(Sir alas-as'CDI 300 Module 1.docx'

Negros Oriental State University
College of Criminal Justice Education

MC 2 – Bajumpandan
CDI 134 (Special Crime Investigation 2)

Module/Lesson Guide
Instructor: TIRSO C. ALAS-AS, MSCJ
MODULE 1
(Date of Submission is on October 28, 2020)
Name: Quitoy, Jon Rizal G.

Year & Section: 3rd year, Section D
General Principles of Investigation
Introduction
Criminal investigation in its modern form is a rather recent development. In the past, crimes are
solved not by scientific methods of inquiry but rather through crude and discredited means such as
witchcraft, torture and other similar methods.
Criminal investigation in its trendy type could be a rather recent development. Within the past,
crimes are solved not by scientific ways of inquiry however rather through crude and discredited means
that equivalent to witchcraft, torture and alternative similar methods.
Early 19th Century Criminologists saw the need to develop a scientific means of identifying
criminals because the criminological theories are useless unless we send the right persons to jail or
prisons. For instance, the classical theory of deterrence and positivist theory of rehabilitation cannot be
applied to an innocent person since no amount of punishment or treatment can deter or treat an innocent
person. Thus, Dr. Hans Gross, Edmund Locard and August Vollmer undertook to establish the earliest
crime laboratory in the world to advance the art and science of investigation. Interestingly, a series of
books published by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle features a fictional character named Sherlock Holmes as a
detective who used crude scientific methods in investigating crimes long before the world has seen its
first crime laboratories
There are numerous steps of a criminal investigation. A case must be investigated, built, taken to
trial, and should the accused be found guilty, the penalties must be determined. Below we outline the first
half of what happens following a crime. A pre-arrest investigation is done following a suspected criminal
activity. Once law enforcement is made aware that a criminal activity has occurred, they must investigate
what happened before an arrest can be made. Following the investigation, if law enforcement determines
evidence that reveals a crime was committed, they must make steps to try and identify a suspect. Once a
suspect is identified, law enforcement may arrest the suspect. Depending on where the crime occurred,
law enforcement might be required to first present evidence of the crime to a prosecuting attorney.
The primary tools that police have when investigating crimes are interviews or interrogations and
collecting physical evidence. They then use the information that they have collected to piece together a
possible scenario as to what happened that the collected evidence will support. As soon as the police
receive a call that a crime has been committed or is in progress, they send officers to the scene. The
officers may be able to catch the criminal right on the scene. The officers will then arrest this person and
take them to the police station or the county jail for booking.
However, even if the police caught the perpetrator red-handed, they will still collect evidence at
the scene of the crime to support a criminal sentence. This evidence collection will include interviewing
all of the potential witnesses at the scene. A site investigation will also be conducted, which may include
taking pictures, measurements, taking forensic evidence, making general observations, and taking objects
that may be connected to the crime. At all times, the police and their employees must obey
the golden rules for permissible search and seizure at the crime scene. This means, generally, that if the
police want to search any private property, they must first obtain a warrant or have probable cause that
would allow a search without a warrant.
When the police officers’ conduct interviews, they're looking to establish the facts of the case,
trying to figure out what happened and who might be responsible. Often, they'll interview witnesses
separately so that they can have each person's individual recollection of the events. The police will want
to talk to people who have personal knowledge of the crime. In order to have personal knowledge, the
witness needed to have seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched something first hand. The police will
carefully document these witness statements along with the police officer's observations about the
witness, so that the information will be available to future police officers, detectives, and prosecutors.
A key component of any criminal investigation is the observations of the police officers. Police
officers are trained to observe and notice details. They will note the position of weapons, blood stains,
clothing, weather and any other detail that might explain the crime or the criminal behavior.
The police will also collect physical evidence at the crime scene. This may include taking
photographs, measurements, fingerprints, blood samples, and taking any objects that may be related to the
crime. Each bit of evidence must then be properly recorded and documented. Physical items will be
collected using gloves to preserve fingerprints and to limit contamination. If the crime warrants
it, forensic evidence, like fingerprints, blood, or saliva found at the scene will be gathered and sent to labs
for analysis.
The evidence items will be placed in a special bag that will be properly marked so it can be
identified later. The chain of custody for each piece of evidence will be established starting with the
person who collected it and then each transfer of that evidence will be documented to establish an
unbroken chain from the time of collection to presentation at trial.
Photographs alone are not sufficient for recording a crime scene adequately. A crime scene sketch
should also be routinely made. Sketches and photographs complement each other to depict the crime
scene adequately and properly. Sketches clarify the appearance of the crime scene and make it easier to
comprehend. It is, therefore, important for investigators to develop the ability to make good crime scene
sketches.
A crime scene sketch is not considered an architectural drawing, such as one drawn by an artist
or forensic surveyor. It is simply an illustrative diagram or drawing that accurately depicts the appearance
of the crime scene. Nevertheless, sketching the crime scene requires some skill on the part of the
investigator. Generally, it is easier if two people work on the sketch: one person to draw and the other to
take measurements.
Sketches sometimes leave out important information or contain errors. Yet despite these
drawbacks to and problems in making crime scene sketches, they do provide important information and,
when done properly, are very helpful. Sketches help investigators recall details of the crime scene. They
also aid prosecutors, courts, and juries to better understand the crime scene.
Sketches offer a permanent record of the relationship of items at the scene to each other and help
to supplement photographs. They depict the overall layout of the location more easily than can be
accomplished by photographs. Sketches also allow for selectivity. A sketch may be drawn purposely to
