CHAPTER IV

THE CRIME SCENE:

PROCESS AND
METHODS
Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Display understanding on the procedures on crime scene

processing;

2. Recognize the documentation; and types of crime scene

3. Display understanding on methods of evidence collection

and preservation.
Crime scene- This refers to the physical location where a
suspect either commits an illegal act or lates physical evidence of
such act. Simply, gala per leaves the location where a suspected
criminals pertains to occurred.

Types of Crimes Scenes:

1. Indoor
2. Outdoor
3. Conveyances
4. Primary
5. Secondary
SPECIAL SOCO PROCEDURES (lifted from the Revised
Philippine National Police Police Operational
Procedures, 2021 pp.)
In cases where the evidence gathered needs special processing due to
significant or sensational cases, the specialists from the CL shall be
requested.
1) In bombing cases, the EOD
personnel should first clear the
area prior to entry of the SOCO
Team.
2) In suspected or reported
chemical, biological, radiological,
or nuclear (CBRN) situations, the
SOCO shall directly coordinate
with the Special Rescue Team of
the BFP and other appropriate
government agencies.
3.In mass victim
situation, the
Regional/District SOCO
who has jurisdiction
over the are.

4. The SOCO, in coordination

with IOC, has motu proprio
authority to direct all operating
units involved in the police
operation respective personnel
for forensic examination,
Processing of Persons Present at the Crime
Scene During Post-Incident Situations
1) Processing, Debriefing and
Documentation:

a) Victims;
b.) Perpetrators;
c.) Witnesses;
d.) Key participants in the incident.

2) Venue of Processing, Debriefing

and Documentation
 Procedure at the Crime
Scene
1. Upon arrival at the crime scene
a. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the scene,
condition of the weather, condition and type of lighting, direction of wind
and visibility
b. Secure the(Riños, n.d.).
scene by installing the crime scene tape or rope
(police
c. Beforeline).
touching or moving any object at the crime scene, determine
first the state of the victim, whether the victim is still alive or already
dead.
d. Designate a member of the team or summon other policemen or
responsible person to stand watch and secure the scene and permit only the
authorize
e. Identifyperson to enter
and retain the same. the person who first notified the police,
for questioning
and other possible witnesses.
f. Determine the assailant through inquiry or observe him if his identity is
immediately apparent.
g. Separate the witness to get independent
statements
 The Initial Responding Officer
1.Should:
Establish boundaries of the scene, start at the focal point and extend
outward to include:
a. The pleace where the crime occurred;
b. Potential points and paths of exit and entry of suspects and witnesses;
and
c. Set
2. Places where the
up barriers victim/evidence
(e.g. may have
ropes, cones, crime been
scene moved
barrier tape,
available vehicles, personnel, other equipment) or use existing
boundaries
3. Document (e.g.
the doors, walls,
entry or exit gates).
of all individuals who are entering and
leaving the scene once boundaries have been established.
4. Control the flow and movements of personnel and animals entering and
leaving the scene to maintain integrity of the scene.
5. Implement measures to preserve or protect the evidence that may be lost
or compromised.
6. Document the original location of the victim or objects that are being
moved.
7. Consider search and seizure issues to determine the necessity of
obtaining consent to search and/or obtaining a search warrant.
 Searching for Evidence
1. Each crime scene varies based on the physical nature of the scene
and the crime or offense involved.
2. A systematic search of evidence should be conducted in the rooms,
buildings, and small outdoor areas.
a. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed
or contaminated if it is not collected when discovered.
b. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence
until proven otherwise.
c. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is
closely examined and that action is taken to develop the print.
d. Carefully protect any impression value in surfaces conducive to of
evidentiary making casts or molds.
e. Note stains, spots, and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them
f. Treat
as as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and earth particles,
evidence.
foreign to the area in which they are found e.g., matter found under the
g. Proceed
victim’s systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the
fingerprints.
processing of the scene.
 3. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips of
four (4) feet wide.
4. It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area of the
immediate scene of the incident or crime.
5. After the search has been completed, the investigator should
examine the object or person attacked by the offender.
3. SPIRAL SEARCH METHOD
Methods of Search - In this method, the three searchers
1. STRIP SEARCH METHOD follow each other in a spiral path,
- In this method, the area is beginning on the outside and spiraling
blocked out in the form of a 4. ZONE
toward theSEARCH
center. METHOD
rectangle. - In this method, one searcher is assigned
2. THE DOUBLE STRIP to each subdivision of a quadrant, then
OR GRID METHOD OF each quadrant is cut into another set of
- This is a modified strip 5. WHEEL SEARCH METHOD
quadrants.
SEARCH - In this method, the area is
search method.
approximately circular.
Collecting Evidence
1. This is accomplished after the
completion of the search, the rough
sketch has been finished and the
photographs have been taken.
2. Fragile evidence should be
collected as they are found.

