SPECIALIZED CRIME

INVESTIGATION
SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION

 SpecialCrime Investigation deals with the

study of major crimes based on the
application of special investigative
technique. The study concentrates more
on physical evidence, its collection,
handling, identification and preservation
in coordination with the crime laboratory.
DISTINCTION BETWEEN A DETECTIVE AND A
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR (CSI)

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

 A crime scene investigator is, more often than not, a member of law
enforcement who is responsible for identifying, collecting,
preserving, and packaging physical evidence at the scene of a
crime.
 A crime scene investigator is a rather broad title, as this
professional may be:
 Crime Scene Leader
 Crime Scene Technician
 Forensic Photographer
 Forensic Sketch Artist
 Ballistic Expert
 Fingerprint Expert
 DNA Expert
DISTINCTION BETWEEN A DETECTIVE AND A
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR (CSI)
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR
 A crime scene investigator is also responsible for performing
standard physical evidence collection and preservation duties,
while other CSIs perform more specialized tasks, such as DNA
and latent print recovery. CSI may be responsible for:
 Working with law enforcement to secure the scene as to prevent the
contamination of evidence.
 Identifying and marking the areas of the crime scene
 Collecting, preserving, and packaging the physical evidence
 Maintaining detailed reports, logs and other tracking data
 Using scientific equipment to collect and analyze evidence
 Maintaining and repairing scientific equipment
 Testifying in court with regard to collected evidence
 Transporting physical evidence to the forensic laboratory.
 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

A crime scene investigator is called upon to

utilize scientific data and technical expertise to:
 Evaluate the crime scene without destroying
evidence
 Develop a plan for collecting physical evidence
 Ensure evidence is properly documented
 Ensure evidence is properly collected, handled,
preserved, and transported.
 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR (CSI)
 A CSI is a professional who has a thorough knowledge and keen
understanding of scientific observation and methods, the criminal
justice system, and how crime scene investigation merges Science
with law.
 A CSI needs to possess extensive knowledge in the natural sciences,
as well as law enforcement and crime scene processing, Professional
Crime scene investigators (CSIs) also concentrate their careers in a
forensic science specialty, such as ballistics or DNA, to acquire
additional education/training.
 A CSI should possess the ability to cope with difficult situations.
Beyond dealing with a potentially unnerving crime scene, these
professionals must also possess keen observational and technical
skills, as they are called upon to identify and collect even the smallest
amounts of physical evidence (evidence that may mean the difference
between an unsolved crime and a successful conviction.
 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR (CSI)
 A CSI must also be able to work both independently and as a
part of an investigative team. In often-chaotic crime scene
situation, these professionals must be able to seamlessly
complete the job through effective communication and a strong
understanding and appreciation of accepted protocol.
 The job of a CSI also means constantly learning, these
professionals must be open to being introduced to new skills
and technologies. They must also be recognized and effective at
both written and oral communications.
 CSI professionals must be prepared to work in less-than-ideal
work environments, and they must be prepared to arrive at the
scene of a crime, regardless of the time of day or night.
 DETECTIVE

