Crime Investigation and

“Crime Scene Management”

1
I. Introduction
II. The Standard Methods of Recording Investigative Data
III. The Investigator’s Notebook
IV. The Protocols in Investigation
V. The Crime Scene Photography
VI. T he Crime Scene Sketching
VII. The Crime Scene Search
VIII.The Crime Scene Notetaking
IX. The Collection of Physical Evidence
 What are the prominent
investigation or operational
lapses in Atimonan, Quezon
incident? 3
When An Investigation Begin?

4
Answer:
When the Crime Incident
Comes into the Knowledge of those
who would be the First Responders

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 Crime Scene Management
Crime Scene Management 
Is an accessible introduction to the
common forms of evidence that may be
encountered at a scene of crime and the
techniques used for recovery of that
evidence.

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 Crime Scene Management
Crime Scene Management 

The book is clearly focused on the

techniques for handling crime scenes from
the role of the first officer attending
through to the specialist personnel who
may be called to deal with specific
evidence types.
7
 INTRODUCTION:
The crime scene is the area from which the
majority of the physical evidence associated with
the crime obtained. It provides the investigating
officers with a starting point for the investigation to
determine the identities of the suspect and victim
and to piece together the circumstances of what
happened during the crime. The first officer’s most
important task at the scene is to prevent the
destruction or the diminished usefulness of
potential evidence that may lead to the
apprehension of the criminal and the ultimate
resolution of the crime.
 Recording the Time
 Notation should be made of the time of arrival at
the scene , and etc.
Entering the Scene Proper
 When entering the scene proper, or the focal
point of events, the officer must proceed with
extreme caution and concentrate attention on
possible evidence that may be found on doors,
doorknobs, lights switches, floor s, etc.
 Protecting the Integrity of the Scene

 As soon as possible after arriving the

scene, the officer should take steps to
protect the scene from anyone not directly
with the investigation.
 Including:
a. Other officers
b. Supervisors
c. Command personnel
d. The press,
e. Curiosity seekers and
f. Family members
Injured Person on the Scene:
If an injured person is on the scene, first aid should
be administered immediately even if it means
valuable evidence may be lost or destroyed.
Saving lives is the first priority and takes
precedence over all other considerations.
Injured Person on the Scene

If first aid to the injured is not immediately essential, officer

should note the victim’s position on a simple sketch, by
marking the floor, or by forming a mental picture of the
position. The officer should note how the victim is lying or
sitting , the position of the hands, arms, and legs, the
condition of clothes, and so on. It also important to notice if
the victim hands have anything in them such as hair, fibers
and the like.
Dead Person on the Scene
If the first officer on the scene is able to
establish certain signs of death , i.e., marked
rigor mortis, odor, lividity, beginning
decomposition, etc., the rule is not to touch or
remove the body until a detailed examination
can be made.
 Summoning the Coroner:
Whether the medical examiner or coroner should be
contacted at this point of the investigation is a matter of local
custom. Some agencies first wait for the investigating officers
officer to arrive and begin their investigation prior to
notification of the coroner’s office. Policies should be
arranged with local medical examiner’s office on call-out
matters. It should be noted that the medical examiner’s office
has jurisdiction over the body.
Firearms and Ammunition on the Scene
The general rule is that firearms and ammunition should
be left untouched until the investigating personnel
arrive. However, recovery of weapons and ammunition
may become necessary. If there is possibility that they
may be inadvertently moved or lost during the removal
of an injured person, or if conditions are such that the
officer cannot effectively protect the scene alone and
bystanders might disturb the evidence, then the evidence
may be removed.
WHEN A SUSPECT IS FOUND AT THE SCENE!!!

The first officer to arrive at a crime scene may occasionally face

the necessity of arresting or holding a suspect. In such situation,
the rule of doing the most important duties must be followed.
The police officer must use common sense in taking whatever
are necessary in order to protect the scene.
If it is not possible to hold the suspect at the scene or in the
police vehicle , a possible alternative is to find a reliable civilian
to protect the scene until the other officers arrive.
The first officer should instruct such person on how to guard the
premises as the task is likely to be unusual for them.
 WHAT TO DO UNTIL THE INVESTIGATING PERSONNEL
ARRIVE!!!

