Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government

National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CRIME LABORATORY
Camp Crame, Quezon City

CIRCULAR
NUMBER_01-06_
CLC – ADO - 01

SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION MANUAL

I. 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.

II. AUTHORITY:

II.1 Chapter 3, Section 24, paragraph c and Section 35 of RA 6975.

II.2 PNP CL SO # 01-95 dtd Nov 16, 1995

III. MISSION: The SOCO shall provide forensic expertise to criminal

investigation by preserving, securing, and if need be, by scientifically
reconstructing the crime scene for the collection, documentation, and
forensic examination of all collected physical evidence with the end in view
of establishing fact/s relative to a criminal incident.

IV. OBJECTIVES:

IV.1. To conduct forensic investigations through the methodical means

of collection, examination, preservation, and presentation of all evidence for
the final disposition of criminal cases.

IV.2. To enable the police investigating/line units to expeditiously

identify and arrest the criminal perpetrators through the collected and
examined physical evidence.

IV.3. To establish the facts before the competent courts based on

collected and examined physical evidence.

IV.4. To strictly adhere to the protocols governing forensic science.

IV.5. To progressively acquire new technology and human skills to

ensure that the operational capabilities shall be consistent with the
continuous and evolving threats to public safety.

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V. SOCO FUNCTIONS:

V.1. It shall determine and delineate the crime scene.

V.2. It shall preserve and ensure the protection of the crime scene.

V.3. It shall conduct methodical search for all available evidence in

the crime scene.

V.4. It shall methodically document the crime scene.

V.5 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.

V.6. 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.

VI. GENERAL SOCO PROCEDURES:

VI.1 Preparation Prior to the Conduct of SOCO

VI.1.1. Ensure the availability of packaging and collection

materials necessary for typical search circumstance.

VI.I.2. Prepare the preliminary format for the paperwork

needed to document the conduct of the search.

VI.I.3. Discuss upcoming search with the involved personnel.

VI.I.4. Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at

scene, if practicable.

VI.I.5. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel.

Be prepared for probable impediments which maybe poised by
weather or terrain. Ensure that basic crime scene search equipments
are functional. These should consist of the communication, lighting,
first aid, and security equipments.

VII.6. Ensure that all SOCO Team elements tasked to enter the
crime scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective
gears as maybe necessary.

VI.I.7. Assess the personnel assignments normally required to

successfully process a crime scene and ensure that such assignments
are in keeping with the training, experience, attitude, and aptitude of
each individual.

VI.2. Crime Scene Approach

VI.2.1. Be alert for discarded evidence.

VI.2.2. Make pertinent notes about the condition of the Crime

Scene based on the systematic observation & scene assessment.

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 VI.2.3. Establish frame-of-mind to take control of scene
regardless of circumstance observed on arrival.

VI.2.4. Consider personnel safety.

VI.3. Preliminary Crime Scene Survey.

VI.3.1. The survey is an organizational stage to a planned

search.

VI.3.2. A cautious walk-through of the scene must be

accomplished by the Team Leader.

VI.3.3. The SOCO Team Leader provides and ensures the

operational focus of the Team.

VI.3.4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques that

should provide answers to the 5 W’s & 1H.

VI.3.5. Organize methods and procedures needed to

recognize special problem areas.

VI.3.6. Identify and protect transient physical evidence.

VI.3.7. Make an extensive narrative notes on the physical and

environmental conditions of the crime scene based on the exact
locations of items found thereat and condition of the crime scene as
received from the investigator on case.

VI.4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence

VI.4.1. This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene and

becomes detailed in preliminary survey stage.

VI.4.2. Based on preliminary survey, establish evidence types

most likely to be encountered.

VI.4.3. Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is

sufficient for task at hand.

VI.4.4. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the great variety
of possible evidence.

VI.4.5. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view

and progress eventually to possible out-of-view locations.

VI.4.6. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been

moved inadvertently.

VI.4.7. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence

appears intentionally contrived.

VI.5 Narrative description of the Crime Scene

VI.5.1. The narrative is a running, general terms description

of the condition of the crime scene.

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 VI.5.2. Photography supplements narrative description of the
crime scene.

