HOW the crime was committed.

 The term crime scene refers not only to the immediate site of the crime, but also to
adjacent areas which may be important in establishing the location and surrounding
of the immediate site. Each crime has individual features that should be photographed.
Keep in mind the nature of offense and try to show those features that establish the
elements of the offense.

CRIME SCENE SKECTHING / MEASUREMENTS

 Accurate measurements must accompany sketch of a crime scene. This is called

crime scene mapping. The sketcher and /or measurer will do the measurement of the
physical evidence from two fixed reference points. The sketcher makes sure that the
readings are accurate before he records it in the crime scene sketch.

 Careful measurements are significant during the trial of a criminal case because the
position of the physical evidence at the crime scene may denote the guilt or innocence
of the suspect. So it is important that all measurements must be verified.

 The locations of the physical evidence must be measured using a steel measuring
tape together with other measuring devices to be able to determine the exact
measurement of a physical evidence relative to another.
  Proper scene documentation starts with creating a field sketch; one of the most
important pieces of the puzzle. A rough sketch should be completed at the scene;
hence name field sketch. A sketch is a rough drawing of the layout of the street or
floor plan of the building. The sketch should include roadway widths, or dimensional
room data when hand measuring a scene.

 The sketch should also include items like roadway marking, sign locations, and
building locations for outdoor scenes. Interior scene sketches should include door,
window, and furniture/appliance locations. While not necessarily shown on the
finished crime scene diagram, the locations of witnesses, parked vehicles, photo
locations, and addresses of surrounding buildings can also be included on a sketch.
Additionally your reference points, lines, or origin should be clearly identified, as
well as a indication of north.

What are the principles to be observed in handling all types of physical evidence ?

1. The collected evidence should reach the laboratory as much as possible in same
condition as when it was found.
2. The quantity of collected specimen shall be adequate for purposes of forensic
examination. Even with the best available equipment, good test results cannot be
obtained from insufficient specimen.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purposes.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others. Wrap and seal in individual packages
when necessary.
5. Mark or label each piece of evidence for positive identification.
6. The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained.
7. Any break in this chain of custody may make the material inadmissible in Court.

 Collecting evidence
Investigator should not rush to pick up evidence, for its significance may be destroyed in the
process. Field notes of the investigator should record the discovery and recognition of such
evidence. Photographs and accurate measurements are necessary to show its original
position and its nature.

In “ Golden rule” Never alter the position of, pick up, or even touch any object before it
has been minutely described in an official note and photograph taken. The integrity of
evidence is maintained by keeping it in its original state. No alteration made to any item that
is or may be evidence. Blood, rust, grease, and dirt are not removed from the objects, nor
does the investigator add his fingerprints to the evidence or smear or wipe off any such
clues.

The investigator, must acquired training and experience , to know what things are to be
found at the scenes of different types of crimes.

 The location of all physical evidence should have been noted during the Initial
walkthrough (preliminary survey) of the crime scene and a plan formulated to
process the area working from general to specific.
 Remember, as a Crime Scene Investigator you are seeking to build a true and
accurate presentation of the crime scene. Scene notes, photographs and sketches
are crucial to every criminal investigation.
The entire searching operation is commanded by a designated investigator or a
superior officer. Prior to the search, the assigned investigator surveys the scene,
noting its dimensions and whether there is an adjoining entry (approach) and exit
( flight) area.

 Traditionally, systematic searching has utilized the following systems;

 An ever- widening circle (spiral) technique in which the searching officer

starts at the focal point of the scene or the center of the security area and
works outwards circling in a clockwise and counter- clockwise movement.
 A point to point movement (strip) following a chain of objects obviously
evidence.

 A sector search (quadrant) in which the scene is subdivided into segments

and each sector is search as an individual unit.
 A Strip or grid search for outdoor areas. In the strip search the area to be
searched is plotted like a football field. Searching starts at a sideline and
moves across the field to the other sideline, searchers working back and forth
across the field until the entire area is searched.
 The grid begins after the strip search is completed. It covers the same area in a
similar manner but at right angles to the previous search pattern.

 A search for deceased person, when there is a suspicion that a criminal act is involved
in the death, is often assigned to field representatives of the coroner’s or medical
examiner’s office. If the victim is a female, a policewoman or relative, friend or
neighbour should be ask to perform the body search. The complete list of all property
found on the deceased on victim as well as where it was found ( that is right side
pocket of trousers, hidden in bra) are made part of the officer’s note.

