SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

FRSCCI1 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

A Self-Regulated Learning Module

 MODULE CONTENTS

MODULE LESSON PAGE

Module 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE 4

INVESTIGATION
A. What is crime scene investigation? Its purpose,
application and guidelines.
B.Principles of physical evidence.
C. First officer at the crime scene, duties and
responsibilities with practical exercises.
D. Role of duty investigator/Investigator-on-case
E. Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO)

Module 2 CHAPTER 2 17

1. Securing and Searching the Crime Scene

2. Types of Search Patterns
3. Crime Scene Photography
4. Note taking and Crime Scene Sketch

Module 3 CHAPTER 3 23

1. Principles of Physical Evidence

2. Collection, handling and preservation of physical
evidence with practical exercise.
3. Crime scene Reconstruction

REFERENCES 32
EVALUATION OF THE MODULE 32
 ABOUT THE COURSE

Course Code FRSCEL1

Course This course is designed to help students understand the
description techniques and procedures used in approaching and protecting
the crime scene. It covers crime scene survey and
documentation, collection, handling and preservation of both
perishable and non-perishable evidence of the crime scene,
detailed search of the scene, packaging and labelling of
physical evidence collected, maintenance of proper chain of
custody, and transportation of the collected physical evidence
to the forensic laboratory.
It also gives emphasis on the role of the Crime Scene
Investigator as he conducts scientific processing of the crime
scene, locate and apprehend the suspect as well as interview
witnesses at the crime scene.
Demonstration and analysis of simulated crime scene scenario
will be made and practical exercises will be conducted in order
to master the application of the principles and concepts
learned. Simulation of case briefing will also be part of the
practical exercises.
Requirements 1. Attendance during Virtual Classes
2. Quiz
of the course
3. Assignments
4. Recitations
5. Online Discussions
6. Reflection Papers
7. Academic Papers
8. Major Examinations
Instructor IMMANUEL JESUS A. FERNANDEZ
Official Email: [email protected]
 MODULE 1. FIRST GRADING LESSONS

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of crime scene investigation.

2. Discuss the relationship between first responders and the investigator.
3. Explain the golden rule of criminal investigation and the importance of preserving pieces of
evidence.
Identify and explain the different types crime scene.

CHAPTER 1 :INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

- refers to the systematic method of searching, processing and reconstruction of the crime scene
as well as its meticulous observation and documentation, and the identification, processing and
collection of physical evidence to include the identification of witnesses and the arrest of suspect/s
at the crime scene.
- It is one of the most critical stages of any criminal investigation. The initial actions taken at the
crime scene by the First Responders, Investigators and SOCO Team members at the outset of the
investigation are of such vital importance that oftentimes their actions would determine the
outcome of the investigation.
OBJECTIVES OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
1. To conduct forensic investigations through methodical and scientific means of collection,
examination, preservation & presentation of all evidence for final disposition of criminal
cases.
2. To enable the police investigating units to expeditiously identify & arrest the criminal
perpetrators through the collected and examined physical evidence
3. To establish the facts before the competent courts based on collected and examined
physical evidence

PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPTS GUIDING CSI

1. Locard’s Exchange Principle / Locard’s Transference Principle / Locard’s Principle of Transfer /
Locard’s Theory of Transfer
- Whenever two objects come into contact with one another, materials are exchanged between
them.
“Every contact leaves a trace.”
2. Crime Scene processing is a “one-way” street. / There is no undo button in crime scene
processing.
3. “There are few absolute rules in crime scene investigations…There are always cases where
guidelines cannot be followed…Situations demand that investigators be flexible and creative when
necessary.” - Barry Fisher (2004)
4. “If the law has made you a witness, remain a man of science. You have no victim to avenge, no
guilty or innocent to ruin or save. You must bear witness within the limits of science.” - Bouardel
5. Crime scene processing is a process of “careful destruction”.

CRIME SCENE
- the place from which most physical evidence associated with crime will be obtained
TYPES OF CRIME SCENE
As to the place of commission:

1. Indoor Crime Scene - locations within enclosed structures

2. Outdoor Crime Scene - open locations including crime scene inside the vehicle, airship and
vessel.
3. Continuing/Running Crime Scene - mixed location from indoor to outdoor or vice-versa, or
continuing outdoor alone, or from one place to another of the same jurisdiction, or from one place
crossing to another area of jurisdiction.
As to time of Commission:
1. Day Time Crime Scene - From sunrise to sunset
2. Night Crime Scene - From sunset to sunrise. Processing in this type of crime scene can be
extended until day time to ensure proper collection of physical evidence.
As to the site of Original / First Criminal Activity
1. Primary Crime Scene
2. Secondary Crime Scene
As to Crime Scene Condition:
1. Organized Crime Scene
2. Disorganized Crime Scene
COMPOSITION OF CSI TEAMS: THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. FIRST RESPONDERS’ ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Upon receipt of the information, take note of the following:
 Date and Time the information was received
 Method of transmission (radio call, telephone, bystander, pager, cellphone)
 Identity of the person giving the information
 Weather Conditions
 Location of dispatch
 Brief details of the incident
2. Upon arrival at the crime scene, record the following:
 Exact time of arrival
 Description of the scene and surroundings
 Weather / Temperature Conditions
 Lighting Conditions
 People present near or within the vicinity of the crime scene
3. Immediately conduct a preliminary evaluation of the crime scene.
4. Save and preserve life by giving the necessary first-aid measures to the injured and
arranging for their medical evacuation as necessary
5. Take the dying declaration of severely injured person/s.
 DYING DECLARATION - In order that a dying declaration may be admissible, the following
requisites must be present;