 Conducts interview with suspects and witnesses

 Observe the activities of suspects
 Obtain warrants and arrests suspects
 Write detailed reports.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
What is forensic science?
 FORENSIC SCIENCE
 Is define as “The application of science to those criminal and civil
laws that are enforced by the police agencies in a criminal justice
system.” It involves the use of multiple disciplines such as physics,
chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering for evidence
analysis as well as Forensic Medicine (Legal Medicine)
 It is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly on
the criminal side, during criminal investigation, as governed by
the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure.
 Physics – is used to understand the pattern of a blood splatter
 Biology – is used to established the source of an unidentified suspect
 Chemistry – is used to determine the composition of drugs
 Legal Medicine – is used to establish the cause of death as well as the
manner of death.
 The Role of Forensic Science in
Criminal Investigations
 Without the application of forensic science, criminals can
never be convicted unless an eyewitness is present. While
detectives and law enforcement agencies are involved in the
collection of evidence, be it physical or digital, it is forensic
science that deals with the analysis of those evidence in order
to establish facts admissible in the court of law.
 The duties and responsibilities of a forensic scientist in a
criminal investigation is crucial as it involves the careful
examination of an evidence while ensuring that it is not
tampered with. A diverse pool of forensic scientist and
forensic tools go into the investigation of a criminal act.
CRIMINAL PROFILING (Getting
inside a criminal’s mind)
 CRIMINAL PROFILING
 Criminal profiling enables forensic scientists to zero down on
suspects by determining a criminal’s patterns and personality.
 It is based on psychological evaluation of the belongings seized from
an offender. This helps in drawing a complete social and
psychological assessment of the offender.
 Basic steps of criminal profiling includes:
 In-depth analysis of the crime scene
 Analyzing the incidence and drawing comparisons with similar
events in the past
 Evaluation of the victim’s background and activities
 Considering all possible motives and preparing a detailed
description of the suspects in order to compare it with previous
cases.
IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC
SCIENCE IN LAW
 IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
IN LAW
 Forensic science involves the collection, preservation, and
analysis of the evidence suitable for prosecuting an
offender in the court of law. The application of forensic
science in the criminal justice system is, therefore, an
apparent picture.
 Forensic Science is widely recognized by the legal system
because when scientific techniques and methods are used,
there is not much scope for bias or injustice.
 Forensic evidence is extensively used worldwide to both
convict and exonerate defendants.
THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC
SCIENCE
 THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
 Forensic Biology/DNA
 DNA profiling is the other commonly used forensic technique in
criminal investigations. DNA being as unique to an individual as
fingerprint, help forensic professionals identify or confirm an
unidentified person, or to eliminate suspects from a list of accused.
 The biological evidence most commonly used for DNA profiling
include blood, saliva, semen, skin, urine, and hair. However, DNA
fingerprints are usually never used as the single piece of evidence in the
court of law.
 Forensic Odontology
 Forensic Odontology helps in identification of victims when the body is
left in an unrecognizable state. This is achieve through an examination
of their teeth, the alignment, and overall structure of the mouth.
 It is often applied to criminal investigations for bite mark analysis.
 THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
 Controlled Substances
 Chemicals that are legally recognized as having the potential for abuse are
called controlled substances. This includes “street drugs” such as ecstasy or
heroin and prescription drugs such as oxycodone.
 The ability to detect and identify such controlled substance plays a crucial role
in aiding law enforcement agencies in their fight against drug abuse and drug-
based violence.
 Forensic Toxicology
 Forensic Toxicology involves analysis of biological samples to check for the
presence of toxins and drugs. This branch of forensic science is of prime
importance in road accidents, poisoning, sexual violence etc.
 It furnish key information about the nature of substances present in an
individual pertaining to an incidence.
 It also determines whether the quantity of substances are normal as per a
therapeutic dosage or exceed the permissible level.
 THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
 Forensic Anthropology
 This deals with the examination of compromised human remains or
skeletons to help determine the age, height, gender, and ancestry.
 It also helps establish the time since death by identifying and
examining injuries, if any. These analyses give valuable leads to
investigators on identifying victims, especially in cases where the
bodies are beyond recognition.
 Forensic Pathology and Medico-Legal Death Investigation
 Forensic Pathology is a branch of pathology that helps determine the
cause of death by examining the cadaver.
 Forensic medicine involves the collection and analysis of medical
samples to deduce facts admissible in the court of law.
 A forensic pathologist can, therefore, draw crucial inferences on
whether the death is natural, criminal or accidental.
 THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
 Impression and Pattern Evidence
 Pattern evidence analysis involves identification and analysis of additional
information within an impression.
 Impression and pattern evidence when used in conjunction can help establish vital
links between a suspect/tool to a crime scene.
 Trace Evidence
 Trace evidence often plays a pivotal role in establishing a prime link between a
suspect and the victim. For instance, a soil sample obtained from the shoes of a
victim can give critical clues on the location of the crime and thus help in tracing
the perpetrator.
 Cyber Forensics
 Cyber Forensics involves the analysis of evidence found in computers and digital
storage media like pen drives, hard disks etc.
 Its major objectives is identifying, preserving, recovering, analyzing, and
presenting facts and opinions about the digital information. Although it is mostly
used for the investigation of cyber crimes, it also widely used in civil proceedings.
 THE SCOPE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