While waiting for the investigators to arrive, the officer should

attend to the following:
Write down names of witnesses and other persons who are
known to have entered the scene;
Who was at the scene when the officer arrived?
Establish the basic facts;
Keep the suspect and witness separated wherever possible;
Instruct witnesses not to discuss the events;
Do not discuss the crime with witnesses or bystanders
Listen attentively but not unobtrusively and
Protect evidence that is danger of being destroyed.
The Continued Protection of the Scene.
In protecting the crime scene after the investigators
have arrived, the officers detailed to protect the scene
should act only on order from the detective in charge.
During the technical examination of the scene, it is the
crime scene investigator who is in charge of the officers
on guard duty as well as of the scene proper.
News reporter sometimes arrive at the scene before the
officers who are to examine it. The first officers on the
scene should not, under any circumstances, give
information about the case to reporters.
 CRIMES SCENE
“DO’S AND DON’T “
 DO DON’T
Limit access to the crime scene by the Permit unnecessary personnel to
use of tape and major incident log. enter the crime scene.
Attempt to identify possible Use routes possibility used by the
suspect.
Note original conditions at the crime Assume others will note original
scene. conditions, etc.
Records changes in conditions Fail to documents any changes or
especially in regard to your activities contamination at the scene.
(or paramedics)
Protect evidence from adverse Allow evidence to be compromised by
environmental conditions. nature.
Conduct all administrative duties Eat or use any facilities or the phone
outside the tape ( coffee drinking, within the crime scene.
smoking)
Record the location of evidence before Remove items and package without
moving. documentation.
Package trace evidence in a bundle. Package trace evidence (paint, glass,
etc.) in large envelopes.
Keep an open mind as to what might Ignore items that appear out of place
be evidence. or hard to explain.
 DO DON’T

Be aware that you are potential Touch anything unnecessarily.

source of evidence.

Take photographs of items at 90 Photograph items only without

degrees with and without L-scales lens.

Cal expert personnel to crime Assume the expert can always

scenes for detailed/difficult answer the questions from non-
collection or documentation . expert collection or
documentation.

Take photographs of all aspects of Limit your photos to overalls and

crime scenes, perspective shots, item location.
90 degrees photos of items and
bloodstain.
 ON HOSTAGE SITUATIONS
Personnel responding to hostage incidents are primarily
responsible for minimizing injuries, strategically
deploying personnel, gathering intelligence and initiating
a holding action to contain the taker pending arrival of
SWAT/Crises Response Team and Negotiating Team.
1.Upon arrival at the scene:
a.Assess the situation. Confine/isolate the suspect/s to
his present location by taking positions with maximum
cover but with good field of view/fire;
b.Notify higher Headquarters and request special units
(Special Weapons and Action Team/Negotiating Team,
Explosive Ordinance Detection Team, etc.)
c.Request medical ambulance team, fire truck and rescue
van to standby.
d. Request assistance from nearest unit, if necessary, to
cordon/secure the area and control/direct traffic.
e. Cordon area and isolate from pedestrian /vehicular
traffic.
f. Evacuate injured person.
g. Cause evacuation of adjacent buildings or rooms, if
necessary.
2. Establish identify and objectives of the suspect/s.
3. Establish identity of victim/s (age, sex, description,
clothes) and determine if anyone is killed or injured.
4. Determine probable location of the suspect/s within the
structure, their number and weaponry.
5. Determine access routes and advice-concerned units.
Note the following:
a. General Description of the area
b. Access routes from the target site/objective to probable staging
area.
c. Cover, concealment and open areas.
d. Field of view
e. Filed of fire
f. Distance from the target site to the Staging area.
6. Continuously attempt to achieve every possible tactical
advantage over the suspect.
7. Invite persons who can supply pertinent information for
investigation/getting information.
8. Persuade the suspect to surrender and release the hostage.
9. If verbal efforts to persuade the suspect to surrender failed,
secure the area and wait for the arrival of SWAT/Negotiating
Team.
10. Upon arrival of SWAT/Negotiating Team.
a.Turn-over command and control to responding
elements.
b.Brief the Group Commander of the situation and
the tactical problem encountered.
c.Provide al pertinent information (suspect/s ID,
description, weaponry, etc., victim/s and suspect’s,
access points; obstacles and other information).
“ Prepare to receive instructions from the Group
Commander”.
POP’s Rule 29. BOMB, BOMB THREAT AND BOMB INCIDENT
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES.
SECTION 1. Bomb
A bomb can appear obvious or concealed and can vary in size,
shape or sophistication and may not necessarily explode such as
in the case of incendiary and dirty bombs. It may be referred to as
Improvised Explosives Device (IED) or ordnance.

