Fundamentals of Criminal

Investigation and Intelligence

 CONTENTS CONTENTS

Definition of Crime Scene Crime Scene Investigation Flow Chart

Preliminary Considerations Investigator-on-case
Protecting the Crime Scene Methods of Crime Scene Search
Securing the Crime Scene Chain of Custody
Purpose of the Crime Scene Crime Scene Sketch
General Stages of the Crime Scene Methods of Crime Scene Sketch
Basic Steps of a Crime Scene Search Types of Crime Scene Sketch
SOCO Reconstructing the Crime Scene
Incident Report Stages in Reconstruction
DEFINITION OF CRIME SCENE
The crime scene is the place where the essential ingredients of the criminal act took place, and this also includes
the setting of the crime and also the adjoining places of entry and exit of both offender and victim.

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS
The following measures of steps will ordinarily found necessary.
1. Identify and, of possible, retain for questioning the person who first notified the police.
2. Determine the perpetrator by direct inquiry or observation if his identity is immediately apparent.
3. Detain all persons present at the scene.
4. Summon assistance if necessary.
5. Safeguard the area by issuing appropriate orders, and physically isolating it by establishing the “police
lines.”
6. Subsequently permit only authorized persons to enter the area.
7. Separate the witness so as to obtain independent statements.
8. Do not touch or move any object.
9. Definitely assign the duties of the search if assistants are present.
PROTECTING THE CRIME SCENE
The first step in the crime scene search is the preservation of its original condition.
Protecting the crime scene means protecting all the physical evidence and clue materials,
visible and latent from mutilation, alteration, and contamination of foreign elements as long
that it is not recorded, photographed and sketched.

SECURING THE CRIME SCENE

To avoid contamination of the crime scene, and to gain the greatest possibility of
documenting the original condition of the crime scene, the investigator and all the police
officer present must give maximum effort in securing the crime scene. Such an effort requires
continuous attention and cannot be successful if a haphazard approach to the crime scene is
used. It is necessary to think of the concepts of “securing the crime scene” and protecting the
crime scene” as to separate, but interrelated duties.
PURPOSE OF THE CRIME SCENE SEARCH
To understand the many precepts imposed on police behavior at the crime scene, one
must be aware of the reasons for making a thorough search initially. First, there is the steadfast
rule that nothing be disturbed, moved, touched, or stepped on before the crime scene is
recorded. It is based on the possibility that the accounts given by the witnesses, suspects, and
even victims will need to check out. Any inconsistency between their versions of events and
what is revealed by the physical evidence and conditions at the crime scene will become
apparent in a reconstruction. Another reason for examining the crime scene before anything has
been touched or moved is to find evidence that might be linked to a suspect. It is also fruitful to
search for tell-tale signs of the perpetrator’s modus operandi (MO). Still another reason for
examining the crime scene is that a reconstruction of the crime may provide evidence that
protects an innocent person. If essential clues of objects are moved, altered, or destroyed,
evidence sufficient to establish innocence is not available and due process may have been
derived.
GENERAL STAGES OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH

Of utmost importance in the crime scene search is a proper framework or

procedures which should be adhered to by all investigators. One of the major
considerations facing the investigator is the development of a general scheme which
can be used as basic guidelines to proceed. Despite of the standard operating
procedures which have been developed by the various law enforcement agencies,
there still remains a series of events which must transpire in any crime scene search
which obtain the full potential of the crime scene to relate a “story.” However, the
investigator who attempts to operate in an identical manner on conducting each crime
scene search will soon discover that there is always some eventuality which appears
not to fall into a pre-planned scheme.
 Therefore, the following material attempts to set forth “food-for-thought,”
rather than advocating the imposing of an alterable system to the crime scene search.
The basic steps through a crime scene search normally progresses are as follows: 1)
approach the crime scene, 2) secure and protect the crime scene; 3) preliminary
survey of the crime scene; 4) narrative description of the crime scene; 5) photograph
the crime scene; 6) sketch the crime scene; 7) evaluation of latent fingerprint
evidence; 8) evaluation of physical evidence and clue materials; 9) detailed crime
scene search; 10) collection, recording, marking, and preservation of physical
evidence and clue materials; 11) final survey to insure conditions of the crime scene
have been documented as thoroughly as possible; and 12) release of the crime scene.
 The investigator who is in the act of responding to a crime scene should be
alert for a variety of things which may ultimately connect to the conduct of
investigation. People, motor vehicles, and objects observed by the investigator may
provide details concerning the crime and the suspect responsible for it. For example,
physical evidence and clue materials can be discarded along a gateway route used by
the suspect, potential witnesses may be seen along the roadside as the investigator
proceed to the crime scene; the presence of possible getaway motor vehicle may be
discovered. In order that pertinent information may be obtained, the investigator at
the area of the crime scene should be alert for any and all observations which,
although they appear meaningless at the time, may provide the necessary “link” to the
successful solution of the case.
BASIC STEPS OF A CRME SCENE SEARCH
1) approach the crime scene,
2) secure and protect the crime scene;
3) preliminary survey of the crime scene;
4) narrative description of the crime scene;
5) photograph the crime scene;
6) sketch the crime scene;
7) evaluation of latent fingerprint evidence;
8) evaluation of physical evidence and clue materials;
9) detailed crime scene search;
10) collection, recording, marking, and preservation of physical evidence and clue materials;
11) final survey to ensure conditions of the crime scene have been documented
as thoroughly as possible;
12) release of the crime scene.
SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATION (SOCO) - 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.