 Ballistics
 Ballistics is a specialized Forensic Science that deals with the
motion, behavior, dynamics, angular movement and effects of
projectiles, such as bullets, rockets, missiles, bombs, etc.
 The use of ballistics in forensics is mainly in criminal
investigations.
 For instance, the examination of the bullet found at a crime scene
can reveal what type of gun was used to fire it and whether it is
associated with any other crime in the past.
 In fact, ballistic details are documented in large database that is
accessible by law enforcement agencies across the globe.
 THE PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION AND DETECTION

Chapter III
 What is criminal investigation and
detection?
 Criminal investigation and detection is both an art and a
science; It is a collaboration of common sense,
judgment, intellect, experience and an innate
intuitiveness along with a grasp of relative technical
knowledge.
 Criminal Investigation is an art which deals with the
identity and location of the offender and provides
evidence of his guilt in a criminal proceeding.
 Criminal Investigation is a systematic, methodological,
and detailed inquiry and examination of all components,
circumstances, and relationships pertaining to an
incident.
 Objectives of Criminal Investigation
 To establish the truth or falsity of a complaint, basing
conclusions on facts derived through a complete and impartial
investigation.
 Criminal Investigation is concerned with the general principles
and techniques in crime investigation, detection and
apprehension of criminal, the methods obtaining in crime
investigation, interviews, and interrogation and
instrumentation, identification and reproduction of evidence,
searching, sketching and photographing crime scenes,
application of the basic principles of criminalistics, modus
operandi techniques of surveillance, locating and
apprehending of criminals.
 Objectives of Criminal Investigation
 The role of criminal investigator emphasizes the role of
criminal investigation as a law enforcement responsibility that
must be conducted within the framework of the constitution
and the existing legal procedures.
 Criminal investigation and detection is both an art and a
science; a collaboration of common sense, judgment, intellect,
experience and an innate intuitiveness along with a grasp of
relative technical knowledge.
 In order to effectively conduct or perform criminal
investigative functions, one must understand the basic
definition of; investigation and investigate.
 INVESTIGATION VS. INVESTIGATE

INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATE
 Is an examination, a  Is a systematic inquiry,
study, a survey and a close analyzation and
research of facts and/or inspection while
circumstances, dissecting and
situations, incidents and scrutinizing information.
scenarios, either related
or not, for the purpose of
rendering a conclusion
of proof.
 Objectives of Criminal Investigation
 Law Enforcement; the entity charged with the responsibility to
accurately close the gap between fact and fiction, detects and
prevents criminal acts; and in doing so are mandated to function
within strict administrative and legal parameters.
 When the most basic functions of Law Enforcement such as: the
preservation of life, the protection of property and the maintenance
of peace, are not substantially realized, the investigative process
must then be undertaken.
 The aim of the investigative process is two fold;
 First, the investigator will attempt to identify and safely apprehend the
violator
 Second, produce him/her (violator) before a proper court of law.
 Criminal Investigation are conducted primarily for the prevention of
crimes.
 Objectives of Criminal Investigation
 There are several basic types of investigations that Law
Enforcement personnel may undertake in the routine
discharge of their duties, among of which are but not
limited to:
 Investigations of Incidents; which are violations of laws and/or
ordinances that include; criminal acts (robbery, assaults, larceny,
burglary, murder, illegal weapons, etc.) and traffic accident
investigations (serious injuries, likely to die, property damage).
 Personnel Investigations; into the background, character the
suitability of persons in an effort to determine their eligibility for
positions of public trust.
 CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATOR
 Criminal Investigator

 Criminal Investigator is the person who is

charged with the duty of carrying the
objectives of investigation such as:
 To identify the criminal
 To locate the offender; and
 To provide evidence for the offender’s guilt.
 Qualities of an effective investigator
 To be an effective investigator, he/she must possess the
following qualities:
a. Perseverance with endurance
b. Intelligence and wisdom of Solomon
c. Honesty, Integrity/incorruptible
d. Understanding of the people and environment
e. Keep power of observation and accurate description
f. Knowledgeable about the laws on crimes, evidence, arrest,
investigative concept/techniques, scientific aids, laboratory
services, and about the criminals and their modus operandi.
g. Keen power of observation and description
h. Mastery in the oral and written communication
i. The power to read between the lines
 Phases of Criminal Investigation