3. All firearms found to have

tampered serial numbers (SNS)
shall be automatically subjected to
macro etching at the Crime
Laboratory.
4. In the collection, the
investigator should touch
the evidence only when
necessary.
a) Physical Evidence
- These are articles and a) Physical Evidence materials found in the crime
scene relative to with the investigation.
b) Kinds of Physical
Evidence:
1. Corpus Delicti- Objects or substances which are an essential part of
the body of the crime.
2. Associative evidence- Evidence(s) which links the suspect to the
crime or offense.
3. Tracing Evidence - Evidence(s) which assist the investigator in
locating the suspect.
c) Procedure on the Care of Physical
Evidence
To introduce the evidence in trial, three important factors must be
1. considered:
The articles must be “properly identified;”
2. Continuity or chain of custody of evidence must be
proven; and
3. Competency must be proven, which means
that the evidence is material and relevant to the
matter under investigation.
d) The Purpose of Physical
Evidence
1. To prove that the crime has been committed;
2. To link the suspect to the suspect or to the crime scene;
3. To establish the identity of the persons associated with a crime;
4. To exonerate the innocent;
5. To corroborate victim’s testimony;
6. To induce the suspects to make admissions or even confess;
7. Negative evidence can help provide proof.
8. Physical evidence can be more reliable than eyewitness
testimony.
e) Chain of Custody of Evidence
- This refers to the locations of the evidence from its
collection in the crime scene to its presentation in the
court.
a) Protection of the Physical
Evidence
- The evidence must be presented in court in the same substantial
condition as it is at the time the offense was committed.

i. Natural Alteration
- Exposure to outside elements may result to the deterioration
of the evidentiary value of an object.
ii. Negligence and Accidental Cause
- Precaution against destruction of fragile breakage, or
delicate materials, accidental markings on documents and
others must be prevented.
iii. Intentional Cause, Damage or Theft
- Measures should be made and
provided to maintain security of
evidence.
b) Labeling or Tagging of Physical
Evidence
- This is to facilitate proper identification of the pieces
of evidence being collected.

i. Case number;
ii. Date and time of finding the article;
iii. Name and complete description of
articles;
iv. Location of the article(s) at the time of
discovery;
v. Signature of the investigator who
made the discovery; and
vi. Name of witness(es) during the
discovery of article.
Removal of Evidence
1. The investigator places his initials, the
date and time of discovery on each item of
evidence for proper identification.
2. Items that could not be marked should be
placed in a suitable container and sealed.

Preservation of Evidence
- The investigator is responsible in ensuring
that every precaution and security measure
are exercised to preserve the physical
evidence in the state in which it was
recovered or obtained until it is released to
the evidence custodian.
1. Maintaining Physical Integrity of
Evidence
a. Photographing-In the discovery of the
evidence at the crime scene, it should be
photographed before being touched.
Purposes:
1. It serves as a permanent record of the
object in the event that subsequent
handling alters or destroys it.
2. It gives the opportunity for the judge to
examine the evidence, which is too
dangerous, burdensome, or impractical to
produce in court.
3. It gives an opportunity for the
investigator to review physical evidence of
the case without
b. Packaging handling
– The theevidence
physical actual should be
objects.
packed to prevent loss, tampering, breakage, or
2. Maintaining Legal Integrity of
Evidence
a. Identification of evidence – To
ensure that the evidence is admitted in
the court, the officer who originally
discovered the evidence must identify the
items as the same object found at the
b. Marking of evidence The
scene.
investigator generally writes or scratch
the following on each evidence collected:
1. Name or initial of the individual
collecting the evidence;
2. Dates of item was collected and
transferred;
3. Case number, and type of crime;
4. Victim’s or suspect’s name; and
5. Brief description of the item
C. Tagging of evidence- The
objects that are not suitable for
marking might be tagged.
d. Sealing of evidence –
nPlacing articles of evidence in a
paper or plastic container and
sealing it with a tape ensures the
object is not improperly handled
Evaluation of Evidence- Each
item of evidence must be
evaluated individually and
collectively relative to all the
pieces of evidence.
Chain of Custody of
Evidence- The process used
to maintain and document the
chronological history of the
Sketching the Scene
1. Sketches- The sketch is the simplest
and the most effective way of showing
actual measurements, and in identifying
significant items evidence in their
location at the crime scene.
Kinds of Sketch:
1. Rough Sketch - Made by the
Investigator at the crime scene.
2. Finished Sketch - Made
preliminary for court-room
presentation (Scale and Proportion
observed).
Elements of
Sketching:
a) Measurements- This must be
b) Compass direction- An arrow should
accurate.
indicate the “north” orientation To facilitate
correct orientation.
c) Essential items- The sketches include
d) Scale or
important proportion-
items The scale of the
of investigation.
drawing depends on the area, amount of
detail, and the size of the drawing paper
available.
e.) Legend- The explanation of the symbols
f) Title-
used This includes
to identify case identification,
the objects found in the victims’
identification,
crime scene. scene portrayed, location, date and
hour made, and the name of the sketcher.
Specific Kinds of Sketches
1. Sketch of Locality the scene, the crime, This gives a picture of
and its environments, including neighboring buildings, roads
leading to the location, or house.