 It must concern the crime involved in and the circumstances surrounding the
declarant’s death;
 At the time of the declaration, the declarant must be conscious of impending death;
 The declaration refers to the cause and surrounding circumstances of such death;
and,
 The declaration must be offered in a criminal case for homicide, murder, or parricide
in which the declarant was the victim.
6. Note the position of the victim upon arrival/discovery of the victim.
7. Preserve the integrity of the CS by setting up a cordon with whatever materials like ropes,
straws, human barricade, and police line if available / Establish the boundaries of a CS
***Inner Perimeter - immediate area where the crime was committed
***Outer Perimeter - surrounding areas which include any entry and exit points, or in a
case of a shooting, any area where spent shell might be found
***Extended Perimeter - include area where the suspect might have thrown any evidence
while fleeing the CS
8. Prevent entry of unauthorized persons within the cordoned area.
9. Report to the nearest police station.
10. If and when there is a suspect present in the area, the FR shall arrest, detain and remove
the suspect from the area
11. Record pertinent information such as time, date and place of incident, weather condition,
names and addresses of witnesses.
12. Retain (if possible) all persons at the scene
13. Account for the killed, wounded and arrested persons for proper disposition;
14. Turn-over the crime scene to the duty investigator/IOC after the he has briefed the
investigator of the situation upon the arrival of the IOC.
15. Stay in the CS to assist the IOC in the maintenance of security, crowd control, preservation
of evidence and custody of witness/suspect until such time the investigation is completed
and temporarily turned-over to the local COP.
16. Prepare and submit the CSI First Responders Form.

GUIDELINES IN APPROACHING THE CRIME SCENE

 Take aggressive control upon arrival
 Determine the extent of the scene protection upon arrival
 Be alert for all forms of physical evidence
 Make pertinent notes concerning observations
 Consider personal safety and scene safety
 Obtain all information possible regarding the original condition of the crime scene

WHILE WAITING FOR THE INVESTIGATORS TO ARRIVE, THE FR SHOULD ATTEND TO

THE FOLLOWING:
1. Write down names of witnesses and other persons who are known to have entered the scene.
This is important for the subsequent sorting of fingerprints and other clues found at the scene.
2. Who was at the scene when the officer arrived?
This information can become particularly important if the crime has just occurred.
3. Establish the basic facts.
A factual account of what happened is of great assistance to the investigators when they arrive
because it helps them decide on the next move.
4. Keep suspect and witnesses separated wherever possible.
If the suspect and witnesses are allowed to talk, it may interfere with later questioning. Family
members may be left in the care of neighbors when necessary, taking care that no alcoholic drinks
or sedatives are administered. Remember that the dramatically grieving relative may be the prime
suspect.
5. Instruct witnesses not to discuss the events.
This can prevent distortion by suggestion. If possible, the principal witnesses should be separated.
In relating events to each other, the witnesses may distort each other’s impressions to the point
where they believe that they saw things that they really did not see or that never happened.
6. Do not discuss the crime with witnesses of bystanders.
This is also intended to prevent suggestion and distortion. Furthermore, circulating details of the
crime may hinder the investigation
7. Listen attentively, but unobtrusively
An alert officer can often pick up information of vital importance to the investigation simply by
being a good listener.
8. Protect evidence that is in danger of being destroyed.
During inclement weather, such as rain or snow, divert water and cover tracts with boxes,
cardboard, and the like. If the crowd of onlookers becomes large, it may become necessary to
expand the protective measures at a given location to prevent trampling of the evidence.
PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE CRIME SCENE
- The First Responders play a great role in the preservation and protection of any evidence at a
crime scene. Their initial actions can either destroy or preserve the evidence left by the
perpetrator.
- Crime scene protection starts with the initial responding officer and must continue throughout the
entire time that the crime scene is under the control of the police and involves every member of the
of the police department as well as others that may come in contact with the crime scene.
How?

 Keeping the site of the crime in the same physical condition as it was left by the criminal by
cordoning off the crime scene and preventing anyone from entering the cordoned area
 Anyone who comes in contact with the crime scene must prevent the obliteration or
deterioration of tangible clues.
 Avoid touching, moving, disturbing or walking on items of evidence in order to preserve
their integrity and reliability
 Use necessary preservation materials such as face mask, gloves, hair net, foot cover, etc.
 Know how to handle “scene contaminators”

Scene Contaminators - are people, events or factor that can create problems and do irreparable
damage to the crime scene and may include the following:
a) Weather - This factor, especially if the scene is outdoors, can create serious problems
especially on biological and physical evidence such as the body, blood, other body fluids,
and residues which could be changed and/or erased by rain, snow, wind, direct sunlight,
and extreme temperature.
b) Relatives and friends of the victim - They may be so sickened by the sight of the scene
that they begin to cleanup and put things back where they “belong.” They are also capable
of destroying and hiding any notes or evidence of suicide in order to “protect” the family
name.
c) Suspect and / or associates - They may attempt to destroy or remove incriminating
evidence. It is important to note that if a suspect is taken into custody a short distance away
 from the scene, he should NOT be returned to the actual crime scene. He may contaminate
the scene either by adding something to it, or more importantly, negate the value of any
trace evidence originally imparted by him or to him from the scene.
d) Curious onlookers, souvenir collectors, ordinary thieves - This group encompasses
those at the scene either out of curiosity or a desire to steal or to take something as a
souvenir. They can introduce confusing fingerprints, alter the condition of the scene, add to
crowd-control problems, and in many instances steal pieces of evidence.
e) Other members of police agencies and high-ranking officials - They are usually not
assigned to the case but will flock to the crime scene in order to “help” or “assist” in the
operation especially when the case is sensational or noteworthy.

B. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INVESTIGATOR-ON-CASE

1. Upon arrival at the CS, the IOC shall request for a briefing from the FR and make a quick
assessment on the crime committed.
2. AT this stage, the IOC shall assume full responsibility over the crime scene and shall
conduct a thorough assessment of the scene
3. If necessary the IOC may conduct crime scene search outside the area where the incident
happened, employing any of the various search methods, whichever is appropriate.
4. Based on the assessment, if the IOC determines whether or not a SOCO team is required;
he/she shall report the matter to his COP and request for SOCO, otherwise, the IOC shall
proceed with the CSI without SOCO. Utilizing CSI Form.
5. Conducts walk through or initial survey of the CS and while observing the following:
 Establish the perpetrator’s path of entry and exit;
 Follow an indirect path to the center of the scene, possibly one already established
by the first responding officer to allow for medical attention.
 Do not attempt to follow the possible path of the suspect because you might destroy
possible evidence.
 Must immediately document and photograph obvious items of crime-scene
evidence.
 Must secure or tag any fragile evidence, such as shoe and tire impressions
 Remember that the crime scene is three-dimensional; evidence may be found on the
walls or ceilings as well as on the floor and other surfaces.
6. Establish a command post in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene;
7. Designate a holding area in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene (for the media, VIP‟s
and other personalities present);
8. Upon arrival of SOCO, IOC must accomplish SOCO request form.
9. IOC shall brief the SOCO Team upon their arrival
10. Enter the CS jointly with SOCO team leader for the preliminary CS survey.
11. Must be present at the CS while SOCO team is conducting CS processing;
12. While the CS is being processed, IOC looks for witnesses and immediately conduct
interview while taking notes of important facts for future reference;
13. Conduct case conference with the first responder(s), SOCO, other law enforcers and
rescue personnel;
14. Note any secondary crime scene (if situation requires); and
15. The IOC shall decide on the lifting of the security cordon and the release of the crime scene
upon consultation with the SOCO Team Leader and he shall be responsible in ensuring that
all pieces of potential evidence were collected by the SOCO Team as any re-entry into the
crime scene after its release to the owner will require a Search Warrant issued by the Court;
16. The IOC shall accomplish the CSI Form “6” – IOC/Investigator’s CSI Form before the
cordon shall be lifted;
 17. The IOC shall ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided by the SOCO Team and
shall only lift the security cordon and release the crime scene only after completion of the
documentation process;
18. The IOC or the COP shall turn-over the crime scene to the owner of the property or where
the crime scene is a public place, to any local person in authority.

***SOCO TEAM COMPOSITION

a) SOCO Team Leader
b) Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder
c) Sketcher
d) Evidence Log Recorder/Custodian
e) Driver/Security
f) Evidence Processor/Collector
g) Specialists (as required)
i. Medical Examiner
ii. Odontologist
iii. Engineer
iv. Bomb Technician
v. Crime Laboratory
Examiner
 Fingerprint Examiner
 Firearms Examiner
 Forensic Chemist
 Polygraph Examiner
 Document Examiner
 Physical Identification
Specialist
C. SOCO TEAM LEADER (TL) ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Upon arrival at the crime scene, TL must coordinate with the IOC and
inquire on preliminary facts or information about the case
2. Conducts a cautious walk through at the CS following the search pattern
previously used by the IOC then take note of the condition of the CS based
from systematic assessment including the identification of pieces of
evidence at the CS
3. Included in the responsibility of the TL is to ensure the safety of the SOCO
members who will be conducting the CS processing
4. Brief the SOCO team members on the results of his/her preliminary survey
which include physical evidence and their location
5. Directs and monitor the CS processing
6. Generates a theory of the crime out of his/her assessment including the
information given by the IOC
7. Turn over the CS to the IOC after all evidence have been processed and
collected
8. Evaluates and certify accomplished SOCO Forms.

C. PHOTOGRAPHER
 Responsible for the recording of the original crime scene, other related
areas, and the pieces of evidence therein through photography
 Uses appropriate methods of taking photographs in order to produce
reliable photographs that could be presented in court
 Responsible for preparing the photo log

D. SKETCHER
 Records the crime scene by including necessary details in his/her sketch
 Utilizes appropriate sketch type for different crime scenes
 Accomplishes the rough and finished sketch to accompany photographs in
case folders

E. EVIDENCE LOG RECORDER / CUSTODIAN

 Records inventory of evidence collected at the crime scene

 Ensures protection of the integrity of the evidence collected
 Ensures that chain of custody during the crime scene processing until its
release is maintained
 Responsible for preparing the forms for the inventory of evidence and
evidence log
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F. DRIVER / SECURITY
 Drives the SOCO Van to the scene of the crime
 Assists in the protection of the crime scene (e.g. crowd control)
 Make sure that only authorized personnel enters the CS during the
processing

G. EVIDENCE PROCESSOR / COLLECTOR

 Works together with the photographer and the note taker/recorder during
the processing of the crime scene
 Tags and marks pieces of evidence
 Measures the pieces of evidence using appropriate measurement
techniques such as triangulation
 Collect and pack using appropriate collection and packing procedures the
pieces of evidence after these were processed and photographed

H. SPECIALISTS
 Depending on the nature of the crime committed and the evidence present
at the CS, specialists may be required in the crime scene processing.
Ideally, the person who specializes in a particular forensic examination
should be the one to process and collect evidence related to his/her
specialization. However, since members of the SOCO were trained in most
of the functions of the crime laboratory, they could still process evidence
outside their specialization especially if no specialist is available.