 The following are the phases of Criminal

Investigation:
1. Identification of the offender
2. Tracing and locating the offender
3. Gathering of evidence to prove the guilt of the accused
 Basic Elements of Investigation
Process
 The basic elements of investigation process are:
a. Recognition – is the identification/recognition
b. Collection – is the act of gathering relevant information from
possible sources aside from the crime scene
c. Preservation – is an act ensuring the physical and legal
integrity or the credibility of the information or pieces of
evidences gathered
d. Evaluation – is the determination of the merit or the worth of
the information or evidence to prosecute the suspect.
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE
CRIME SCENE
Chapter IV
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 One of the most important aspects of securing the crime
scene is to preserve the scene with minimal contamination
and disturbance of physical evidence.
 The initial response to an incident should be expeditious
and methodical.
 The initial responding officer(s), upon arrival, shall assess
the scene and threat the incident as a crime scene.
 Officers shall promptly, yet cautiously approach and enter
the crime scene, remaining observant of any persons,
vehicles, events, potential evidence, and environmental
conditions.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 The initial responding officer(s) should:
a. Note or log dispatch information (e.g., address/location, time, date, type of
call, parties involved).
b. Be aware of any persons or vehicles leaving the crime scene
c. Approach the scene cautiously, scan the entire area to thoroughly assess the
scene, and note any possible secondary crime scenes
d. Be aware of any persons and vehicles in the vicinity that may be related to
the crime
e. Make initial observations (look, listen. smell) to assess the scene and ensure
officer safety before proceeding
f. Remain alert and attentive. Assume the crime is ongoing until determined to
be otherwise
g. Treat the location as a crime scene until assessed and determined to be
otherwise
h. Safely direct additional responding units into the area
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 SAFETY OF THE RESPONDING TEAM: the safety and physical well-being
of officers and other individuals, in and around the crime scene, are the initial
responding officer(s’) first priority. The initial responding officer(s) arriving at
the scene shall identify and control any dangerous situations or persons.
 The initial responding officer(s) should:

a. Ensure that there is no immediate threat to other responders; scan area for
sights, sounds, and smells that may present danger to personnel. If the
situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological weapons, or
radiological or chemical threats the appropriate personnel/agency should
be contacted prior to entering the scene.
b. Approach the scene in a manner designed to reduce risk of harm to
officer(s) while maximizing the safety of victims, witnesses, and others
in the area.
c. Survey the scene for dangerous persons and control the situation
d. Notify supervisory personnel and call for assistance/backup.
 Remember: The control of physical threats will ensure the safety of officers and others
present.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 EMERGENCY CARE: After controlling any dangerous situations or
persons, the initial responding officer(s’) next responsibility is to ensure that
medical attention is provided to injured persons while minimizing
contamination of the scene. The initial responding officer(s) shall ensure that
medical attention is provided with minimal contamination of the scene.
 The initial responding officer(s) should:

