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Crime Scene Detailed Search

The document provides guidelines for conducting a detailed search of a crime scene. It advises that [1] each crime scene is unique and should be processed according to its physical characteristics and nature of the offense. [2] Investigators should systematically search areas like rooms and buildings in a clockwise manner, closely examining items on the floor, walls and ceiling for evidence. [3] Fragile evidence like fingerprints, footprints and biological fluids require special care in collection and processing. Outdoor areas should be divided into strips and searched methodically.

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Frederick Eboña
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413 views3 pages

Crime Scene Detailed Search

The document provides guidelines for conducting a detailed search of a crime scene. It advises that [1] each crime scene is unique and should be processed according to its physical characteristics and nature of the offense. [2] Investigators should systematically search areas like rooms and buildings in a clockwise manner, closely examining items on the floor, walls and ceiling for evidence. [3] Fragile evidence like fingerprints, footprints and biological fluids require special care in collection and processing. Outdoor areas should be divided into strips and searched methodically.

Uploaded by

Frederick Eboña
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Crime Scene Detailed Search

a. Each crime scene is different according to the physical nature of the


scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently, the scene is processed in
accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of the scene and with the
need to develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general survey
of the scene is always made, however, to note the location of obvious traces of
action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender(s), and size and shape
of the area involved;

b. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of


evidence is initiated. (In the interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the
clockwise movement be used.) The investigator examines items encountered on the
floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value. You
should:

i. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that maybe


destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected or processed
when discovered such as fingerprints, footprints, tire and shoe
marks, liquids such as blood, semen, urine, saliva and the likes;

ii. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as


evidence until proven otherwise;

iii. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be
present is closely examined and that action is taken to develop
the prints;

iv. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces


conducive to making casts or molds. If possible, photograph the
impressions and make a cast of mold;

v. Note stains, spots, and pools of liquid within the scene and treat
them as evidence;

vi. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and
earth particles, foreign to the area in which they are found – for
example, matters found under the victim’s fingernails.

vii. Process systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion the


crime scene. The search for evidence is initially completed
when, after a thorough examination of the scene, the rough
sketch, necessary photograph, and investigative notes have been
completed and the investigator has returned to the point from
which the search began. Further search may be necessary after
the evidence and the statement obtained have been evaluated.
c. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips of
about four (4) feet wide. The policeman may first search the strip on his left as he
faces the scene and then the adjoining strips;

d. It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to


be the immediate scene of the incident or crime. For example, evidence may indicate
that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden by the offender
somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene;

e. After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines


the object or person actually attacked by the offender. For example, a ripped safe, a
desk drawer that has been pried open or a room from which items have been stolen,
would be processed after the remainder of the scene has been examined for traces of
the offender. In homicide case, the position of the victim should be outlined with a
chalk or any suitable material before the body is removed from the scene. If the
victim has been pronounced dead by a doctor or is obviously dead, it is usually
advisable to examine the body, the clothing and the area under the body after the
remainder of the scene had been searched. This is to enable the
policeman/investigator to evaluate all objects of special interest in the light of all
other evidence found at the scene;

10. Record and Collect Physical Evidence

This is accomplished after the search is completed, the rough sketch is


finished, and the photographs are taken. Fragile evidence should be collected as they
are found. All firearms found to have tampered serial numbers shall be automatically
subjected to macro etching at the PNP Crime Laboratory. A corresponding report to
the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) must be made for verification purpose. In the
collection, the investigator should touch the evidence when necessary, provided that
he or she is wearing gloves.

a. Removal of Evidence

i. The investigator places his initials and the date and time of
discovery on each item of evidence for proper identification;

ii. Items that could not be marked should be placed in a suitable


container and sealed.

b. Evaluation of Evidence

i. Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all pieces


of evidence, individually or collectively.
c. Preservation of Evidence
i. It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every
precaution is exercised to preserve physical evidence in the state
in which it was recovered/obtained until it is released to the
evidence custodian.

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