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 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION FLOWCHART (from the Standard
Operating Procedure No. ODIDM -2011 - 08)

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RECOGNITION OF EVIDENCE AT THE CRIME SCENE
SECURING & SEARCHING THE CRIME SCENE
A. Securing the Crime Scene

 The first responders on the scene of the crime have the responsibility to
preserve and protect the area to the greatest extent possible. However,
priority should be given to obtaining medical assistance for individuals in
need of it.
 If medical assistance is needed, medical workers should approach the
victim thru an INDIRECT PATH to minimize the possibility of disturbing the
evidence.
 Steps must be taken by the first responders to exclude all unauthorized
personnel from the scene and keep an accurate log of who enters and exits
the scene and the time at which they do so.

B. Searching the Crime Scene

***A general survey of the scene is always made to note the location of obvious
traces of action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender/s and the
size and shape of the area involved
Factors Affecting the Methods of Crime Scene Search to be Employed:
 Locale and size of the area
 Actions of the suspect(s) and victim(s) at the scene / Circumstances of the
crime
 Nature of the crime committed

Purpose of Crime Scene Search:

 To systematically locate physical evidence that may prove useful in
establishing that a crime has been committed.
 To determine what method of operation the perpetrator may have used.
NOTE: The best search options are often the most difficult and time consuming.

Types of Search Patterns

1. Strip or Line Search
 A search method used by one or two investigators who walk in straight
lines across the crime scene
 Used for indoor and outdoor crime scenes
 Number of searchers employing this search pattern depends on the size of
the crime scene
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  Best used in scenes where boundaries are well established because the
boundaries dictate the beginning and end of the search lines

2. Grid or Double Strip Search

 Modified version of the strip search

 Useful for large crime scenes, particularly outdoor scenes.
 How is this done: After completing the strip search, the searchers are
doubled back, perpendicularly across the area they just searched.
 It is very time consuming, but causes a very methodical and thorough
examination of the area.
 It also has the advantage of allowing searchers to view and search the
crime scene from two different viewpoints, thereby increasing the
possibility of uncovering evidence not previously noticed.

3. Spiral Search

 This ever widening circle technique is conducted with the searching officer
starting at the focal point of the crime scene or the center of the area,
working outward by circling in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to
the outside edges of the crime scene.
 Can also be performed by searching inward, from the entry/exit point
towards the center of the crime scene.
 A good pattern for a rather confined area as in a small room. It is also
helpful to apply this pattern in layers. This can be done as follows:
 Visually search the top third of the room, as well as the ceiling.
 Search the middle third of the room including drawers and cabinets.
 Search the lower third, using the spiral technique.

4. Quadrant / Zone Search

 A quadrant Search is used when the search area is particularly large and
cumbersome.
 This type of search requires the crime scene to be divided into four large
quadrants (the four large quadrants can also be sub-divided into four
smaller quadrants). Each quadrant or sector is then searched separately
as an individual unit, using the spiral, strip and/or grid search pattern.

5. Pie / Wheel Search

 The pie or wheel search is based on the establishment of a circle

surrounding the crime scene.

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  A search method employed by several people (6) who move from the
boundary straight forward to the center of the scene or from the center of
the scene towards the boundary
 Disadvantage: The areas between the “rays” are not searched.

RECORDING THE CRIME SCENE

3 Most Common Methods of Recording a Crime Scene:

 Note taking
 Photography
 Sketching

IMPORTANCE:

 A detailed record of the crime scene and of the actions taken during the
search of it helps the investigator to accurately recall events and to identify
items of evidence later in a court of law.
 The notes taken, sketches and photographs made during the search for
evidence also serve as a valuable reference concerning the details
uncovered during the search and the thoroughness of the method
employed.

NOTE TAKING
 Serves as personal record of the search for evidence
 It should be detailed so that it will remain fully meaningful even months
after the event.
 It should begin with the crime scene specialist’s name and assignment to
the case.
 It should be supplemented by sketches and photographs of the scene.
 It should be recorded in the order that the observations they pertain to are
made, and will not necessarily be in logical order.
 It should be complete

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED DURING NOTE TAKING

1. Dates, times, and locations
The date and time of the investigator’s assignment to the case should be noted.
The exact time of arrival, exact location of the crime scene, light and weather
condition, the names of any officers contacted, and names of other persons on
the scene of the crime.

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2. Detailed Description of the Victim and his/her Clothing
The name, age, height, weight, complexion, and color of hair and eyes of the
victim need to be included in the notes.
Outer garments worn by the victim should be described in terms of the type of
garment and color.
3. Wounds the Victim has Received
The exact location of a wound or injury, its type, size, and in the case a bruise, its
color need to be included in the notes.
4. A General Description of the Crime Scene
The investigator should note any damage to items, any apparent disturbance of
the normal arrangement of furniture or other objects, and the presence of objects
that seem unusual in the context of the scene.
5. The Type of Camera and Film (if using SLR) Used in Photographing the
Crime Scene.
6. Discovery of Each Significant Item of Evidence
Included should be the description of the item, the time it was discovered, by
whom, the exact place of its discovery, how it was marked, the type of container it
was placed in, how the container was sealed and marked, and the disposition of
the item after it was collected.
7. Note reasons why pieces of evidence were not discovered / retrieved at
the crime scene
Use of Crime Scene Specialist’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 should be used for each separate case and the
notebooks should be kept permanently in a safe place.