a. Assess the victim(s) for signs of life and medical needs and provide
immediate medical attention.
b. Call for medical personnel
c. Guide medical personnel to the victim to minimize
contamination/alteration of the crime scene.
d. Point out potential physical evidence to medical personnel, instruct
them to minimize contact with such evidence and document
movement of persons or items by medical personnel.
e. Instruct medical personnel not to “clean up” the scene and to avoid
removal or alteration of the items originating from the scene.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 EMERGENCY CARE: After controlling any dangerous situations or persons, the initial responding
officer(s’) next responsibility is to ensure that medical attention is provided to injured persons while minimizing
contamination of the scene. The initial responding officer(s) shall ensure that medical attention is provided with
minimal contamination of the scene.
 The initial responding officer(s) should:
f. If medical personnel arrived first, obtain the name, unit, and telephone number of
attending personnel, and the name and location of the medical facility where the
victim is to be taken.
g. If there is a chance the victim may die, attempt to obtain “dying declaration.” In
some instances, fingerprint and shoe impressions of medical personnel may need
to be taken for elimination purposes.
h. Document any statements/comments made by victims, suspects, or witnesses at
the scene.
i. If the victim or suspect is transported to a medical facility, send a law enforcement
official with the victim or suspect to document any comments made and preserve
evidence.
 Remember: Assisting, guiding, and instructing medical personnel during the care and removal of
injured persons will diminish the risk of contamination and loss of evidence. Safeguard evidence,
such as a weapon, that is taken into custody. Follow chain-of-custody procedures as soon as the
evidence is collected.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 SECURE AND CONTROL PERSONS AT THE SCENE:
Controlling, identifying and removing persons at the crime
scene, and limiting the number of persons who enter the crime
scene and the movement of such persons is an important
function of the initial responding officer(s) in protecting the
crime scene. The initial responding officer(s) shall identify
persons at the crime scene and control their movement.
 The initial responding officer(s) should:

a. Control all individuals at the scene – prevent individuals

from altering/destroying physical evidence by restricting
movement, location and activity while ensuring and
maintaining safety at the scene.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 SECURE AND CONTROL PERSONS AT THE SCENE:
 The initial responding officer(s) should:

b. Identify all individuals at the scene, such as:

 Suspects: secure and separate
 Witnesses: secure and separate
 Bystanders: determine whether witness, if so treat as above; if not,
remove from the scene.
 Victims/family/friends: control while showing compassion
 Law enforcement, medical and other assisting personnel
 Exclude unauthorized and nonessential personnel from the scene
(e.g., law enforcement officials not working the case, politicians,
media)
 Remember: Controlling the movement of persons at the crime scene and
limiting the number of persons who enter the crime scene is essential to
maintaining scene integrity, safeguarding evidence and minimizing
contamination.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 BOUNDARIES: Identify, Establish, Protect and Secure Principle:
Defining and controlling boundaries provide a means for protecting and
securing the crime scene. The number of crime scenes and their boundaries
are determined by their locations and the type of crime. Boundaries are
established beyond the initial scope of the crime scene with the
understanding that the boundaries can be reduced in size if necessary but
cannot be as easily expanded.
 The initial responding officer should:

a. Establish boundaries of the scene, starting at the focal point and

extending outward to include:
• Where crime occurred
• Potential points and paths of exit and entry of suspects and
witnesses
• Places where the victim/evidence may have been moved (be aware
of trace and impression evidence while assessing the scene)
 INITIAL RESPONSE
BOUNDARIES: Identify, Establish, Protect and Secure Principle:
The initial responding officer should:
b. Secure the scene.
c. Document the entry/exit of all people entering and leaving the
scene, once boundaries have been established.
d. Protect the scene. (control the flow of personnel and animals
entering and leaving the scene to maintain integrity of the scene)
e. Institute measures to preserve/protect evidence that may be lost or
compromised.
f. Document the original location of the victim or any objects that you
observe being moved.
g. Consider search and seizure issues to determine the necessity of
obtaining consent to search and/or obtaining a search warrant.
 Remember: Establishing boundaries is a critical aspect in controlling the
integrity of evidentiary material.
 INITIAL RESPONSE

 BOUNDARIES: Identify, Establish, Protect and Secure Principle:

 Note: Any first responders should NOT smoke, chew

tobacco, use the telephone or bathroom, eat or drink,
move any items from the scene including weapons, adjust
the thermostat or open windows or doors, touch anything
unnecessarily, reposition moved items, litter, or spit
within the established boundaries of the scene.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE: Briefing the investigator(s) taking
charge assists in controlling the crime scene, helps establish further
investigative responsibilities and assists with the managing of resources.
 As a rule: The initial responding officer(s) at the scene shall provide a
detailed crime scene briefing to the investigator(s) in charge of the scene:
 The initial responding officer(s) should:

a. Brief the investigator(s) taking charge

b. Assist in controlling the scene
c. Turn over responsibility for the documentation of entry/exit
d. Remain at the scene until relieved of duty

