SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION

2 WITH SIMULATION ON INTERVIEW

AND INTERROGATION

ORLIE O. CAG-ONG
CCJ instructor
 Introduction
Crime scene generates tracing evidence that leads to the apprehension
of dangerous criminals. Perhaps, just as often though, potentially valuable
evidence is destroyed or rendered useless by careless behavior and handling at
the crime scene. Clearly written directives, procedures and training for crime
fighters and police investigators will help law enforcement agencies to resolve
this problem. The ultimate responsibility rests with administrators, police
supervisors and detective to reinforce positive conduct by sitting a good example
for another officers to follow.
The scientific examination of physical evidence is widely accepted as a critical
element in the effort of law enforcement agencies to conduct successful
investigations and prosecutions. The forensic science field is an ever changing
discipline holds the key for solving special crimes.
 With the introduction of DNA, new processing techniques for latent prints,
portable lasers, elector-static dust print lifters, the training of evidence technicians
has become more important than ever. This scientific advancement and technological
breakthroughs had increased the possibility and likelihood of collecting and
analysing physical evidence that was never possible before. The problems starts
with the collections of physical evidence from the crime scene not by the analysis
of the evidence. The need for special units in the processing of all crimes scene is
essential (CSI or SOCO). These specialized units called crime scene units should be
trained and equipped to all forms of crime scenes. The crime scene units would have
the capability to professionally evaluate and collect pertinent physical evidence
from the crime scenes. In the Philippines, SOCO or PNP, SOCO unit was
specifically created to address this problem. Making easier for police investigators
to identify criminals and provide for the evidences necessary for the prosecution to
build a strong case and to solve crimes.
 INVESTIGATOR
In the field of special crime investigation, investigator is the person who
is tasked with the duty of carrying out the objectives of investigation. This
is a multi-various job which involves identifying the criminals, locating the
criminal offender, providing evidence to prove the guilt and acting as a
witness in favour of the prosecution.
The job of the investigators involve the task of identifying the criminal
offender, protecting the crime scene, collection of evidence from the
crime scene, interviewing witnesses, reconstructing the crime scene,
tracing and locating the suspect, vigorous questioning of the suspect in
custody and in observance of due process, serves as a witness in favour
of the aggrieved or offended party. In homicide cases, if the investigator
should happen to be the first responding officer, his primary task is the
verification of death of the victim.
Responsibilities of a Homicide
Investigator
The various responsibilities of the Homicide Detail consist of
investigating death related crimes, officer involved shootings,
jail crimes, missing persons reports and internal criminal
investigations.
The detail, with the support of an investigative assistant,
Information Processing Technician and an Office Technician,
effectively responds to and process an abundant amount of cases.
In addition, the supervising officer is available at all times, by
telephone or pager in order to coordinate and expedite crime
scene response.
Homicide Unit Composition

 Eight (8) investigators who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
and have unlimited access to the office support staff.
This investigators interact constantly with the office of the prosecutor,
Crime Lab., the Medico Legal Office, the Identification Section as well as
other local and foreign agencies concerned with criminal justice system such
as the NBI, PDEA, BuCor, BJMP, Interpol, FBI and the like.
Primary function of Homicide Unit
 “Death related cases investigation”

This cases are complex, sensitive and often labour intensive. The
investigator assigned to this type of case must demonstrate tremendous skills
and experience in their field of work in order to efficiently process high
profile assignments. Investigators assigned to a murder case work from the
crime scene to convection.
They process the application of search warrants, collect evidences,
conduct extensive interviews and interrogations, attend autopsies, perform
death notifications and accomplish all reports for case filing and
prosecution.
 Homicide investigators are also assigned death
investigations in which the patrol officers or coroner
investigator believes suspicious circumstances exists.
These cases may ultimately prove natural death, suicides,
accidental death, fire incidents wherein some victims die.
It is the duty of the homicide investigator to either
include or exclude criminal wrong doing.
A basic guideline to law enforcement officers, the
members of the SOCO team and the police investigator
on case as well as the first responder in these endeavour
is prescribe in the PNP OP.
 Rule 13. Crime Scene Investigation
Sec. 1. it is the conduct of process, 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/s
at the crime scene.
Sec. 2. upon the receipt of report/complaint of a crime incident, the desk officer
shall.
a. record the time the report/complaint of a crime incident made, the identity of
the person who made the report, place of the incident and synopsis of the incident.
b. inform his superior officer or the duty officer regarding the report/complaint.
sec. 3. First Responder- any police officer who first arrives at the
crime scene and shall endeavour to protect and secure the same as
follows;
a. cordon off the scene with whatever available materials like
ropes, straws, human, barricade, police line, if available, etc..
b. evacuate injured persons to the nearest hospital.
c. prepare to take “dying declaration” of severely injured person, if
any.
d. prevent entry/exit of persons with in the cordoned area; and
e. prepare to brief the investigators of the situation upon their
arrival.
Responding to a crime scene: initial
search
Hot search or “ the high risk search”. Thorough
search of crime scene and surrounding area Done
immediately after crime scene is discovered