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 MODULE 2. MIDTERM LESSONS

At the end of this module, the students should be able to

:
1. Identify the use of Photography in Crime Scene Investigation

2. Take photographs of the crime scene at the right angles.

3. Draw a sketch of a crime scene with complete measurements

PHOTOGRAPHY
Elements of Photography:

 Light tight box or camera

 Sensitized materials (film and photo paper) / Micro Sim and photo
paper
 Light
 Chemical process / Printer

USES OF PHOTOGRAPHS IN POLICE WORK

1. It refreshes the mind of the investigator. It is a sort of artificial memory
2. Preservation of the Evidence
3. It is useful in personal identification as well as in the identification of missing
person, identification of stolen and lost properties.
4. It often reveals detail that is not apparent during the physical examination of the
CS / evidence.
5. It records all things that an investigator may fail to notice.
6. It makes the accused admit his crime.
- The photographs help in securing or obtaining confession.

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- The guilty party may sometimes confess when confronted with relevant
photographs.
7. It assists the court in understanding the case.
8. It helps reconstruct the crime scene.
9. It helps the expert witness in illustrating their findings.
10. Photographs are used to supplement, explain, and replace / corroborate the
descriptive testimony of witnesses.
11. It is also used to reproduce and copy documents.
12. Permanent Record
In short, Photography is used for:

 Identification
 Preservation
 Description
 Substitution
 Record

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Purpose:
 To record the original scene and related areas
 To record the initial appearance of physical evidence
 To be used in court trials and hearings

Basic Requirements of a Photograph Admitted in Court

 Accurate representation
 Free of distortion
 Material and relevant
 Unbiased

GENERAL METHODS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Overlapping Method – a photographic method of taking series of photographs
in a circular or clockwise direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the
entire crime scene. If a single photograph cannot show the entire crime scene,
apply this method.
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2. Progressive Method – a photographic method of taking a crime scene
photographs starting from fixed point, photographing each evidence as the
photographer moves toward it, and progressively gets closer. (from general to
specific)
PROCEDURE FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE
1. General View / Long Range View -overall view of the crime scene to include
the reference point
2. Medium View or Mid-range View -showing the four angles of the crime scene
including the possible entrance and exit point of the suspect
3. Close Up Shot - to identify the subject / object
4. Extreme Close-up Shot -to show the extent damage on the subject
a) Photograph the entire area before it is entered.
b) Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
c) Photograph entire scene with overall, medium, and close-up range using
measurement scale.
d) Photograph major evidence items before they are moved.
e) Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting
f) Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch

CRIME SCENE SKETCHING AND MEASUREMENTS

SKETCH - the graphic representation of the scene of the crime with complete
measurements of the relative distances between items or objects. It includes
scales with important dimensions at the scene being shown to a good degree of
accuracy.
Sketches are useful in questioning of suspects and witnesses as well as in the
writing of investigative reports
Sketches are excellent companions to photograph. Where photographs provide
exact details, sketches offer accurate information about the placement of objects
and they show relationship and distances between things.
A rough sketch is prepared indicating the actual measurement of things with a
scale and proportion observed and oriented to the North Pole. All necessary
information are placed in the sketch.
Types of Sketches
1. Sketch of Locality / Neighborhood Sketch - It deals with the vicinity of the
crime scene in relation to the environment like neighboring buildings, structures,
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or means of access leading to the scene. This kind of sketch is applied in
conflagrations and suspected arson cases where the origin of the fire and how it
spread can be indicated.

2. Sketch of Grounds / Ground Sketch - This is the sketch which illustrates the
scene of the crime with the nearest physical surroundings such the yard and other
natural structures.
3. Floor Plan - This is the sketch which illustrates the scene of the crime with the
nearest physical surroundings such as rooms adjacent or opposite of the scene,
the number of floors of a building or house.
4. Sketch of Details / Detailed Sketch - It includes the position and exact
locations of the physical evidence in the crime scene. It describes the immediate
scene only like the room where the crime was committed and the details of the
items in the room.
5. Cross Projection / Exploded View / Bird’s Eye View - It describes the
immediate scene only, specifically, inside the room of the scene of the crime.
The room is treated as a cardboard box where the side and the cover are
collapsed to the same plane as the bottom. The bottom serves as the floor, the
four sides representing the walls and the cover representing the ceiling. The
pieces of evidence found on the floor, walls and ceilings are depicted or drawn
with respective measurements with reference points such as bullet holes,
splatters or blood and other pertinent data.
. PARTS OF SKETCH
1. SOCO Report Number - It contains the SOCO case number used in that
particular crime.
2. Body - It refers to the sketch proper to include the position of the victim and
other items in the crime scene. it includes proper measurements of distances
between objects in the scene.
3. Compass Direction - A standard arrow to indicate the North direction. To find
the north without a compass, determine the east where the sun rises. Facing east,
your LEFT SIDE is the North direction.
4. Nature of the Case - It refers to the crime committed or the incident that
happened such as alleged homicide, drowning, rape, etc.
5. Location of Incident - It refers to the place where the incident happened.
6. Date & Time Sketched - It refers to the time when the sketch was made & time
and date of the incident.