 Remember: The scene briefing is the only opportunity for

the next in command to obtain initial aspects of the crime
scene prior to subsequent investigation.
 INITIAL RESPONSE
 DOCUMENT ACTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
All activities conducted and observations made at the crime scene must be
documented as soon as possible after the event to preserve information.
 As a rule: The initial responding officer(s) shall maintain documentation as a
permanent record.
 The initial responding officer(s) should document:

a. Observation of the crime scene, including the location of persons and

items within the crime scene and the appearance and condition of the
scene upon arrival.
b. Conditions upon arrival
c. Personal information from witnesses, victims, suspects and any
statements or comments made
d. Their own actions and actions of others.
 Remember: The initial responding officer(s) at the crime scene must produce
clear, concise, documented information encompassing his or her observations
and actions.
 ESTABLISH COMMAND POST (INCIDENT
COMMAND SYSTEM) AND MAKE NOTIFICATIONS
Command post provides a central location for crime scene
investigation activities and assessment of resources.
 Policy: The investigator incharge shall set up a location where
crime scene investigation activities can be coordinated, media
meetings can be held, and team meetings can occur.
 Procedure: The investigator incharge should:
a. Set up a temporary command post in a location where media
can take necessary photographs without jeopardizing the scene
security.
b. Notify investigators or appropriate department of information
gathered at the crime scene.
c. Notify Communication Department (dispatch) of phone
numbers at the command phone.
 ESTABLISH COMMAND POST (INCIDENT
COMMAND SYSTEM) AND MAKE NOTIFICATIONS
 Procedure:
d. Ask Communication Department (Dispatch) to notify surrounding
agencies and send teletypes regionally and nationally when a suspect
has fled the scene.
e. Brief the supervisor as required
f. Verify that a command post is established. (If not, make the necessary
arrangements to correct the situation)
g. Debrief with first responder and officer/investigator.
h. Make necessary assignments, recording each on a formal assignment
sheet.
i. Use assignment sheet to record assignment updates throughout the
investigation. Make this assignment sheet available to personnel
working on the case. Assign evidence recorder, entry/exit recorder.
j. Ensure that the Communication Department is aware of important
contact phone numbers including the command post.
 ESTABLISH COMMAND POST (INCIDENT
COMMAND SYSTEM) AND MAKE NOTIFICATIONS

 Procedure:
k. Establish the status and locations of victims and suspects.
l. Establish the status of bulletins that have been broadcast
regarding victims and suspects.

 Remember: The establishment of command post is critical to the

communication among the crime scene responders, Dispatch and
others providing information to the crime scene responders.
PRELIMINARY DOCUMENTATION
AND EVALUATION OF THE SCENE
Chapter V
 IMPORTANCE OF CONDUCTING SCENE ASSESSMENT

Assessment of the scene by the investigator(s) in charge allows for the determination of
the type of incident to be investigated and the level of investigation to be conducted.
The investigator(s) in charge should:
a. Converse with the first responder(s) regarding observations/actvities.
b. Evaluate safety issues that may affect all personnel entering the scene(s)
c. Evaluate search and seizure issue to determine the necessity of obtaining consent to
search and/or obtain a search warrant.
d. Evaluate and establish a path of entry/exit to the scene to be utilized by authorized
personnel
e. Evaluate initial scene boundaries
f. Determine the number/size of scene(s) and prioritize
g. Establish a secure area within close proximity to the scene(s) for the purpose of
consultation and equipment staging
h. If multiple scenes exist, establish and maintain communication with personnel at
those locations
i. Establish a secure area for temporary evidence storage in accordance with rules of
evidence/chain of custody.
 IMPORTANCE OF CONDUCTING SCENE ASSESSMENT

j. Determine and request additional investigative resources as required (e.g.,

personnel/specialized units, legal consultation/prosecutors, equipment).
k. Ensure continued scene integrity ( e.g., document entry/exit of authorized
personnel, prevent unauthorized access to the scene).
l. Ensure that witnesses to the incident are identified and separated (e.g.,
obtain a valid ID)
m. Ensure the surroundings area is canvassed and the results are
documented.
n. Ensure preliminary documentation/photography of the scene, injured
persons and vehicles.
 Remember: Scene assessment allows for the development of a plan for the
coordinated identification, collection, and preservation of physical
evidence and identification of witnesses. It also allows for the exchange of
information among law enforcement personnel and the development of
investigative strategies.
 Conduct of Scene “Walk-Through” and Initial
Documentation
The scene “walk-through” provides an overview of the entire scene, identifies any
threats to scene integrity, and ensures protection of physical evidence. Written and
photographic documentation provides a permanent record.