VI.5.3. Do not permit narrative effort to degenerate into a

sporadic and unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence.

VI.6. Crime Scene Photography / Videography

VI.6.1. Begin photographing the crime scene as soon as

possible.

VI.6.2. Document the photographic effort with a photograph

log.

VI.6.3. Ensure that a progression of overall, medium and close-

up views of the scene is established.

VI.6.4. Photograph evidence in place before its collection

and packaging.

VI.6.5. Photograph items, places etc., to corroborate the

statement of witnesses, victims, suspects.

VI.6.6. Take photographs from eye level, when feasible, to

represent scene as would be observed by normal view.

VI.6.7. Prior to lifting latent fingerprints, photographs should

be taken.

VI.7. Sketch of Crime Scene

VI.7.1. The diagram establishes permanent records of items,

conditions and distance/size relationships – diagram supplement
photographs.

VI.7.2. Number designations on sketch should be coordinated

with same number designations on evidence log.

VI.7.3. The sketch should contain sufficient measurements and

details to be used as a model for drawn to scale diagram, or
indicate a disclaimer if not drawn to scale.

VI.8. Detailed Crime Scene Search

VI.8.1. Conduct search in a general manner and work to the

specifics regarding evidence items.

VI.8.2. Photograph all items before collection and enter

notation in photographic log.

VI.8.3. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch.

VI.8.4. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.

VI.8.5. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.

VI.9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection

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 VI.9.1. Tag and photograph evidence in place before
collection.

VI.9.2. Methodically record the recovered evidence. Mark

evidence (mark item itself whenever feasible)

VI.9.3. Place identifying marks in evidence containers.

VI.10. Final Crime Scene Survey

VI.10.1. Discuss search jointly with all personnel for

completeness.

VI.10.2. Double-check documentation to detect inadvertent

errors.

VI.10.3. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for

before departing the scene.

VI.10.4. Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered.

VI.10.5. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult access

areas have not been overlooked in detailed search.

VI.11. Turn-Over/Release of Crime Scene to Investigator-On-Case

VI.II.1. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided.

VI.II.2. Release the scene with the notion that there is only one
chance to perform the job correctly and completely.

VI.II.3. Release is accomplished only after completion of the

final survey and proper documentation.

VII. SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PROCEDURES

VII.I. In clandestine laboratories and bombing cases/incidents, the EOD

should clear the area first and declare it secured prior to the conduct of
SOCO. Moreover, these are considered as special situations whereby the
Forensic Chemical Officer (FOCO) shall be tasked to undertake the initial
scene assessments and advice the SOCO Team Leader as to how the
sequence of the crime scene investigation shall be undertaken.

VII.2. In suspected and/or reported chemical, biological, radiological,

and/or nuclear (CBRN) situation, the SOCO Team shall directly coordinate
with the Special Rescue/CBRN Team of the Bureau of Fire Protection prior to
the conduct of crime scene investigation. This shall be the standard
operational procedure pending the capability acquisition of the PNP Crime
Laboratory for CBRN situation.

VII.3. In mass victim situation, the SOCO Team, in addition to its

fundamental function, shall act as the first responder of the Interim Disaster
Victim Identification Task Group (IDVI TG) of the PNP Crime Laboratory. It shall
immediately assess the forensic specialists needed to be deployed at the
crime scene and relay the assessed requirements to HQs PNP Crime
Laboratory.

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 VII.4. Situation/incidents may occur whereby the functional expertise of
a forensic specialist is critical and/or would provide better command of the
SOCO. The SOCO Team Leader must immediately take cognizance of these
situations and put to task the forensic specialist in assessing the situation and
recommending as to how the SOCO shall be sequentially conducted.

VII.5. The PNP Crime Laboratory strictly adheres to the cardinal forensic
protocol of objectivity albeit such adherence does not preclude the basic
human sensibilities and respect for the dead. The SOCO Team shall expedite
the transfer of a cadaver in the crime scene to an accredited morgue for
further forensic examinations after its position has been accurately sketched,
photographed, properly documented, and all other essential forensic
procedures needed to be performed at the crime scene had been
completed. Further, the SOCO Team shall exercise ethical judgment by
ensuring that no photograph of the cadaver shall be taken other than for the
purpose of criminal investigation

VIII. TYPES OF SEARCH

VIII.1. Quadrant or Zone search method

In this method, one searcher is assigned to a quadrant, then

each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.