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7. Name of Victim
8. Name of Suspect
9. Legend - This is usually placed at the bottom of sketch outside the sketch of
the scene. Numbers or letters represent the objects in the crime scene. This is
usually based on the tags or evidence number given to the pieces of evidence in
the crime scene. The descriptions of the objects are found in the legend.
10. Signatory - It is the part of the sketch where the name of the sketcher, the
team leader or the officer-in-charge, and two witnesses are written and signed.
11. Weather Condition - This refers to the condition of the weather during the
time of sketch.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SKETCH
1. Measurement - This is the element of sketch wherein measurements are
shown to show accurate spaces and distances of relevant objects to their point of
reference.
2. Essential Items- All items in the crime scene must be included. Never decide
outright that some items are irrelevant. As you proceed in the investigation, these
seemingly irrelevant items will become relevant or material in the investigation.
3. Scale of Proportion - It is the element of the finished sketch. The scale of 1:50
means that it is one inch in the sketch measurement but is 50 inches in the actual
crime scene measurement.
4. Victim Identification - This includes the name of the victim.
5. Time and date - It includes the exact time of the preparation of the sketch but
most important is the time and date of the occurrence of the crime.

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
1. Triangulation
- An object is located by drawing two straight lines from two fixed points
creating a triangle; the object is in an angle formed by the line.

2. Rectangular
- This method uses two walls in a room as fixed points, from which
distances are measured at right angle to the object.

3. Baseline/Coordinate Method

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 - This method uses the principle of measuring an object between two
known points. This single reference line is called the baseline. The
baseline can be a wall or the known center of the room. The
measurement of the evidence is taken in the following manner. A starting
point is decided on one of the ends of the baseline. From that point, a
measurement is made to the point that is right angle to the evidence. A
second measurement is then taken from the object to the baseline. In
outdoor scenes, a straight line is established from one fixed point to
another fixed point. Using one end of the line as a starting point, an object
can be located by measuring along either side of the baseline to the point
at right angle to the object.

4. Polar Coordinate
- One permanent object is chosen and with the use of a compass, the
direction of the object to be measured is determined.

5. Compass Point
- A protractor is used to measure the angle between two lines. One point
along a wall is selected as the origin. An axis line drawn from the origin is
the line from which the angle is measured.

6. Grid
- Starting at a known permanent reference point at the scene, a
measurement of predetermined increments is marked off horizontally and
vertically. On each horizontal and vertical increment, a line or string is laid
so that the scene resembles many small squares. When a piece of
evidence is found it is recorded to the nearest increment from the reference
point. A measurement from the increment to the evidence is taken
horizontally and vertically.

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 MODULE 3. FINAL LESSONS

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Explain the Principles of Physical Evidence
2. Explain the principles to be observed in handling all types of physical evidence.
3. Explain how to collect, package, handle and transport different types of
physical evidence.

PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE

 that which is legally submitted to a competent tribunal as a means of

ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact under investigation
before it
 anything which a suspect leaves at a crime scene or takes from the scene,
or which may be otherwise connected with the crime
 the means sanctioned by the court of law, in ascertaining in a judicial
proceeding, the truth respecting a matter of fact

Basic Principles of Evidence

- The value of physical evidence is determined by how useful it is in verifying that
an infraction has been committed, identifying the person or persons who did it,
and exonerating all other persons who may be under suspicion.
- In addition, physical evidence helps reconstruct the events of an infraction and
their sequence.
Reasons Why Physical Evidence Should Be Discovered in Crime Scenes

 Physical evidence provides clues or leads upon which an investigator will

base his investigation.
23 A Self-Regulated Learning Module 13
  Establish the identity of the persons involved.
 Assist the investigator to destroy the alibi of the suspect.
 Establish the fact of the felony & prove the commission thereof.
 Disprove fabricated reports & set free the innocent person.
 Aid the investigator to arrive at the appropriate offense or felony.

Several important concepts with regards to the quality and usefulness of

physical evidence in establishing identity should be considered. These
concepts should include:
1. Inviduality
2. Class Characteristics
3. A preponderance of such evidence
4. Probability – a combination of independent events will occur is the product
of individual probabilities. Thus, the probability of association with a
particular situation may be very high when a number of separate factors
are found to correspond.
5. Rarity – the determination of whether or not an object or item should be
collected as evidence will frequently rest on the following circumstances: it
seems out of place; it is unusual for the item to be in a certain place; or the
condition of the item or object indicates unusual change.
6. Theory of transfer – when two objects come into contact, there will
frequently be a transfer of all amounts of materials from one to the other.
7. Comparisons – the most definite point of comparison between object is an
obvious physical match.
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED IN HANDLING ALL TYPES
OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE?
1. The collected evidence should reach the laboratory as much as possible in
same condition as when it was found.
2. The quantity of collected specimen shall be adequate for purposes of
forensic examination. Even with the best available equipment, good test
results cannot be obtained from insufficient specimen.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purposes.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others. Wrap and seal in individual
packages when necessary.
5. Mark or label each piece of evidence for positive identification.

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 6. The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained. Account for
evidence from the time it is collected until it is produced in court. Any break
in this chain of custody may make the material inadmissible in Court.

TYPES OF EVIDENCE THAT CAN BE LOCATED AT THE CRIME SCENE

1. Physical Evidence
2. Biological Evidence
3. Impression Evidence
4. Trace Evidence
5. Electronic Evidence
MARKINGS OF EVIDENCE
NOTE: Any physical evidence collected must be properly marked or tagged
before its submission to the evidence custodian.
Markings – refers to the information written on evidence tags / evidence / or
evidence package to ensure that the items can be identified by the collector at any
time in the future.
- This will also establish the credibility of the collector’s report or testimony
and will effectively avoid any suggestions that the item has been
misidentified.