 As a rule: The investigator(s) in charge shall conduct a walk-through of the scene.

The walk-through shall be conducted with individuals responsible for processing
the scene.

During the scene walk-through, the investigator(s) in charge should:

a. Avoid contaminating the scene by using the established path of entry.
b. Consider whether personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used.
c. Prepare preliminary documentation (e.g., notes, rough sketches) of the scene as
observed.
d. Identify and protect fragile and/or perishable evidence (e.g., consider climatic
conditions, crowds/hostile environment). Ensure that all evidence that may be
compromised is immediately documented, photographed and collected.
 Conduct of Scene “Walk-Through” and Initial
Documentation
e. When involved in the initial walkthrough, note the condition of the scene.

Records relevant observations, which may include things such as:

 Ceilings
 Doors, including entry and exit points: Are they open, closed, locked or forced open?
On which side was the key?
 Windows: Are they open or closed? Is there broken glass? Were they locked or forced
open?
 Lights: On or Off? If left on, which lights were on?
 Shades or Shutters: Open or closed?
 Floors/Rugs
 Interior lighting conditions
 Odors: Cigarette smoke, gas, powder, perfume, etc.
 Description of perpetrator (when present)
 Description of crime-related people present
 Description of emergency medical or search-and-rescue personnel present
 Weapons observed
Conduct of Scene “Walk-Through” and Initial Documentation
e. When involved in the initial walkthrough, note the condition of the scene.
Records relevant observations, which may include things such as:
 Furniture present, including location relative to victim, as applicable and overall
scene
 Signs of activity: Meal preparation, dishes in sink, condition of housekeeping
(clean, dirty or items in disarray), appliance left on, television/stereo left on
(note the channel), etc.
 Date and time indicators: Mail, newspapers, dates on milk cartons, stopped
clocks, spoiled foods, items that should have been hot or cold, but are at room
temperature
 Temperature of the room and environmental conditions

f. Develop a general theory of the crime

 Remember: Conducting the scene walk-through provides investigator(s) in charge
with an overview of the entire scene. The walk-through provides the first
opportunity to identify valuable and/or fragile evidence and determine initial
investigative procedures, providing for a systematic examination and
documentation of the scene. Written and photographic documentation records the
condition of the scene as first observed, providing a permanent record.
 Note-Taking and Logs
Note-taking and logs provide permanent record of crime scene activities.
 As a rule: All personnel assigned to the crime scene investigation shall
maintain notes and logs of their activities.
 Detailed entry/exit logs should be created – an entry/exit log is used
to document the people who come to and go from a crime scene
during the investigation.
 Log Officer – is an officer assigned by the Supervising Officer and is
responsible for completing the task and monitors the log at all times.
a. Position the log so that it is clearly visible. Set up the log for
people to use when arriving to and departing from the scene.
Record the following information about the crime scene:
 Crime scene location
 Name of witnesses
 Name of victims
 Note-Taking and Logs

 Name of persons taken into custody

 Name of the first responders and approximate arrival times
 Name of Supervising Officer and approximate arrival time
(approximate time should be used if arrival time was before the
log was established)
 Note-Taking and Logs