SECTION 2. Bomb Threat

Bomb threat is either a written or verbal threat communicated
through electronic means, oral or other means that threatens to
place or uses an IED at a certain time, date, or place against any
specific person or place. The FR, the police investigator, and the
police detective must remember the following basic facts on bomb
threat
 A threat is considered only a threat until something visible
is found;
 b. Determined bombers do not frequently give warnings
of a possible explosion/incendiary attack;
 c. Threats are an excellent way to disrupt productivity
without actually risking life, limb and/or property; and
 d. The consequences of conviction for “threatening” are
not necessarily as serious as those that could result from
actual placement/initiation of a bomb.
SECTION 3. First Responder’s Procedure on Bomb Threat
The following are the guidelines for FRs during a bomb threat:
a. Upon receipt of the information:
1) Treat all threats as serious until proven otherwise;
2) Determine the exact location of the establishment under threat;
3) Assess or analyse the threat whether it is a long term or a short
term threat;
4) Consider evacuation options such as:
4.1 Option 1 - Do Nothing
4.2 Option 2 - Search with partial evacuation
4.3 Option 3 - Search and evacuation
4.4 Option 4 - Evacuate immediately
5.) Alert Explosives Ordnance Demolition Team (EODT) for bomb
search mission and emergency readiness before going to the crime
scene;
6) Proceed immediately to the scene; and
7) Notify Higher Headquarters of any development

b. Upon arrival at the scene:

1) Confirm the reported bomb threat and notify EODT for the conduct
of a bomb sweep;
2) Conduct or cause a search for suspicious device together with
persons familiar with the location; and
3) Unless a bomb is found, personnel may not order an evacuation of
the affected area, but may inform the person in-charge of the
property of the need to evacuate.
The following procedures shall be followed during
evacuation:
3.1 Evacuation and assembly point routes must be
searched to ensure that personnel are not unnecessarily
exposed to danger during the evacuation;
3.2 Designate a “safe” assembly area, well away from the
threatened structure, out of line-of-sight of the building
and well clear of windows. A minimum distance of 150
meters is recommended;
3.3 Never assemble personnel in front of or directly below
glassed areas;
3.4 Advise employees and visitors to take their personal
belongings to eliminate superfluous “suspicious objects”
and to reduce the number of items to be “checked out”;
3.5 Select safe and climatically acceptable assembly areas
where evacuees may wait for a considerable period;
3.6 Avoid car parks as assembly areas and be mindful of the
car bomb potential;
3.7 Install procedures to ensure that escape routes are
clear. Evacuation routes and assembly areas must be
searched before evacuation;
3.8 Install procedures to ensure windows and doors are left
open and lights left on;
3.9 Include a procedure for machinery shut-down. This can
include plant and equipment, electronics, computer
equipment, securing files and correspondence; and
4. If a suspected device is discovered, cause the evacuation of
people in the affected area to a distance of at least 300 meters
away, and maintain security for the protection of life and
property:
 4.1 Any discovered device shall be isolated;
 4.2 Do not touch, tamper with or disarm any suspected bomb or
IED;
 4.3 Report discovery of suspected device;
 4.4 Do not permit radio transmission within the
premises/building;
 4.5 Turn off all electricity and gas units within the
premises/building;
 4.6 Secure the area and prevent people from approaching;
 4.7 Establish traffic control;
 4.8 Summon ambulance and fire trucks to the scene;
 4.9 Await the arrival of bomb disposal team; and
 4.10 Notify Higher Headquarters of the situation.
SECTION 4. First Responder’s Procedure in Case of
Actual Bomb Explosion
The following are guidelines for FRs during cases of actual
bomb explosions:
 a. Upon receipt of the report:
 1) Identify exact location of the incident;
 2) Alert EOD teams and direct them to proceed to the
area;
 3) Notify Higher Headquarters of the situation;
 4) Request assistance of medical personnel; and
 5) Proceed to the scene immediately.
b. Upon arrival at the scene:
 1) Cause immediate evacuation of the injured;
 2) Direct occupants of the establishment to evacuate;
 3) Maintain order and control crowd;
 4) Notify Higher Headquarters of the situation;
 5) Seal off location until EOD Team determines if a secondary
device exists;
 6) Conduct rescue operations at the scene when necessary;
 7) Initiate immediate investigation if investigators have not yet
arrived and determine the following :
 7.1 Time of detonation/explosion;
 7.2 Time when the call for bomb threat was received; and
 7.3 Type of device.
 8) Submit incident report immediately; and
 9) Avoid issuing “speculative” press releases or statements
Rule 30. COMPUTER CRIME INCIDENT RESPONSE PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. Computer Crime Response
 Computer Crime Response is the actual police intervention in a
computer crime incident where the acquisition of matters of
evidentiary value is traceable within the computer’s hardware,
software, and its network.
SECTION 2. Guidelines for Computer Crime Incident First Responder
 a. When responding to a computer crime incident, or to a scene of the
crime where computers (or electronic device, digital media, and other
similar devices) are present, it is imperative for the FR to be able to
protect, seize, and search the same and to be able to recognize
potential evidence, using the following questions as guidelines to
determine its role in the commission of the crime:
1) Is it a contraband or fruit of a crime?
2) Is it a tool used for the commission of the crime?
3) Is it only incidental to the crime, i.e. being used to store evidence of
the crime?
4) Is it both instrumental to the crime and a storage device for evidence?
b. After identifying the theories as to the role of the computer in the
commission of the crime, the following questions essential to
any further police intervention should be considered by the first
responder:
1) Is there probable cause to seize the hardware?
2) Is there probable cause to seize the software?
3) Is there probable cause to seize the data?
4) Where will the search and seizure be conducted?
c. Search of computers (or electronic device, digital media, and
other similar devices) and seizure of data there from require a
warrant issued by the court.
d. Appropriate collection techniques shall be used to preserve the
data sought to be seized.
e. The evidence seized shall be subjected to forensic examination
by trained personnel. The result of the forensic examination, as
well as the testimony of the forensic expert, shall be made
available during the trial.
 The Standard
Methods of
Recording
Investigative Data
38
The Standard Methods of Recording
Investigative Data:

a. Photographs
b. Sketching crime scene
c. Written notes
d. Developing and lifting fingerprints found at
the crime scene
e. Gathering physical evidence
f. Plaster cast
g. Tape recording of sounds
h. Video tape recording of objects
i. Written statements of subjects and witnesses
39
The Investigator’s
Notebook

40
The Investigators Notebook

a. Purpose: Considering the mass of details

and the number of cases which in some instances an
investigator is handling, it is very possible that he might
forget some details. Many of the details associated with
the investigation while not essential to the report, might
becomes points of interest to the court when the case is
brought to trial. Experienced investigators employ a
notebook to record the relevant details of the case.
During trial, the court allows investigators to consult their
notes to refresh their memory.
41
The Investigators Notebook

b. Recording Notes. The data of the

investigation should be recorded in a complete, accurate
and legible fashion so that in the event another
investigator is required to assume responsibility for the
investigation, he can make intelligent use of the
notebook.

42
The Protocols in
Investigation

43
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 1. Jurisdictional Investigation by

the Territorial Unit Concerned.

The police station which has territorial

jurisdiction of the area where the crime incident
was committed, shall immediately undertake the
necessary investigation and processing of the
crime scene, unless otherwise directed by higher
authorities for a certain case to be investigated by
other units/agency.
44
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 2. Official Police Blotter

A. The Police Blotter is an 18” x 12” log book

with hard bound cover that contains the daily register of
all crimes incidents reports, official summary of arrest,
and other significant events reported in a police station.