Content of Markings:
a) Exhibit Case Number
b) Initials and / or signature of the collecting officer
c) Time and date of collection
d) Place or located where the evidence was collected

CHAIN OF CUSTODY
- Refers to a list of all persons who came into possession of an item of
evidence, continuity of possession, or the chain of custody, must be
established whenever evidence is presented in court as an exhibit.
- Adherence to standard procedures in recording the location of evidence,
marking it for identification, and properly completing evidence submission
forms for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody.

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 - Every person who handled or examined the evidence and where it is at all
times must be accounted for.
- As a rule, all seized evidence must be in the custody of the evidence
custodian and deposited in the evidence room or designated place for
safekeeping.

FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE
Marking of Latent Fingerprint Evidence
• All such evidence should be marked in some distinctive manner, such as
the case with any other type of physical evidence. Precautions should be
taken, when marking evidence, not to damage or destroy potential latent
fingerprints.
• Lifted, developed latent should also be marked or sealed in marked
envelopes.
• Photograph-developed latent with and without identifying markings and
scale.
Preservation of Fingerprint Evidence
• The primary precaution in all cases is the prevention of adding fingerprints
to evidence, or of destroying those already present.
• Most fingerprints submitted will be on paper, glass, metal, or other smooth
surfaced objects. When articles containing latents must be picked up,
touch as little as possible, and then only in areas least likely to contain
identifiable latents, such as rough surfaces.
• While gloves or handkerchiefs may be used to pick up such exhibits, any
unnecessary contact should be avoided. Although using a cloth to pick up
exhibits prevents leaving additional prints on the articles, the cloth will
frequently wipe off or smear any prints originally present, unless great care
is taken.
• Large articles containing latent such as glass, metal articles, and firearms
should be placed on wood or heavy cardboard and fastened down with
string to prevent shifting and contact with other objects in transit. Where
such evidence is to be examined frequently, a pegboard should be
obtained on which wooden pegs can be moved as desired to support
exhibits and keep them from moving. Bottles and glasses may be placed
vertically on a board and placed in the bottom of a box. The base of the
bottle or glass can be surrounded with nails to hold it in place, and the top
can be either inserted through a hole in a piece of cardboard or held in
position with a wooden board nailed to the container's lid.
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 • Papers and documents containing latent prints should be placed
individually in a cellophane or manila envelope. Such a container can be
sandwiched between two sheets of stiff cardboard, wrapped, and placed in
a box for mailing.
•
FIREARM EVIDENCE
• Never submit a loaded gun to the Laboratory, unless it is delivered in
person. Unfired cartridges may be left in the magazine of a weapon,
provided the magazine is removed from the gun. A firearm with the
cartridge in the chamber should never be shipped by any method, even if
the weapon is not cocked or on safety.
• Never clean the bore, chamber, or cylinder before submitting a firearm, and
never attempt to fire the gun before it is examined in the Laboratory.
• Never pick up a weapon by placing a pencil or other object in the end of the
barrel.
• Record serial number, make, model, and caliber of the weapon, and mark
it in some inconspicuous manner that does not detract from its value before
sending it to the Laboratory. Marking firearms is important since duplicate
serial numbers are sometimes found on different guns of the same make
and general type. Do not confuse model numbers or patent numbers with
serial numbers.
• Place weapons in strong cardboard or wooden boxes, well packed, to
prevent shifting of guns in transit.
• Rifles or shotguns should not be taken apart.
• If blood or any other material, which may pertain to an investigation is
present on the gun, place a clean paper around the gun and seal it with
tape to prevent movement of the gun and loss of the sample during
shipment.
• If the gun is to be examined for latent fingerprints, use procedures under
that title in this Manual.

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***Firearms shall be mark on the barrel, upper receiver/ slide, lower receiver.
BLOOD STAINS EVIDENCE
• Blood that is in liquid pools should be picked up on a gauze pad or other
clean sterile cotton cloth and allowed to air dry thoroughly, at room
temperature. It should be refrigerated or frozen as soon as possible and
brought to the Laboratory as quickly as possible. Delays beyond 48 hours
may make the samples useless.
• If close to the Laboratory, deliver stained object immediately.
• If unable to deliver to the Laboratory, or if the object must be mailed, allow
the stain to air dry completely before packaging.
• Do not heat stained material or place it in bright sunlight to dry. Hang
clothing and similar articles in a room where there is adequate ventilation.
• If not completely dry, label and roll in paper or place in a brown paper bag
or box and seal and label container. Place only one item in each container.
Do not use plastic containers.

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Dried Blood Stains
• On clothing, if possible, wrap the item in clean paper, place the article in a
brown paper bag or box and seal and label container. Do not attempt to
remove stains from the cloth.
• On small solid objects, send the whole stained object to the Laboratory,
after labeling and packaging.
• On large solid objects, cover the stained area with clean paper and seal the
edges down with tape to prevent loss or contamination. If impractical to
deliver the whole object to the Laboratory, scrape the stain onto a clean
piece of paper, which can be folded and placed in an envelope. Do not
scrape directly into evidence envelope. Scrape blood from objects using a
freshly washed and dried knife or similar tool. Wash and dry the tool before
each stain is scraped off. Seal and mark the envelope.
• Do not mix dried stains. Place each stain in a separate envelope.
• Never attempt to wipe dried stains from an object using a moistened cloth
or paper.
Seminal Stains
• Seminal stains are often, but not always, found on clothing, blankets,
sheets. Allow any stains to air dry, wrap in paper, and package evidence in
paper bags. Do not use plastic bags.
• For sex offense cases, the victim should always be examined by a
physician or medico-legal officer. A Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit
is used to collect evidence from the victim. It is very important that the
instructions on the kit be followed with care in order to gain the greatest
benefit from the collected evidence.
• To gain the greatest benefit from the collected evidence, label all garments
such as under shorts, panties, or other exhibits and package each garment
separately.
• If damp, allow fabric to dry completely before packaging.
• Handle fabrics as little as possible.
HAIR
• An examination of human hair can occasionally reveal the possible race of
the individual from whom it came and the part of the body from which it
originated.