VIII.2. Strip or Line search method

In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a

rectangle. The searcher proceeds slowly at the same pace along
path parallel to one side of the rectangle. When a piece of
evidence is found, the finder announces his discovery and the
search must stop until the evidence has been cared of. A
photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and

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tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of
the rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along new lanes as
shown in the above illustration.

VIII.3. Spiral search method

In this method, the searchers follow each other along the path
of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiralling in toward the
center.

VIII.4. Grid or double strip search method

The grid or double strip method of search is a modification of

strip search method. Here, the rectangle is traverse first parallel to
the base then parallel to the side. This is ideal for Disaster Victim
Identification (DVI) Operation.

VIII.5. Wheel search method

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 In this method of search, the area is considered to be
approximately circular. The searchers gather at the center and
proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be
repeated several times depending on the size of the circle and the
number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great
increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from
the center. Another is the possibility of evidence contamination or
destruction with the likelihood that the searchers will step on them
as they converge at the center.

IX. SOCO TEAM ORGANIZATION

IX.1. Basic Individual Attribute

The Scene of Crime of Operation is considered as a specialized

type of police operation wherein PNP personnel may opt to take as
their Primary Police Occupational Specialization (POS). Being such,
designation to the SOCO Team shall be based on CIA (Conduct,
Industry, and Aptitude) Parameters.

IX.2. Training

All personnel projected to be detailed with the SOCO Team

must undergo the Scene of Crime Operation Course. The SOCO
Course shall be a mandatory course for all PNP Crime Laboratory
personnel mandated to be detailed with SOCO Team prior to their
detail with the different technical division and/or crime laboratory
office. They must also undergo mandatory training on basic First Aid
Course.

IX.3. Basic SOCO Composition/Tasks

IX.3.1 Team Leader

- Responsible for the performance and work product of the

SOCO and its individual members at crime scenes.

- Assume Control – ensure safety of personnel and security at

scene, including the designation of a trained individual responsible for
assessing potentially hazardous conditions/environments at the scene.

- Conduct initial work-through for purposes of safety, making

preliminary survey, evaluation of potential evidence, and preparing a
narrative description.

- Designate command post location and ensure exchange of

information between search and investigative personnel.

- Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignments

for team members.

- Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make

sure a cooperative spirit is maintained.

- Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for

personnel – consider shift planning.

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 - Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log
everyone into the scene.

Act as PIO/Spokesperson at the Crime Scene.

- Responsible for the consolidation/compilation of reports,

documents, and evidence gathered by the reinforcing SOCO Team
that provide support at the Crime Scene.

- Continuously re-evaluate efficiency of search during entire

course of operation.

- Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the

evidence.

IX.3 2. Photographer

- Photograph entire area before it is entered.

- Photograph victims, crowd and vehicles.

- Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up

coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.

- Photograph major evidence items before they are moved.

Coordinate this effort with the Sketcher, Evidence Custodian and
Evidence Recovery Personnel.

- Photograph all latent fingerprints, and other impression

evidence, before lifting and casting is accomplished.

- Photograph blueprints, maps and previous photographs of

scene, as required.

- Take final photographs to show final condition as released.

IX.3.3 Sketcher

- Diagram immediate area of scene. It must be oriented to the

North.

- Set forth on sketch major items of evidence and coordinate

evidence nomenclature with Evidence Custodian and Evidence
Collectors/processors.

- Indicate adjacent buildings, rooms, furniture, and so forth, as

needed.

- Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team

leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated
areas.

- Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and list

assistant (s) on sketch.

- Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale

disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch.

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 IX.3.4. Evidence Log Recorder/Custodian

- Prepare evidence recovery log.

- Coordinate evidence nomenclature with the Sketcher,

Photographer and Evidence Collector/processors.

- Record all evidence.

- Receive all evidence

- Undertake evidence packaging and preservation

- Maintain chain-of-custody of evidences.

