FP_LESSON 15

Prepared by: CAM Gonzales

FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

WHAT IS AN INVESTIGATION?

Investigation is an inquiry, judicial or otherwise, for the discovery and collection of facts concerning the matter or matters involved.
It is also the process of inquiring, eliciting, soliciting and getting vital information/facts/circumstances in order to establish the truth.
Three-fold aim of investigation: a) to identify the suspect b) to locate the suspect and c) to provide evidence of his guilt.

WHAT IS A CRIME SCENE?

Crime Scene is a venue or place where the alleged crime/incident/event has been committed.
It is the location where a crime has allegedly taken place. It's not just the immediate area of the incident, but encompasses the entire surrounding environment that may contain evidence relevant to the investigation

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTIGATING TEAM

Take full control of the crime scene to include the conduct of 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 and the documentation and filing of appropriate charges in court.
Establish a command post in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene.
Designate a holding area in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene (for the media, VIP's and other personalities present).
Conduct case conference with the first responder, SOCO, other law enforcers and rescue personnel.
Note any secondary crime scene (if situation requires); and
Release the crime scene after investigation.

INVESTIGATIVE TEAM: ORGANIZATION & EQUIPMENT

According to PNP Manual, the Investigative Team is composed of at least 5 members:

A. Team Leader

B. Investigator/recorder

C. Photographer

D. Evidence custodian

E. Composite Illustrator/Artist/Sketcher

Full Composition:

Team Leader, Searcher, Photographer, Measurer, Sketcher, Evidence Collector, and Evidence Custodian

Note: All investigators in any police unit must be a graduate of prescribed investigation course with a rank of Police Corporal (pre-requisite to assignment).

SPECIFIC ROLES OF EACH MEMBERS

A. TEAM LEADER

Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene.
Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey, evaluating potential evidence, and preparing a narrative description.
Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members.
Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a cooperative spirit is maintained.
Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel.
Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene.
Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation.

B. SEARCHER

The searcher systematically examines the crime scene to locate and identify all potential pieces of evidence. This involves a meticulous visual sweep of the entire area, including hidden or obscured locations.
They are responsible for the initial identification and preservation of evidence.

C. FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHER

Photograph entire area before it is entered.
Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.
Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this effort with Sketch Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery Personnel.
Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished.
Prepare Photographic Log or Photo Log and Photographic Sketch

D. MEASURER

The measurer accurately records the precise location and spatial relationships of all evidence within the crime scene.
This creates a detailed map or diagram of the scene, vital for reconstructing events and presenting evidence in court.

E. SKETCHER

Diagram immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch.
Set forth major items of evidence on sketch.
Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas.
Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and double check measurements.
Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch.

F. EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN OR EVIDENCE RECORDER

Have significant evidence photographed before collection.
Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope.
Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.
Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity.
Maintain evidence log.
Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves) and methods when dealing with potentially infective evidence (blood).

G. EVIDENCE COLLECTOR

This generally refers to the different forensic specialists, who by virtue of their specialization, are necessary to identify, collect, examine, and present before the courts evidence at the crime scene. The services of these forensic specialists shall be attached to the SOCO Team depending on the SOCO requirements of the reported crime scene. There is crime incidence where not all forensic specialists are needed to process the scene.

CLICK THIS: CRIMINOLOGY COURSE YOUTUBE

SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATION (SOCO) ASSISTANCE

In cases where the crime scene needs special processing due to its significance or because of its sensational nature, the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) specialists of the Crime Laboratory shall be requested.
If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological weapons, radiological or chemical threats, the appropriate agency should be contacted prior to entering the scene.

1. Significant Cases:

Bombing Incident Initiated terrorist activities
Raids, ambuscade, liquidation KFR case
Armed Robbery of Banks and other Financial institution
Calamity/Disaster
Massacre
Heinous crimes (as defined by law)
Murder, Homicide, Arson, Rape with Homicide

2. Sensational Cases:

Elected Public Officials (Brgy Captain up to President of the RP)
Appointed public officials with the rank of commissioner, secretary and undersecretary
Foreign diplomat
Any foreigner
PNP/AFP personnel
Former high-ranking government officials
Other prominent figures such as movie stars, sports stars, tri-media practitioners, prominent businessmen, professionals, and prominent leaders of religious organizations.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS OF THE INVESTIGATOR

POLICE LINE

CAMERA

VIDEO CAMERA

VOICE RECORDER

MEASURING DEVICE

GLOVES

FLASHLIGHT

FINGERPRINT KIT

EVIDENCE BAG & TAG

EVIDENCE MARKING NUMBER & LETTERS

EVIDENCE BOTTLE/VIAL

INVESTIGATOR TICKLER

METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH

STRIP SEARCH METHOD

Also known as "Line Search Method"
In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle. The three (3) Searchers A, B, and C, proceed slowly at the same pace along paths parallel to one side of the rectangle. When a piece of evidence is found, the finder announces his discovery, and the search must stop until the evidence has been cared for. A photographer is called, if necessary.
The evidence is collected and tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lanes as shown in the above illustration

DOUBLE STRIP SEARCH METHOD

Also known as "Grid Search Method"
The double strip or grid method of search is a modification of the Strip Search Method. Here, the rectangle is traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to a side

SPIRAL SEARCH METHOD

It can begin either from the center or from a corner, spiraling outward or inward to systematically cover the entire area.
In this method, the three searchers follow each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiraling in toward the center.

ZONE SEARCH METHOD

In this method, one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant, and then each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.
Best for crime scene which covers a large area

WHEEL SEARCH METHOD

In this method of search, the area is considered to be approximately circular. The searchers gather at the center and proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be repeated several times depending on the size of the circle and the number of searchers.
One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from the center.
Best for large or open area

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