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 • Human hair can be compared to determine whether or not two samples
could have had a common origin. The value of the Laboratory
examinations of such specimens will depend upon the amount of hair
recovered and the characteristics found in the examinations.
• Recover all hair present. If possible, use the fingers or tweezers to pick up
hair, place in paper bindles or coin envelopes which should then be folded
and sealed in larger envelopes. Label the outer sealed envelope.
• If hair is attached, such as in dry blood, or caught in metal or a crack of
glass, do not attempt to remove it but rather leave hair intact on the object.
If the object is small, mark it, wrap it, and seal it in an envelope. If the object
is large, wrap the area containing the hair in paper to prevent loss of hairs
during shipment.
• In rape cases, the victim's pubic region should be combed prior to
collecting standards. Obtain known hair samples from the victim, suspect,
or any other possible sources for comparison with unknown specimens.
The recommended method for collecting head hairs is to start by having
the person from whom they are being collected bend over a large sheet of
clean paper, rubbing or massaging their hands through the hair so that
loose hair will fall out on the paper. More should then be gathered by
plucking them from representative areas all over the head. A total or
50-100 hairs is desired. Do not cut the hair. This same method may be
used to collect hairs from other parts of the body. 30-60 pubic hairs are
required. When the person is a suspect, hair should be gathered from all
parts of the body even though there may only be an interest in hair from the
head at that particular time.
TOOL MARK EVIDENCE
Tool Mark – a pattern resulting from a hard marking device being forced against
another object
e.g. indentation marks, cutting marks, abrasion marks
 The tool should be first examined for the presence of any residue and trace
evidence such as:
a) Paint residue
b) Glass Particles
c) Metal Scrapings
d) Fibers; and
e) Latent Fingerprints
 For paint and other flaky particles, collect using scalpel and not tape.

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  A tool should never be fitted into an impression to see if it could have made
the mark.
 For tool marks found on a removable material, collect the material directly
as it is.
 For tool marks found on non-removable material, preferably, take away the
part of the material where the mark is.
 Take overall photos and mid-range photos depicting the entire scene and
the object which bears the toolmark.
 Close-up photos showing the detail of the toolmark.
 Photos should be with and without case identifier, evidence number, and
measurement
 Extreme close-up shots should be taken with oblique lighting
 Notes, sketches and photographs must accurately reflect the location and
position or orientation of all toolmarks
 If this is not possible, make a cast of the mark with brown Mikrosil (PNP
Manual)
 Samples of the metal should be obtained and submitted as reference
standards
 For tool marks found on a removable material, the material should be
wrapped in paper and then place inside a suitable package (containers,
plastic bags, boxes, etc.) depending on the size of the material
 For completed cast, let it dry for 24 hours before putting in package and
should be placed on a rigid container (e.g. cardboard box)
 For tool marks on a removable material, use a packing tape to seal bags
and boxes, then place evidence tape over the packing tape.
 The evidence collector will sign across the tape, with half of the signature
on the tape and half on the package.

MARKING:
Tool Marks on Non-removable Material

 Tool marks found on a non-removable material should be marked with

case number, initials of the collector, evidence number and date of
collection
 As the cast is hardening, it is convenient to insert the identifying
information in the casting material including the location of the material
bearing such mark
 On the back of the cast, indicate the type of material used.

31 A Self-Regulated Learning Module 13

Tool Marks on Removable Material

 The case number, initials of the collector, evidence number and date of
collection should be marked on a sturdy label attached at a point away
from the questioned marks.
 Using a felt-tip pen, it should be also marked showing the top and front of
the item as it was positioned before the removal.

TAGGING

 Outside the package are the following information (based from PNP
Manual)
 Name of the agency
 Agency case number
 Item number
 Date of incident
 Investigator’s identifier
 Where the item was found
 Date and time found
 Description of item

2D AND 3D FOOTWEAR IMPRESSIONS

Shoeprint or Footwear impressions can be in two forms: a) two-dimensional (2D)
and b) three-dimensional (3D) depending on whether the surface that has been
stepped on is hard or soft.

REFERENCES

 Crime Scene and Evidence Collection Handbook, Washington, D.C.:Bureau

of Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms 1999
 Saferstein, R. Criminalistics:An Introduction to Forensic Science 6th Edition,
Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall, 1998
 Physical Evidence Handbook, 5th Edition. Madison, Wisconsin:Wisconsin
Department of Justice, 1993
 Reno, Janet et al (1999).Crime Scene Investigation:A Guide for Law
Enforcement, PhotoDisc Inc, Washington, D.C.
 CR
EVALUATION OF THE COURSE

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After finishing the modules, please answer the following questions:
1. What lessons or activity did I enjoy the most?Why?
2. What is the most important lesson which I can apply in my daily life?
3. What are the new insights/discoveries that I learned?
4. What topic/s do I find least important?
5. What possible topics should have been included?

33 A Self-Regulated Learning Module 13