INCIDENT REPORT
 Evaluate the situation.
 Save and Preserve life and provide emergency first aid for those injured at the scene.
 Prepare to take the Dying Declaration of severely injured person if any.
 Arrest, detain, and remove any suspect present if more than one (1), isolate.
 Cordon the area to secure and preserve the crime scene.
 Prevent entry of persons into the cordoned area.
 Conduct preliminary evaluation at the crime scene and interview witnesses to determine what and
how crime was committed and write down details.
 Turn-over the crime scene to investigator.
INVESTIGATOR-ON-CASE
• Assume responsibility over the crime scene.
• Conduct assessment of the crime scene.
• Conduct interviews.
• Conduct Crime Scene Investigation.
• Request for technical assistance in processing of the crime scene from CL SOCO and ensure the ff:
1. Evaluation of Evidences at the crime scene
2. Documentation (Photography, Sketching, note taking/videography);
3. Collection and handling of Evidences;
4. Custody and Transport of pieces of
Evidences; and
5. Request Laboratory examination of recovered physical evidence to PNP Crime Laboratory
METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH

Line or Strip Method - In searching methods,

investigators begin at one end of the area and
move straight to the other. The strategy is
beneficial when the crime scene borders are
properly defined, as the limits show where the
crime scene begins and ends. One or two
detectives should thoroughly inspect the area to
ensure no evidence is left behind.
Grid Method - Modified, double line search; effective
method but time consuming. It’s similar to the strip
method, with the strip method, with the exception that
two strips are regarded to constitute a grid. Only two
individuals can accomplish the searches by going
through on different strips and then switching strips
for more precision. It’s a fantastic strategy for vast
crime scenes, both indoors and out.
Zone Method - Best used on scenes with defined zones or areas; effective in houses
or buildings with rooms; teams are assigned small zones for searching; often
combined with other methods; good for search warrants.
The crime scene is essentially split into several zones using this strategy.
The number of zones is determined by the crime scene’s size and complexity. This
technique may be used to investigate both interior and outdoor crime sites. Different
individuals will be assigned to different zones, and they will search their zones
meticulously for evidence using both traditional methods and advanced tools. After
they’ve completed their searches in their individual zones, the zones will be swapped
to ensure accuracy and to double-check for any missing objects. This strategy is
ineffective in crowded and complicated crime scenes like elevators, or stairwells.
Wheel or Ray Method - Used for special situations;
has limited application; best used on small, circular
crime scenes. This approach is only suitable for
larger outside sceneries such as fields, deserts, or
other such vast spaces. It’s similar to the zonal
approach, except the wheel is divided into different
zones based on the size of the crime scene. The
wheel search pattern involves numerous people
looking in a straight line from the scene’s center or
focal point to the limits, or from the boundaries to
the scene’s focal point.
Spiral Method - Inward or outward spirals; best used on
crime scenes without physical barriers; requires the ability
to trace a regular pattern with fixed diameters; has limited
application.
From the boundaries to the center of the crime
scene, or from the focal point of the scene, the investigator
advances inward in a spiral with increasing circumference
until the whole crime scene is covered. In fact, two
investigators can work together to search, one moving
from the center to the perimeter and the other vice versa.
Because the searcher proceeds from the region with the
least evidence to the area with the most evidence, a spiral
search from perimeter to center is beneficial. In most
bomb blast incidents, the spiral method is used.
Link Method - This
method is based upon the
linkage theory, also most
common and productive
method, one type of
evidence leads to another
item. This is logical, and
systematic method which
works with large and small,
indoor or outdoor scene.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
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. 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.
CRIME SCENE SKETCH
Rough Sketch is prepared indicating the actual measurement of things with scale and
proportion observed and oriented to the North Pole. All necessary information is
placed in the sketch.