2. Sketch of Grounds – The sketch of grounds and pictures the

crime scene with its nearest physical surroundings (e.g., house
with a garden).

3. Sketch of Details The sketch of details which illustrates the

immediate scene only. For instance, the room in which the
crime was committed and the details thereof.
Transmittal of Evidence to Crime Laboratory

Proper handling of physical evidence is needed to obtain the

extensive possible information where scientific examination
shall be based, and to prevent it being excluded as evidence
in court. Specimens which truly represent the material found
at the scene, unaltered, unspoiled, or otherwise unchanged
in handling will provide more and better information upon
examination.
Principles to be Observed in Handling
All Types of Evidence

1. The evidence should reach the laboratory, as much

as possible, in the same condition as when it is
found.

2. The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even

with the best equipment available, good results
cannot be obtained from insufficient specimens.

3. Submit a known or standard specimen for

4. separate each specifmen to intermingling or mixing of
known and unknown materials. Wrap and seal in individual
packages when necessary.

5. Mark and label each piece of evidence for easy

identification as the evidence taken from a particular
location relative to the crime being investigated.

6. The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained and

secured. 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 as evidence.
SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION (SOCO)

Composition of Soco Team

The SOCO team is composed of, but not limited

to, the following persons depending on the
nature of the case:
1. Team leader;
2. Assistant team leader;
3. Photographer and photographic log recorder;
4. Evidence and evidence recorder;
5. Evidence recorder;
6. Evidence recovery personnel; and
Personnel Functions and
Responsibility
1. Team leader

a. Assume control of the crime scene. Ensure the safety of personnel,

the victim, and offenders caught in the scene.
b. Conduct an initial survey of the crime scene to evaluate for potential
evidence and narrative description of the place.
c. Determine the search patterns to be used and designate assignments
to evidence gatherer.

d. Designate command post location in or near the crime scene and

ensure there is exchange of information investigator. Between searcher
and
e. Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies for the
security of the victims, offenders, suspects, and the crime
scene.

f. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment available for

personnel involved in SOCO.

g. Control access to the scene and designate personnel to log

persons entering the place and remove Kibitzers in the area.

h. Continuously reevaluate the efficiency of the search to

ensure that all places are properly searched.

i. Release the crime scene to the investigators

handling the case
2. Assistant team leader
a. Shall assist the team leader in all his functions and
responsibilities.
b. Assume or takeover the responsibilities of the team
leader in his absence.

3. Photographer and photographic log

recorder
a. Photograph the entire area of the scene with
overall medium and close-up coverage using
appropriate
b. Photographscale.
victims, suspects or offenders
arrested at the scene.
c. Photograph all evidence prior its collection.
d. Photograph all latent fingerprints and
impressions before lifting or casting is done.
e. Prepare photograph log and photographic sketch.
4. Sketcher
a. Performs all sketches necessary during the
crime scene processing.

5. Evidence recorder/custodian
a. Prepare evidence recovery log and
accomplish chain of custody of evidence.
b. Conduct packaging, preservation,
transportation of crime laboratory. Gathered
evidence
c. and evidence
Coordinate to the nomenclature with the
sketcher, photographer, and evidence gatherer.
d. Receive and record all the recovered
evidence.
e. Maintain custody and control of evidence.
g. Coordinate
f. Observe thetransmittal of evidence
proper custody to
of evidence.
case investigators or to crime laboratory
according to the agency guidelines.
6. Evidence recovery
personnel
a. Have the significant evidence
photographed before it is collected.
b. Keep team leader always apprised of
significant evidence located.
c. Initial and date all evidence before its
turn it over to the evidence recorder/
custodian.
d. Coordinate evidence nomenclature
with evidence recorder or custodian and
have the sketch prepared.
e. Ensure that appropriate safety
measures are adhered to with respect to
proper clothing including gloves (Cailing,
n.d.).
Crime Scene
Reconstruction
- This refers to the determination of the
actions surrounding the commission of a
crime.

Criminal Profiling
- The use of psychological theory in
analyzing and reconstructing the
forensic evidence relative to the
offender’s crime scenes and
victim’s behavior.
Types of Reconstruction

1. Physical Reconstruction - The

physical appearance of the crime scene
is reconstructed based on the
description of the witnesses and the
physical evidence.

2. Mental Reconstruction - From

the physical reconstruction, some
conclusions can be reached regarding
the consistency of the accounts of
various witnesses.
Steps in Reconstruction
1. Recognition of evidence - is
arguably the most important.
“Unless the potential evidence can
be recognized, no further
reconstruction can be carried out.”
2. Documentation and collection
of evidence are the heart of any
successful scene investigation and
lay the groundwork for the
reconstruction.
3. Evaluation of evidence is the
examination of evidence, following
laboratory analysis and looks at
what information the evidence
provides, and its reliability.
 MEMBERS:
Detic, Mary Jane
Caballero, Mary Joy
Javino, Juryn
Tihume, John
Michael
Barquin, Bryan
Delima, Justine
Louise
Lumansang, Mitchel
Sta.Ana, Mark
Christian
Salimbot, John Mark