B. As a general, all crime incidents must be

recorded in the official police blotter
45
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 2. Official Police Blotter

c. A separate police blotter shall be

maintained for offense requiring confidentiality
like violence against women & children and those
cases involving a child in conflict with the law to
protect their privacy pursuant to RA 9262- anti-
violence against women and children act of 2004
and RA 9344- Juvenile justice welfare act of
2006. 46
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 2. Official Police Blotter

d. The duty police officer shall record the

nature of the incident in the police blotter
containing the five (5) W’s and One (1) H of the
information and inform his superior officer or the
duty officer regarding the occurrence of such
incident.
47
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 2. Official Police Blotter

e. In answering the five (5) W’s and One (1) H

as well as the Case Disposition, all such material details
about the incident, including the nature of the action or
offense; the date, time and place of occurrence, the
names of the suspects, the victims, the witnesses, the
facts of the case, significant circumstances that
aggravate or mitigate the event or the crime should be
enter along with the identity of the officer to whom the
case is assigned and the status of the case.
48
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 3. The Investigation Team:

Organization and Equipment

a. All investigator in all police units must

be a graduate of prescribed investigation course
with a rank of at least PO2 (Pre-requisite to
assignment)

49
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 3. The Investigation Team:

Organization and Equipment

b. Composition.
Team Leader
Investigator/Recorder
Photographer
Evidence Custodian
Composite Illustrator/Artist

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The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 3. The Investigation Team:

Organization and Equipment

c. Equipment of the Investigator:

Police Line, Video Camera, Voice Recorder,
Camera Measuring, Device Gloves, Flashlights
Finger Print kit, Evidence bag, Evidence Tag,
Evidence Bottles/vials and Investigator’s tickler;
(Investigators checklist, anatomical diagram
form, evidence checklist and turn-over receipt)
51
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

a. Proceed to the crime scene to validate the

information received
b. Record the exact time of arrival and pertinent
data regarding the incident in his issued pocket
notebook and notify the TOC
c. Cordon off the area and secure the crime
scene with a police line or whatever available materials
like ropes, straws of human as barricades to preserve its
integrity
52
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

d. Check whether the situation still posses

imminent danger and call for back up it necessary
e. Identify possible witnesses and conduct
preliminary interview and ensure their availability for
the incoming investigator on case
f. Arrest the suspect if around or in instances
wherein the suspect is fleeing, make appropriate
notification for dragnet operations.
53
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

g. Prepare to take the “Dying Declaration” of

severely injured persons with the following requisites:
i. The death is imminent and the victim
is conscious of that fact
ii. The declaration refers to the cause
and surrounding circumstances of such death

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The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

g. Prepare to take the “Dying Declaration” of

severely injured persons with the following
requisites:
iii. The declaration relates to facts
which the victim is competent to testify to
iv. The declaration is offered in case
wherein the victim’s death is the subject of the
inquiry
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The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

h. Evacuate the wounded to the nearest

hospital using emergency services.
i. Account for the killed, wounded and
arrested persons for proper disposition
j. Conduct initial investigation
k. Brief the investigator on case upon
arrival and turn over the crime scene
56

.
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 4. Duties of the First Responder

l. Conduct inventory on the evidence

taken at the crime scene, inventory receipt should
be properly signed by the first responder, SOCO
and the investigator.

.
57
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 5. Duties and Responsibilities of

the Investigating Team:

a. Take full control of the crime scene to

include the conduct of the crime scene search, taking of
photographs, making sketches, lifting of fingerprints,
markings of physical evidence (Chain of Custody) the
transmittal of evidence to crime laboratory, interview of
witnesses, gathering and evaluation of evidence, follow
up of the case, documentation and filing of appropriate
charges in court.
58
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 5. Duties and Responsibilities of

the Investigating Team:

b. Establish a command post in the immediate

vicinity of the crime scene
c. Designate a holding area in the immediate
vicinity of the crime scene ( for the media, VIP’s and
other personalities present)
d. Conduct case conference with the first
responder’s, SOCO and other law enforcer and rescue
personnel
59
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 5. Duties and