Cold search- Covers surrounding neighborhood

Residents, etc., canvassed for potential witnesses
 Sec. 4.
1. Receipt of briefing and designation of command post.
The team leader/IOC upon arrival at the crime scene receives the briefing
from the first responder and shall immediately designate a command post which
is ideally located adjacent to the scene where the evidence custodian stays and
receives the pieces of evidences turned over to him for safe-keeping by other
evidence collectors.
2. Initiation of Preliminary Survey
The team leader/OIC makes a general assessment of the scene, takes a
cautious walk-through of the crime scene, takes down extensive pertinent notes
to document important factors, and establishes the evidences most likely to be
encountered. He then defines the extent of the search area, and determines
personnel and equipment needed, and makes specific assignments. From his
assessments, he develop a general theory of the crime scene
3. Preparation of Narrative Report.
The TL/IOC uses the systematic approach in making a
narrative reports. No items is too insignificant to record if it
catches one’s attention.

4. Documentation of The crime scene

The photographer begins taking photographs as soon as
possible. The evidence collectors do not touch or even move any
evidence once it is located until has been identified, measured,
recorded and photograph (always remember the GOLDEN
RULE). The best tool in documenting the crime scene is the use
of video camera.
5. Crime Scene Sketches
A sketch is prepared indicating the actual
measurement of things with scale and proportion
observed and oriented to the NORTH. All the necessary
information is placed in the sketched.
ROUGH SKETCH VS FINISHED
SKETCH
■ Rough Sketch A draft representation of all essential
information and measurements at a crime scene. This sketch is
drawn at the crime scene. It shows all recovered items of
physical evidence, as well as other important features of the
crime scene
■ Finished Sketch A precise rendering of the crime scene,
usually drawn to scale. This type is not normally completed at
the crime scene Unlike the rough sketch, the finished sketch is
drawn with care and concern for aesthetic appearance
6. Detailed Search. The search for physical evidence is done using the
accepted methods of search depending upon the actual location to be
searched.

7. Collection of Physical Evidence

the TL/IOC is always informed of significant evidence located. The
evidence collector shall put his initial , location, date of collection on
the item and turned over it to the evidence custodian for documentation
and safekeeping. In cases where the evidences encountered needs
special processing due to significant or sensational cases, the SOCO
specialist of CL shall be requested.
8. Conduct of Final Survey
The TL/IOC makes a final review of the crime scene to
determine whether or not the processing has been completed.
9. Release of the Crime Scene
The release of the crime scene shall be done if the
investigator is satisfied that all pieces of evidence had been
recovered. Thus, the investigator must evaluate the items
recovered from the results of interrogation of the suspect/s and
the interview of witnesses. He must bear in mind that upon the
formal release of the crime scene to the proper authority, a
warrant is already required for his re-entry to the crime scene.
Sec . 5. Conduct of Interview

While the crime scene is being processed, the

team leader shall designate other members to
look for witnesses and immediately conduct
interview. The assigned investigators shall jot
down important facts for future references.
 Sec. 6. Arrest of Suspect/s

Upon arrival at the crime scene , the TL shall

endeavour to arrest the suspect/s if he is still at the
crime scene or the first responder did not arrest
the suspects. The suspects shall be secured and
shall be separated from the other witness.