- Coordinate transmittal of evidence to the concerned

laboratory technical division for examination

IX.3.5. Driver/Security

- Coordinate with the supply PNCO to ensure that the vehicle is

properly maintained

- Provide physical security to the SOCO elements and

equipments

IX.3.6. 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.

IX.4. 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:

IX.4.1. Biological Science or any of its branches

IX.4.2. Physical Science or any of its branches

IX.4.3. Physical Identification

IX.4.4. Firearms Identification

IX.4.5. Fingerprint Identification

IX.4.6. Document Examination

IX.4.7. Polygraph Examination

IX.4.8. Forensic Photography

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X. SOCO EQUIPMENTS AND OTHER LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

X.1 SOCO Team Element’s Uniform – The individual elements uniform

shall be constituted by the following:

X.1.1 SOCO Uniform _ It shall be the UESB approved uniform

X.1.2 Personal Equipment Rig

X.1.3 Firearm

X.1.4 UV Blacklight/ 3 ALS/Polylite

X.1.5 Hand Gloves/shoe covers

X.1.6 Poncho (Raincoat with reflector)

X.2. Team Equipment - The SOCO Van must contain the following basic
equipments

X.2.1 Search Light

X.2.2 Medical Litter – This shall be utilized by the SOCO Team in

moving the injured from the crime scene to the vehicle that would
transport it to the nearest hospital in the absence of first aid
responders.

X.2.3 Medical First Aid Kit – This shall be standardized equipment

as part of the SOCO capability to respond to medical emergencies.

X.2.4 Radio Communication Equipment – This shall be the

standard issued communication equipment to afford communication
between the SOCO Team and the Crime Laboratory Office.

X.2.5. SOCO Kit

X.2.6. PBI Kit

X.2.7 One (1) Long Firearm – The SOCO Van shall have one (1)
long firearm with one (1) corresponding basic ammunition load as
team defense equipment to be handled by the security personnel.

XI. SUPPLETORY ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND PROCEDURES

XI.1 Stand on the Tri-Media and Prescribed Relationship

The PNP Crime Laboratory as a part of the law enforcement

institution shall respect the inherent right to information of the public
albeit consequential to this fundamental respect is the affirmation that
objectivity shall govern the conduct of crime scene investigation.
Hence, the following are the prescribed rules on media inquiries:

XI.1.1 On crime scene, only the SOCO Team Leader is authorized

to provide answers to the inquiries from the media. The reply must only
state the available facts. The Team Leader must not, in whatever
manner, relay any information that could elicit multiple and subjective

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 inferences or interpretations. In the absence of concrete objective
data, the Team Leader shall courteously beg off to answer inquiries
and inform the media that the inquiries shall be answered after
laboratory examinations had been conducted and with clearance
from the criminal investigator on case and/or line or investigating unit
conducting the investigation.

XI.1.2 The SOCO Team Leader must exercise professional

maturity to ensure that his reply to the media inquiries must not in
whatever manner impede on the conduct of the criminal
investigation.

XI.1.3 Post Crime Scene Investigation inquiry from the media shall
be cleared first from the Director, PNP CL.

XI.1.4 The PNP Crime Laboratory recognizes the vital role that the
media play in enhancing the community awareness of protecting
and preserving the crime scene. Efforts in direct coordination with
the media shall be initiated for this purpose.

X1.2 Crime Scene Protection and Preservation Trainings – The PNP

Crime Laboratory shall continuously conduct periodic crime scene protection
trainings for the first responders.

X1.3. Precedence of Authority – The organic SOCO Team of the RCLO

or DCLO having responsibility over the area of incident shall be the Office
Primary Responsible (OPR) and reinforcing SOCO Teams from HQs PNP CL
and other RCLOs/DCLOs shall provide support.

X1.4 Coordination - Direct and lateral coordination with PNP units and
other law enforcement units for the purpose of crime scene protection,
preservation, and evidence collection is highly encouraged.

X1.5 Training Designs – Periodic evaluation of the SOCO Program of

Instructions shall be undertaken to ensure that it is current and prospective.

XII. Effectivity: This circular shall take effect on May 1, 2006 and rescinds the
previous SOCO Manual.

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