leave out extraneous or confusing details that would be recorded in a photograph.
Crime scene sketches can provide a record of conditions that are not readily recorded by other
means. Distances can be shown over large areas and topography can be easily illustrated. Paths taken by
subjects or vehicles can be demonstrated on drawings more easily than on photographs. Drawings may be
used to aid in questioning suspects and witnesses of crimes and to authenticate testimony of witnesses.
Sketches combine the best features of photographs and crime scene notes.
Another method of recording the crime scene is videotape. Lightweight, portable, lowlight video
cameras are ideally suited for gathering a video rendition of a crime scene. Videography does not do
away with the need for still crime-scene photographs, but has the advantage of more graphically depicting
the scene.
When videotaping a scene, the investigator should walk the video operator through the location.
The filming should begin outside an indoor crime scene or with an overall pan of the outdoor location.
The detective should narrate the videotape by recording the audio portion as the videotape is shot. The
narration should include the name of the speaker, time, date, location, case number, and other pertinent
identifying information.
If videotapes are to be used as evidence, they should not be edited or erased. The entire tape must
be in its original condition if it is to be admissible as evidence. Some agencies use edited videos solely to
refresh the investigator’s memory. Courts may or may not admit these tapes for the jury’s consideration.
As with most generalizations on the legal aspects of crime scenes, it is prudent to check with local
authorities to determine what will be acceptable to the prosecution and to the court. It is better to find out
in advance rather than to assume the practice is acceptable and then find out that a key piece of evidence
is excluded for some legal reason not considered by the investigator.
While the scene is being recorded, other personnel at the location should be silent because their
voices can be picked up. Such conversations may prove distracting and sometimes embarrassing if
recorded.
As with photographs, close-up videotape recordings of small items of evidence should contain a
scale to show the actual size of the item. Additionally, panning the area and zooming in on the item
should show the relative location.
Crime Scene Processing
Processing a crime scene, including careful examination, note taking, sketching, photography,
and collection of physical evidence, requires a plan of action. The crime scene must be approached in a
systematic, methodical way; certain steps must be performed before others. Considerations about legal
and scientific matters must be made when searching a crime scene. These details must be included in an
action plan or method of approach and practiced when examining the scene of a crime.
The plan of action should be readily available to crime scene investigators. It should be included
in a written departmental procedure to define crime scene responsibilities, and may also detail what tasks
are to be done and in what order. It is, of course, impossible to anticipate every detail in a crime scene
investigation; however, certain ground rules should be set forth to direct uniformed personnel, detectives,
and crime scene investigators to a specific goal.
Investigator's Notebook
Of all the duties and responsibilities of an officer conducting the crime scene search, perhaps the
most important is note taking. Note taking is important for several reasons. It forces investigators to
commit observations to writing and to keep a detailed record of everything observed and accomplished.
Frequently, a seemingly insignificant item found in an investigator’s notebook turns out to be critical to
an investigation.
Some general points about notes and note taking are:
1. Notes should be made as events unfold, and in chronological order.
2. Notes should detail, step-by-step, all actions.
3. Notes should be complete and thorough.
4. Notes should be clearly and legibly written. Sloppy notes or those that do not clearly state the
investigator’s meaning will be subject to misinterpretation.
5. Negative or unexpected conditions (the absence of bloodstains or a light that is found on) should be
noted.
6. The note taker should be as specific as possible. If an item of evidence is to be located, a description
such as “on the living room floor, 6 inches east of the west wall and 3 feet south of the north wall” should
be used. Vague statements such as “near” or “to the left of” should be avoided.
7. Case notes, sketches, tape recordings, or photographic negatives should never be discarded. They
should be placed into a case folder and retained for as long as the department’s policy indicates.
Common Investigation Oversights
Police officers and investigators are skilled interrogators. They have studied human behavior and
body language. Interrogation is a science. Investigators know how to gain a suspect's trust and how to
manipulate them into a confession. While the police must not violate a
person's Miranda and constitutional rights in order to obtain a confession, they are still allowed a lot of
latitude. For instance, the police can lie to a suspect. They also can engage in subterfuge or trick a
suspect.
Typically a prosecuting attorney will determine whether and what charges to file against the
suspect. When these charges are determined, law enforcement will then make an arrest. Sometimes an
investigation will not yield strong enough evidence. In this case, it may be determined that there is no
need to pursue the matter further. In these instances, no arrest will be made.
Every criminal act requires investigation and lawful proceedings to bring peace and justice in the
society and to control law in order. Criminal investigation system is a procedure to investigate the crime
according to the law and rules in place under the government directives to discourage and extenuating
crime. The criminal investigation system is about to detecting those who violate the laws and to put them
in the procedure of criminal justice. Government’s prime responsibility is to build a sufficient criminal
justice system to secure the lives and wealth of citizens. Nothing is more important than life. So, life
should be protected with a superior justice system.
A criminal justice system is a set of legal and social institutions for enforcing the criminal law in
accordance with a defined set of procedural rules and limitations. In the United States, there are separate
federal, state, and military criminal justice systems, and each state has separate systems for adults and
juveniles. The procedure of criminal justice system comprise on three major state departments which are
law enforcement agencies, courts, jails, Prisons, and Probation.
The law enforcement agency is an institute of public administration and maintenance of law in
order in the society. Hence, courts are the place where hearing of disputes’ have taken place and
settlement/justice is determined. And, the jail, when court gives a decision about the guiltiness of an
accused; the criminals are then transferred to the jail authorities.
Nowadays, criminal investigation is quite technological. Forensic investigation is latest

