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Cdi 3 Prefinal Lesson 1

1. The document outlines the roles and responsibilities of a scene of crime operation (SOCO) team, which searches crime scenes using systematic methods to preserve evidence and document the scene. 2. The core SOCO team includes a team leader, photographer, sketch artist, evidence recorder, and various forensic specialists. 3. The team uses search methods like the quadrant, strip, grid, spiral, and wheel methods to thoroughly examine the scene. The team leader coordinates the search and evidence collection to properly document and preserve any physical evidence.

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191 views6 pages

Cdi 3 Prefinal Lesson 1

1. The document outlines the roles and responsibilities of a scene of crime operation (SOCO) team, which searches crime scenes using systematic methods to preserve evidence and document the scene. 2. The core SOCO team includes a team leader, photographer, sketch artist, evidence recorder, and various forensic specialists. 3. The team uses search methods like the quadrant, strip, grid, spiral, and wheel methods to thoroughly examine the scene. The team leader coordinates the search and evidence collection to properly document and preserve any physical evidence.

Uploaded by

Ivy Batuhan Amano
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CRIME SCENE SEARCH

First to be observed before the searching start:


a. Determine what type of searching patterns is most appropriate to the
crime scene.

b. Determine the number of searching team and members of the


searching team.

c. Mark/tags position of physical evidence with designated evidence


number.
Basic composition of the Scene of Crime Operation (SOCO)

1. Team Leader
2. Crime Photographer
3. Crime Scene Sketcher
4. Recorder
5. Evidence Collector
6. Evidence Custodian
7. Medico-legal Officer
8. Fingerprint Examiner/Technician

Methods of Crime Scene Search

1. Strip Search Method - the three (3) Searchers A, B, and C, proceed slowly at the
same pace along paths parallel to one side of the rectangle.
2. Double Strip Search Method- the double strip or grid method of search is a
modification of the Strip Search Method. The rectangle is traversed first parallel to the
base then parallel to a side.
3. Spiral Search Method -the three searchers follow each other along the path of a
spiral, beginning on the outside and spiraling in toward the center.
4. Zone Search Method -one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant,
and then each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.
Wheel Search Method- the area is considered to be approximately circular. The
searchers gather at the center and proceed outward along radii or spokes.
Type of searching methods
a. The quadrant or zone method

b. Strip method

c. Grid or double strip method

d. Spiral method

e. Wheel method
SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION (SOCO)

Scene of Crime Operation is a forensic procedure performed by trained personnel of


the PNP Crime Laboratory through scientific methods of investigation for the purpose
of preserving the crime scene, gathering information, documentation, collection, and
examination of all physical evidence

SOCO FUNCTIONS

• It shall determine and delineate the crime scene.


• It shall preserve and ensure the protection of the crime scene.
• It shall conduct methodical search for all available evidence in the crime scene.
• It shall methodically document the crime scene.
• It shall methodically collect and transport all available physical evidence from the
crime scene to the PNP Crime Laboratory for purposes of appropriate forensic
examinations.
• As required, it shall present before any competent court and/or any legally
mandated agency its forensic findings and the expert testimonies of the SOCO
elements.

TEAM STRUCTURE
The team leader is responsible for the over function of the evidence team. The
team leader should assist in coordinating the other members of the team and
their job functions. Jobs may be delegated or changes, so long as the job is
completed properly and the appropriate people are notified.

Team Leader

1. Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene. Ensure


personnel use appropriate protective equipment and follow standard
recommendations to protect them from any health hazard which might be
presented by blood or any other human body fluid.
2. Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey,
evaluating potential evidence, and preparing a narrative description.
3. Interview any witnesses, suspects etc.
4. Coordinate any arrests with other officers.
5. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel.
6. Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log
everyone into the scene. Use crime scene tape or other control techniques.
7. Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of
operation.
8. Designate command post location, if needed, and ensure exchange of
information between search and investigative personnel.
9. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team
members.
10.Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has been
done.

Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder

Photographs should be taken as soon as possible, to depict the scene as it is


observed before anything is handled, moved, or initiated into the scene.

The photographs allow a visual permanent record of the crime scene and items of
evidence collected from the crime scene. There are three positions or views that the
crime scene investigator needs to achieve with the photographs. Those views consist
of overall scene photographs showing the most view possible of the scene, mid-range
photographs showing the relationships of items and a close up of the item of
evidence.

A close up should be taken of items that have serial numbers, tags and vin's. All
stationary evidence where the photograph will be used to assist in the analytical
process should be taken using a tripod with the proper lighting techniques for
creating any needed shadows. A second photograph adding a measuring devise
should be taken of items where the photo will assist in the analytical process.

1. Photograph entire area before it is entered.


2. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles.
3. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage,
using measurement scale when appropriate.
4. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved; coordinate this
effort with Sketch Preparer, Evidence Recorder, and Evidence Recovery
Personnel.
5. Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting
and casting are accomplished.
6. Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

Sketch Preparer

Sketches are used along with the reports and photographs to document the
scene. A crime scene sketch is simply a drawing that accurately shows the
appearance of a crime scene.
The sketch is simply drawn to show items, the position and relationship of
items. It does not have to be an architectural drawing made to a scale,
however it must include exact measurements where needed. The advantage of
a sketch is that it can cover a large area and be drawn to leave Diagram
immediate area of scene and orient diagram with sketch.

1. Use a point of reference.


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

Evidence Recorder/Custodian

After the evidence has been photographed and sketched, the evidence should
be collected. The number cards used on individual items of evidence should
correspond to the photographic log, evidence log and sketch.

1. Use gloves or other protective equipment to keep


from contaminating the evidence or endangering yourself.
2. Have significant evidence photographed before collection.
3. Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope.
4. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.
5. Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence
integrity.
6. Maintain evidence log.
7. Use paper bags for items that can deteriorate in a sealed container.
8. Prepare evidence recovery log.
9. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with the Sketcher, Photographer and
Evidence Collector/processors.
10. Record all evidence.
11. Receive all evidence
12. Undertake evidence packaging and preservation
13. Maintain chain-of-custody of evidences.
14.Coordinate transmittal of evidence to the concerned laboratory technical
division for examination
Driver/Security

1. Coordinate with the supply PNCO to ensure that the vehicle is properly
maintained
2. Provide physical security to the SOCO elements and equipments

Evidence Processor/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 are crime incidence where not all forensic specialists
are needed to process the scene.

Forensic Specialists

Forensic Specialists refer to the PNP Crime Lab personnel who by academic
preparation, series of specialized trainings, and/or occupational exposure had
acquired the required technical expertise in any of the following PNP Crime
Laboratory’s core competencies:

1. Biological Science or any of its branches


2. Physical Science or any of its branches
3. Physical Identification
4. Firearms Identification
5. Fingerprint Identification
6. Document Examination
7. Polygraph Examination
8.Forensic Photography

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