b. Records the information below for each person at the

scene. If not using an official log book or forms, leave
spaces where this information can be recorded:
 Arrival date
 Time of arrival
 Name
 Identification and Unit Numbers
 Organization
 Reason for being at the scene
 Note-Taking and Logs
b. Records the information below for each person at the
scene. If not using an official log book or forms, leave
spaces where this information can be recorded:
 Log information should include:
 The arrival and departure times of all personnel at the crime scene,
including the Medical Examiner, crime scene technicians, and State’s
Attorney
 Information about: Who is at the crime scene and why they are there;
incident numbers; first responder names; Log Officer and Supervising
Officer names, shield numbers, Unit numbers; location of crime
scene; name of victim(s)
 Before making it available to crime scene visitors, record logistical
data (time, crime scene location, names of victims and witnesses, etc.)
in the entry/exit log.
 Note-Taking and Logs
 Log information should include:
 Ensure that the departure time for any person departing from
the scene is recorded prior to that person actually living
 If someone exits the scene without reporting to the Log Officer,
that officer can enter an estimated departure time along with a
note stating the rationale for it being estimated.
 Store the log in a secure location and as mandated by
departmental regulations.

Remember: Note-taking and an entry/exit log

records the persons present at a crime scene for
investigative and prosecutorial purposes.
PROCESSING THE CRIME
SCENE
Chapter VI
 TEAM COMPOSITION

 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE: It is essential to

a successful investigation to select a team of
trained personnel to perform scene processing,
based on the type of incident and complexity of the
scene.
 AS A RULE: The investigator/s in charge shall
assess the scene to determine team composition
and specialized resources required.
 TEAM COMPOSITION
 PROCEDURE: Following the walk-through, the investigator/s in charge
should:
a. Assess the need for additional personnel. They should be aware of the
need for additional personnel in cases involving multiple scenes,
multiple victims, numerous witness or unique circumstances.
b. Assess forensic needs and call forensic specialists to the scene for
expertise and/or equipment.
c. Ensure the scene security and the entry/exit documentation are
continued.
d. Select qualified person/s to perform specialized tasks, (e.g.,
photography, sketch, latent prints, evidence collection)
e. Document team members and assignments.
 REMEMBER: The assessment of the scene(s) determines the number of
personnel and how responsibilities will be assigned.
 DOCUMENTATION
An assessment of the scene determines what kind of documentation is needed
(e.g., photography, video, sketches, measurements, notes)
 AS A RULE: The investigator(s) in charge shall ensure documentation of the
scene.
The team member(s) should:
a. Review the assessment of the scene to determine the type of documentation
needed.
b. Coordinate photographs, video, sketches, measurements and notes.
c. Photographs
 Scene utilizing overall, medium, and close-up coverage
 Evidence to be collected with and without measurement scale and/or
evidence identifiers.
 Victims, suspects, witnesses, crowd and vehicles
 Additional perspectives (e.g., aerial photographs, witness’ view, area under
body once body is removed.
 DOCUMENTATION
d. Record video as an optional supplement to photographs
e. Prepare preliminary sketch/es and measure:
 Immediate area of the scene, noting case identifiers and indicating north on
the sketch.
 Relative location of items of evidence, correlating evidences items with
evidence records
 Evidence prior to movement
 Rooms, furniture or other objects
 Distance to adjacent building or other landmarks
f. Generate notes at the scene:
 Document location of the scene, time or arrival and time of departure
 Describe the scene as it appears
 Record transient evidence (e.g., smells, sounds, sights) and conditions (e.g.,
temperature, weather)
 Document circumstances that require departure from usual procedures.
CRIME SCENE SEARCH
METHODS
 ZONE METHOD
 It involves dividing the area to be searched into adjacent
zones. It is most effective in houses or buildings.
 WHEEL OR RAY METHOD
 It has limited application and is best for small, and circular
crime scenes. It is also used for special situation.
 SPIRAL METHOD
 It is best used on the crime scene without physical barriers
and it requires the ability to trace a rectangular
pattern/setting with a fixed diameters.
 GRID SEARCH/METHOD
 Is a lane search that is conducted by completing a lane
search in one direction and then completing a lane search
in a perpendicular direction.
 LANE/LINE OR STRIP METHOD
 Are accomplished by the searchers walking in parallel
along defined lanes in the same direction. It works best on
large, outdoor scenes.
 LINK METHOD

 It is the most common and productive method.

The logic behind this principle allows
investigators to link suspects to victims, to
physical objects, and to scenes. It is based upon
linkage theory; which types of evidence leads
to another item.
CSI FORM 4
CSI FORM 2