investigation techniques and technologies. There are many types of inquiry; one is black or white powder
to process a crime scene for fingerprints. The second is evidence collecting through optical instruments.
These are the microscope instruments that help to inquire the minutes and micro evidential material. The
third one is quite largely used in chemical and analytical investigation. These analytical instruments were
specifically made to enhance the forensic competence and these are useful and helpful. For instance,
when a detective involves in a criminal investigation, he/she uses the above said process and equipment to
reach to the crime evidence and criminal.
The optimal mindset means the inappropriate evidences available at the forensic scene and their
inquiry on the scientific means by an investigator. The optimal mindset of an investigator manifest is
quite essential to examine the suspect elements and the surroundings by his/her scientific investigation
approaches. For instance, if there is a non-optimal mind working on the scene, it could result undesirable
outcomes. Therefore, optimal mindset at the forensic scene is important to get the exact evidence.
The scientific methods are the modern techniques and technologies that are applied to get the
exact evidence in a criminal investigation. Currently, in most of the criminal investigation agencies these
techniques and technologies are quite common and in use. Some of the techniques are intelligent mindset
that offers a wide spectrum of criminal criteria, and the detective theories that helps to reach to the crime
and criminal. Some of the technologies are criminalistics and forensic medicine, and the optical devices
and analytic instruments that examine the micro facts of a crime scene. These methods are applied in the
process of criminal investigation step by step.
The first source of information is checking the evidence at forensic scene. This is the most basic
and elementary source of information. The second source of information can be gathered by using the
personal intelligence and detective mindset to examine the situation and the evidence. The third source of
information is getting help with optical and analytic devices. All three source of information has their
own criteria and credentials, and all these are equally important for criminal investigation and criminal
investigators.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, you are expected to narrate the history of criminal investigation,
analysis of information and application of operational techniques relating to crime scenes,
forensic sciences, interviews, and interrogations and to demonstrate ability to conduct proper crime
scene investigations to curriculum requirements (4.1.1).
Contents of the Module
This module contains the following lessons:

Lesson 1: Protocols in Investigation
Lesson 2: General Investigative Procedures
Lesson 1: Protocols in Investigation
● Tools of an Investigator in Gathering Facts
● Phases of investigation
● Standard methods of Recording Investigative Data
● Crime Scene Processing
● Investigator’s Notebook
Common Investigation Oversights
Specific Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to;

1. Know the basic elements of investigation, including general forensic science, forensic
photography, crime scene diagrams, physical evidence collection, fingerprint
classification and processing, crime scene processing, special case crime scenes,
bloodstain pattern documentation and analysis, suspect and live victim, report
writing, and courtroom testimony.
2. Describe some techniques and methods police use to conduct online criminal investigations.
3. Define open source information gathering techniques and explain best practices for using
such techniques in criminal investigations
4. Identify the tools of the criminal investigator.
5. Describe the basics of how crime scene investigation techniques provid
6.
7. Explain and discuss techniques of interview and interrogation.
8. List the goals of criminal investigation.
9. Identify the duties of the officer in conducting the preliminary investigation.
10. Classify and demonstrate the Basic Concepts and Principles of Criminal Investigation.
11. Identify the goals and objectives of criminal investigation.
Motivation/Prompting Questions
1. What must be done to protect the life and safety of persons?

Answer: Identify the innocent and prosecute the criminal for the peace and over all justice.
2. Should force, up to and including deadly force, be used to apprehend or arrest a suspect
Answer:No, remember the Miranda doctrine and all the rights of the suspect.
3. Who will become the focus or subject of a criminal investigation?

Answer:The main focus is the perpetrator and the prosecution of the perpetrator.
4. What is the best plan to apprehend the person or persons responsible for a criminal act?
Answer:First is I century the perpetrator, second is to locate the perpetrator, third is to gather all
fact for his prosecution.
5. Provide two reasons why it is very important for a police investigator to routinely critically assess
all of the information they encounter?
Answer: 1. To establish facts
2. To record for future use
6. What do you think is the value of physical evidence and why should police investigators concern
themselves with an understanding of the uses and ways to collect physical evidence?
Answer:The value of physical evidence is to be examined and to help in the prosecution of the
perpetrator. The police investigators must have the knowledge and skills essential for the
establishment that tells that the crime was really happen.
Discussion
Discuss the following questions based on your own understanding;
1. What is criminal investigation? Define

Answer:Criminal investigation is science that involves the study of facts that are then used in
criminal trials. A complete criminal investigation must include searching, interviews,
interrogations, evidence collection and preservation, and various methods of investigation.
2. How do the Police Investigate Crimes? Discuss