Responsibilities of the Investigating
Team:

e. Note secondary crime scene if

situation requires.
f. Release the crime scene after
investigation. 60
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 6. Investigation of suspect

a. Procedures when arrest is made:
i. Secure the person arrested (hand cuff
at the back)
ii. Inform the arrested person on the
cause of his arrest and his rights as provided for in the
constitution
iii. Conduct thorough search for weapons
and other illegal materials against the suspect
iv. Use reasonable force in making the
arrest.
61
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 6. Investigation of
suspect
a. Procedures when arrest is
made:
v. Confiscated evidence must
be properly documented and marked
vi. Bring the arrested person
to the police station for investigation.
62
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 6. Investigation of suspect

a. Procedures when arrest is made:
v. Confiscated evidence must be properly
documented and marked
vi. Bring the arrested person to the police
station for investigation.

63
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 6. Investigation of suspect

b. Booking procedures of the

Arrested Person /Suspect
i. The arrested suspect shall be
finger printed , photographed and subjected
to medical examination to include liquor
and drug test.
Ii. Conduct record check 64
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 7. Taking Sworn

Statements of suspect

The execution of a suspect’s

“WAIVER” as stipulated in Art 125 of
RPC shall always be done in the
presence of his chosen counsel or any
independent counsel. 65
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 8. Taking Sworn Statements of the

witnesses.
a. Sworn statement’s or affidavit of the
complainant and witness must be taken
immediately by the investigator on case
b. Affidavit of arrest of the arresting
officers must be taken immediately not later than
24 hours
c. In inquest cases, the investigator on
case and the arresting officers shall observe Art
125 of RPC. 66
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 9. Preparation of reports and filing

of Charges
The Investigator on Case shall submit the
following:
a. Spot Report within 24 hours to higher
headquarters
b. Progress Report
c. After Operation Report
d. Final report after the case is filed
before the prosecutor office/court
e. Accomplishment Report 67
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 10. Procedures in the Release of

Crime Scene:
a. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been
made
b. Released is accomplished only after
completion of the final survey and proper documentation
of evidence, witnesses, victims and suspect.
c. If crime scene is within a private property,
the same must be released to the lawful owner
witnessed by any barangay official. In case of
government facility, it should be released to the
administrator. 68
The Protocols in Investigation:

Protocol 11. Follow up of Case

The Investigator on Case shall conduct police
operation to identify and apprehend suspect based on
the result of initial investigation conducted.

Protocol 12. Preparation of Case

Investigation Plan (CIPLAN)
The conduct of operation involving sensational
cases, high profile and heinous crimes must be covered
by CIPLAN
69
Components of Crime
Investigation’s:

1. Crime Scene Photography

2. Crime Scene Sketching
3. Crime Scene Search
4. Crime Scene Note Taking
5. Preservation, collection,
handling, identification and
disposition of evidence. 70
WCPC
 The main objective is to create
visual record of the crime scene before
any item is moved as possible physical
evidence.

Reminders:

“Take photograph of the Crime

Scene, Without and With MARKERS” 72
The Guidelines for Taking Photographs of the
Crime Scene

1. Photographs of the crime scene should

be taken as soon as possible, before note taking,
sketching or a search for evidence begins.

2. The pictures should illustrate the

original, uncontaminated condition of the crime
scene.
73
The Guidelines for Taking Photographs of the
Crime Scene

3. Photographs should be taken off the

crime scene only, without spectators or police
personnel.

4. The photographs must form an

organized sequence and show all relevant
locations and objects.
74
The Guidelines for Taking Photographs of the
Crime Scene

5. The crime scene photographs must

progress from general to specific.