 Blood
Blood often becomes important evidence in homicide, assault, robberies or
other cases where it may be spilled. When collecting a liquid sample of blood,
observe the following procedures;
 Use clean disposable pipette or eyedropper for each sample collected.
 Place the sample in a small container, avoiding excess air space because air
will cause the same to dry.
 Blood is a trace that can divulge a great deal of information about the criminal,
the victim and what happened during the crime.

 In some cases, it is almost impossible to walk the scene without stepping into some
trace of blood and then transporting it around the scene. On the other hand,
investigators often fail to recognized blood stain on clothing and other objects and,
therefore, fail to collect valuable evidence.
 When blood evidence is involved in the investigation , be sure to obtain:
a. Statements relative to the origin of the blood stains
b. Blood samples from all parties concerned
c. Saliva if typing is to be done from other than blood stains.
  To collect dried blood:
- On absorbent surfaces bring in the entire object or cut out the stained area and
bring to 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 separate container.

 To collect wet blood in clothing:

- Do not fold the clothing as it may destroy the stains pattern
- Do not package while the stain is still wet
- Allow the clothing to dry in room before packaging
- Do not expose to sunlight or high temperature, as they may destroy actors which
allow blood typing.

 Weapons
Firearms should be handled carefully to preserve ballistics identity. Ballistics is the
identification of firearms, bullets, cartridges, and shotgun shells. In marking
firearms and cartridges, / shells for identification, the investigator should avoid
marking in any ballistics identity area.
 The barrel, frame and the receiver should both be marked. The cylinders of the
revolvers should also be marked. In addition the investigator should also mark for
identity the bolts of automatics rifles and shotguns, and the slides of the automatic
rifles. Investigator reject techniques for picking up firearms such as the insertion of
a pencil on the barrel of a handgun or any rod.

 Firearms should be pick up by means of string or handkerchief by inserting them

on the trigger guard and tied to a strong piece of card board.
 Do not attempt to fire a gun, dismantle it, or to interfere with the mechanism in any
way. In describing the firearm, start with the name of the manufacturer and the serial
number.

Bullet
A bullet can provide information about the type and make of ammunition, the type
and make of weapon from which the bullet was fired, and whether or not it was fired from
specific weapon, provided the weapon is available for test purposes.
- Handle the bullet so as not to dislodge any extraneous materials or damage the
markings.
- If the bullet is lodge on the wood or similar material, cut out the section and bring
to the laboratory.
- At autopsies, request the use of hands or rubber tip-forceps to minimize the
possibility of damage to the bullet.
- Wrap each bullet separately in tissue or cotton to prevent damage and place in a
container.
- Mark initials on the base or side of the bullet.
- If the bullet is too small to be easily marked or there is a possibility of dislodging
evidence from the nose, seal the date and information as to where and when the
bullet was found onto the container.
Cartridge cases
Cartridge case can provide vital information as to the type of weapon used, the type of
ammunition, and whether or not the case was fired in a specific weapon ( if the weapon is
available for test firing).
- Handle cartridge cases so as not to add any scratches or marks.
- Wrap each one separately to prevent damage.
- Be sure to not specific locations in which each was found.
- Mark by scratching initials on the inside of the case or on the outside near the
bullet end.
- If inscribing initials might damage the markings, seal the cartridge case in a
container and mark initials on the container and indicate when and where the case
was found.

Shotgun Shells
Shotgun shells can indicate the type of ammunition used and whether or not it was
fired in a specific weapon ( provided the weapon is available for test firing). Occasionally the
type of shotgun may be determined from the type and location of marks.
- Handle shotgun shells in the same manner as in cartridge cases.
- If shells are waxed, scrape off the wax and mark initials with a pen.
- If plastic, scratch initials into the plastic with a sharp tool.
- Never mark on the brass portion.

Hair Samples
In any crime where personal contact has happened, hairs are frequently found as a
result of having been broken, fallen out of pulled out.
Hairs from the criminals may be found out on the clothing of the victim and the
victim’s hair might be on the clothing of the criminal.
- Hairs are best collected on the clean comb.
- Do not cut the hair, and about 50 hairs should be obtained from different parts.
- Put the hairs in a small envelop.
- Take two (2) samples from both the victim and suspect. First is taken by
combing, the second by pulling.
- Identify hairs carefully as to exact location found.
- Do not mix hairs found in different locations.
- Place the hair in folded paper and put in an envelope or glass vial and seal.
- Do not tape the hair to an object as this alters the hair and destroys any debris
adhering to it.

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