Elements of Sketch
1. Measurement
2. Compass direction
3. Essential items
4. Scale and proportion
5. Legend
6. Title
Step 1: Draw a rough outline of the area-include
windows (represented by the rectangles and
doors (represented by openings in the outline)
Step 2: Measure the room or space in
which the crime occurred. Label the
dimensions of the sketch.
Step 3: Sketch in the furniture
and location of evidence using
basic shapes.
Step 4: Label each item in the
diagram with a number or letter,
then write the name in a key.
Step 5: Measuring from fixed
points.
a. Make two measurements from
fixed (not moveable) points to
each piece of evidence.
b. These measurements may be
noted on your rough sketch, but
many investigators keep a
separate list of measurements.
Step 6: Label the diagram
with the north direction
arrow, date, time, location,
and victim’s name (if
known).

Example of Rough Sketch:

FINAL SKETCH
• There is never a second chance to sketch a scene, so all information must be noted
before leaving.
• The final sketch will be completed after leaving the crime scene.
• The final sketch will be drawn with a ruler to scale and must be done on graph
paper or computer generated.
• No measurements should be shown on your final sketch because everything will
be drawn to scale.
METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SKETCH
1. Baseline Method – run a baseline from one fixed point to another, from which
measurements are taken at right angles. Works best for outside crime scene.
. Rectangular Coordinate Method – uses two adjacent walls as fixed points as
distances are measured at right angles. This is the most common method best for
interior crime scenes.
3. Triangulation Method – common in outdoor scenes that uses straight-line
measurements from two fixed objects to the evidence to create a triangle with
evidence in the angle formed by two straight lines. Most accurate but most time
consuming.
4. Polar Coordinates Method (Compass point Method) – uses protractor to
measure the angle formed by two lines. Use a wall as one of the “lines”.
TYPES OF CRIME SCENE SKETCHES
1. Overview or floor plan sketch – a layout of the scene horizontally as seen from
above.
2. Elevation Sketch – a layout of the scene vertically as seen from a side.
3. Cross-projection (exploded view) sketch – a layout as though a room was an
unfolded box.
4. Perspective Sketch – a three-dimensional sketch of an object.
RECONSTRUCTING THE CRIME SCENE
Crime scene reconstruction is the process of determining or eliminating the events
and actions that occurred at the crime scene through analysis of the crime scene
pattern, the location and position of the physical evidence, and the laboratory
examination of the physical evidence.
RECONSTRUCTION VS. THE FOLLOWING TERMS
 Re-enactment in general refers to having the victim, suspect, witness or other
individual re-enact the event that produced the crime scene or the physical
evidence based on their knowledge of the crime.
 Re-creation is to replace the necessary items or actions back at a crime scene
through original scene documentation.
 Criminal profiling is a process based upon the psychological and statistical
analysis of the crime scene, which is used to determine the general characteristics
of the most likely suspect of the crime
STAGES IN RECONSTRUCTION
1 -Data collection: all information or documentation information obtained at the crime scene, from
the victim, or witnesses. Data including condition of the evidence, obvious patterns and impressions,
condition of the victim, etc., are reviewed, organized, and studied.
2 -Conjecture: before any detailed analysis of the evidence is obtained, a possible explanation or
conjecture of the events involved in a criminal act may be done, but it must not become the only
explanation being considered at this stage. It is only a possibility. There may be several more possible
explanations, too.
3 -Hypothesis formulation: further accumulation of data is based on the examination of the physical
evidence and the continuing investigation. Scene examination and inspection of the physical evidence
must be done. Scene and evidence examination includes interpretation of bloodstain and impression
patterns, gunshot patterns fingerprint evidence, and analysis of trace evidence. This process leads to
the formulation of an educated guess as to the probable course of events, a hypothesis.
4 -Testing: once a hypothesis is formulated, further testing must be done to confirm or
disprove the overall interpretation or specific aspects of the hypothesis. This stage includes
comparisons of samples collected at the scene with known standards and alibi samples,
chemical, microscopical and other analyses and testing. Controlled testing or
experimentation of possible physical activity must be done to collaborate the reconstruction
hypothesis.
3 -Hypothesis formulation: further accumulation of data is based on the examination of
the physical evidence and the continuing investigation. Scene examination and inspection
of the physical evidence must be done. Scene and evidence examination includes
interpretation of bloodstain and impression patterns, gunshot patterns fingerprint evidence,
and analysis of trace evidence. This process leads to the formulation of an educated guess
as to the probable course of events, a hypothesis.
4 -Testing: once a hypothesis is formulated, further testing must be done to confirm or
disprove the overall interpretation or specific aspects of the hypothesis. This stage includes
comparisons of samples collected at the scene with known standards and alibi samples,
chemical, microscopical and other analyses and testing. Controlled testing or
experimentation of possible physical activity must be done to collaborate the reconstruction
hypothesis.