75
Overlapping Method
Procedure in Photographing the crime scene

General View or Long-range –

General View or long-range
photographs of the overall scene
fundamentally are taken to portray the
areas as if a person viewing the scene
is seeing it from the standing position.
To obtain this result, the photographer
takes the photograph with the camera
at eye level.
Medium View or Mid-range - Medium
view or mid-range photographs are taken
in a manner which portrays the scene from
approximately ten to twenty feet of
distance from the subject. In order that the
viewer be permitted to associate the crime
scene with separate areas of the scene
photographed, these areas should contain
sufficient details to permit the viewer
association.
Close-up Range View – Close-up
range photographs are normally
taken approximately five feet or less
from the subject. The attention of
close-up photography is directed to
object which could be effectively
seen in the long-range and mid-
range photographs.
 Extreme Close-Up Range View –
To show the extent of damage,
objects that is small in size such as
fingerprints, shoe print, tool marks,
fibers, hair, injury, blood spatter,
documents, tools, etc. Always take a
second photograph with a scale to
show the actual size of the object and
the camera must always be parallel to
the film plane.
 USE OF PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTE

Notes are valuable not only as an aid

to an accurate recall of events to be
testified to in court, but also to furnish the
raw material needed in the written formal
report of the case.

A different notebook/photo log should

be used for each separate case and it
should be kept permanently in a safe place.
 Photo Log:

- Name of the photographer

- Name of the logger
- Case number
- Date of incident
- Date photos were taken
- Type of investigation
- Time photo taken
- Location of photo
 Photo Log: Individual Photos

 Date and time of exposure

 Roll number
 Exposure number
 Camera settings (lens, f/stop, shutter speed)
 Distance between camera and subject
 Type of photograph taken (close up, mid…)
 Brief description of photo
 Use of tripod or flash (with setting)
PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE BODY

 In relation to the room from all four sides and

in relation to certain features or evidence
 Close-up of wound(s)
 Blood spatter on clothing
 Blood around body
 Unusual activities involving the body
 Insect or animal activity
 Hands and feet
 Possible drug use
 Area under the body once body moved
 Evidence
 “Evidence…does not forget. It is not
confused by the excitement of the moment.
It is not absent because human witnesses
are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence
cannot be wrong; it cannot perjure itself; it
cannot be wholly absent. Only its
interpretation can err. Only human failure to
find it, study and understand it, can diminish
its value.

- Presiding Judge Harris vs U.S

(1947)
T he Crime Scene Sketching

90
The Crime Scene Sketches

The sketch is useful in questioning the

suspects and witnesses as well as in the writing
of investigation report.

A sketch is prepared indicating the actual

measurement of things with scale and proportion
observed and oriented to the North. All necessary
information are placed in the sketch in connection
with crime being investigated.
91
The Crime Scene Sketches

The sketch is an excellent companion of

photograph. Where Photograph provide exact
details while Sketch offer accurate information
about the placement of objects and they show the
relationship and distance between things.

92
The Elements of Sketch

1. Measurement
2. Compass Direction
3. Essential Elements
4. Scale & Proportion
5. Legend
6. Title
93
The Specific Kinds Sketch

1. Sketch of Locality- give picture of the

scene, the crime and its environs including
buildings roads to show the possible entrance and
exit points.

2. Sketch of Ground – picture of the

scene of the crime with its nearest physical
surroundings.

3. Sketch of Details- the immediate

scene only 94
Sketch of Locality
Ground Sketch
Detailed Sketch
The Types of Measurements

1. Rectangular Coordinates
2. Triangular Coordinates
3. Polar Coordinates

98
TRIANGULATION
Rectangular Method
Baseline/Coordinate Method
 Rough-sketch diagram of a
crime scene. Courtesy Sirchie
Finger Print Laboratories,
Inc., Youngsville, N.C.,
www.sirchie.com.

WCPC
 Finished-sketch
diagram of a
crime scene.
Courtesy Sirchie
Finger Print
Laboratories,
Inc.,
Youngsville,
N.C.,
WCPC www.sirchie.co
m
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of the Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CRIME LABORATORY
Camp Crame, Quezon City

Date

SOCO FORM # 6

RE SOCO REPORT NR:

SCENE OF THE CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET

SKETCH DETAILS AND MEASUREMENT

NOTE: NOT TO SCALE

LEGEND:

TITLE BLOCK
Nature of Case:
Requesting Party:
Victim/s:
Officer on Case:
Date & Time Sketched:
Place of Incident:
Weather Condition:
Sketched by:
Witnesses: 1.
2.
Remarks:
The Crime Scene Search

105
The Crime Scene Search

106
The Crime Scene Search

The Search for physical evidence is

done using the accepted methods of
search depending upon the actual
location to be searched.

A Crime Scene Search could only

be started after it has been
photographed and sketched
107
The Objectives of the
Crime Scene Search

To systematically look for

physical evidence that may
prove useful in establishing
that a crime has been
committed. 108
The Crime Scene Search Methods

1. Strip & Double Method – the

searchers will proceed at the same pace along
the path parallel to one side of the rectangles.

109
110
The Crime Scene Search Methods

2. Spiral Method – the searchers will follow

each other in the path of the spiral, beginning in the
outside and spiralling towards inside.

111
The Crime Scene Search Methods

3. Zone Method – the area to be

searched will be divided into quadrants and each
searcher is assigned to one quadrant.

112
The Crime Scene Search Methods

4. Wheel Method – for the area to be

searched is approximately circular or oval.

113
The Crime Scene Notetaking

114
 Note Taking

Note taking must be a constant

activity throughout the
processing of the crime scene
 Notes must include:
 Detailed written description of the Crime Scene
with locations of physical evidence received.
 The time when the physical evidence was
discovered
 The person who discovered and collected the
physical evidence
 How the evidence was packaged and marked
 The disposition of the item when it was
collected
The Collection of Physical Evidence

117
“Every contact leaves a trace.”

Edmund Locard

WCPC
WCPC
The Collection of Physical Evidence

The competence to recognize and properly

collect physical evidence is critical to both solving
and prosecuting the crime.

The Team Leader is always informed of

significant evidence located. The evidence
collector shall put his marks on the items and turn
it over to the evidence custodian for
documentation and safe keeping.
120
The Collection of Physical Evidence

Physical Evidence – articles and materials

which are found in connection with the
investigation and aid in establishing the identity of
the suspect.

121
The Procedures Needed for the Care
of Physical Evidence

1. The article must be properly

identified.
2. Chain of custody must be
proved
3. The evidence must be material
and relevant

122
The Chain of Custody

It is the number of persons who

handle the evidence between the
time of the commission of the
offense and the ultimate disposition
of the case and should be kept to a
minimum
123
PEOPLE v NOVILINIO, G.R. No.  177220, April 24, 2009

 Testimony about every link in the chain, from

the moment the item was picked up to the time it
is offered into evidence,
 Description on how and from whom it was
received
 Where it was and what happened to it while in
the witness’ possession
 The condition in which it was received, and
 The condition in which it was delivered to the
next link in the chain.  
WCPC
 PEOPLE v NOVILINIO, G.R. No.  177220, April 24, 2009

Precautions taken to ensure

that there had been no change
in the condition of the item and
No opportunity for someone not
in the chain to have possession
of the same. 
WCPC
WCPC
 PEOPLE v LORENA G.R. No.  184954 January 10, 2011

 What is of utmost importance is the

preservation of the integrity and the
evidentiary value of the seized items,
as the same would be utilized in the
determination of the guilt or
innocence of the accused.
WCPC
 PEOPLE v LORENA G.R. No.  184954 January 10, 2011

 This function is performed by the

“chain of custody” requirement to
erase all doubts as to the identity of
the [evidence] by establishing its
movement from the accused, to the
police, to the forensic chemist and
finally to the court.
WCPC
The Conduct of Final Survey

The Team Leader makes a final review

on the crime scene to determine whether or
not the processing has been completed.

129
The Conduct of Final Survey

The release of the crime scene is done if

the investigator is satisfied that all pieces of
evidence have been recovered. Thus, the
investigator must evaluate the items recovered
from the results of the interrogation of the
suspects and the interview of the witnesses. He
must bear in mind that upon the formal release of
the crime scene to the proper authority, the
warrant is already required for the re-entry to the
crime scene. 130
“There is no such thing
as
PERFECT CRIME,
only
IMPERFECT
INVESTIGATOR”
131