Answer:The police investigators in crime investigation must use the three ways of collection in
information first is by interview second is by interrogation third is on physical evidence
collection and all of these are used for the prosecution of the suspect.
3. Who investigates and prosecutes the suspect/violator of a crime? State your answer and explain
Answer:The one who will investigates are the investigators and his team the Photographer and
Photographic Log Recorder, Sketch person, and the evidence recorder/collector. The one who
will prosecute is the prosecutor after he see and read all the facts that establish the crime made by
the perpetrator.
4. What are methods of inquiry and how are they used in criminal investigation? Discuss
Answer:The method of inquiry are the 5W's and 1h or the 6 cardinal points of investigation. They
are used in criminal investigation as a guide for the investigators.
5. What is the scientific method and how is it applied to criminal investigation by criminal
investigators? Discuss
Answer: Scientific method is the use of science like forensic science to answer a question. It is
used by the investigators in speedy investigation of a certain crime.
6. Discuss the three primary sources of information for criminal investigators and provide detailed
practical examples of each source listed.
Answer:The three primary sources of information are profiling, crime analysis, and the public.
For the first one is the profiling the basics such as name, age, address, height, weight etc. The
second one is crime analysis this stage is on the investigation of the crime scene and all the
collection and documentation of the Process of conducting the crime search. The third is the
public this part is on the interview and interrogation of the people that are linked to the crime.
Learning Activities/Exercises
Activity/Exercises 1
Mr. James was found dead in his room. The room had no window and the door was locked. The only
4 people who had a key to the room were questioned.
Sophia the maid: “I came to wake up Mr. James; when I saw him dead, I screamed!”
John the butler: “When I heard the scream, I ran into the room, turned on the light and saw Mr. James
with a knife in his neck.”
Sarah the governess: “I rushed up alongside John; when he turned on the light, the room was all bloody.”
Jack the cook: “I was preparing breakfast and didn’t see anything.”
Who killed Mr. James?

Answer:Jack the cook
Jailbreak
Jack is placed in a cell with a dirt floor and only one window positioned so high no one could
reach it. The cell is empty except for a shovel. It's dry and hot in there, but Jack won't get any
food or drink anytime soon. He has only 2 days to break out of the jail. If not – he'll die.
Digging a tunnel is not an option because it'll take more than 2 days. How should Jack escape the
cell?
Answer:Pile the dirt so he can manage to clime the window.
The Recorder mystery
A man was found dead with a cassette recorder in one hand and a gun in the other. When the police came
in, they immediately pressed the play button on the cassette. He said “I have nothing else to live for. I
can’t go on,” then the sound of a gunshot. After listening to the cassette tape, the police knew that it was
not a suicide.
How did they know?

Answer: Because if it was murder the Cassette would still recording after the gunshot was heard but
instead when the police arrived they play the cassette so someone pressed the stop record of the cassette.
The Honeymoon mystery
A couple went on for their honeymoon trip. But only the husband returned from the vacation and said that
his wife met an unfortunate accident and died. The police arrested him saying, “Your travel agent called.
You murdered your wife.”
How did the agent know that it was a murder?

Answer:The agent revealed the he only book one ticket.
Teacher Intervention
Since most attrition occurs at the beginning of the subject, it is important to frontload this
preparation and interventions for them to reach out;
▪ Use technology to track student participation.

▪ Educate students about the “spirit” of distance learning.
▪ Distance learning is also available for students who cannot attend lectures and who are capable of
the amount of self-direction and discipline required to complete such a course.
▪ Reading the materials, communication via email, and on-line discussion are some of the methods
used for distance learning.
▪ Organize students into learning teams or being an active part of an online learning community.
▪ They should be a team decision, based on their needs and available resources.
▪ Use personal education plan details the activities that I’ve going to use in order to help them to
address the student's academic issues.
Practice Task/Assessment
Discrete Type of Test:
Test I: True or False (2 Points Each)

Direction: Write a complete word TRUE if the statement is correct and the word FALSE if the statement
is wrong.
TRUE 1. Once law enforcement is made aware that a criminal activity has occurred, they must investigate
what happened before an arrest can be made.
TRUE 2. The primary tools that police have when investigating crimes are interviews or interrogations
and collecting physical evidence.
TRUE 3. A key component of any criminal investigation is the observations of the police officers.
TRUE 4. When the police officers’ conduct interviews, they're looking to establish the facts of the case.
TRUE 5. Police officers and detectives are skilled interrogators.
FALSE 6. Typically a judge of court will determine whether and what charges to file against the suspect.
FALSE 7. In an arrest is made, the accused should not be taken into custody by law enforcement.
TRUE8. Typically, after an arrest has been made, the accused must be brought before a court.
FALSE 9. At a preliminary hearing, the prosecutor and the defense attorney are not oblige present
evidence in an attempt to establish or challenge if probable cause exists to believe a felony was
committed.
TRUE 10. Every criminal act requires investigation and lawful proceedings to bring peace and justice in
the society and to control law in order.
Test II: Multiple Choice (2 Points Each)
Instruction: Select and encircle the letter of the best answer for each of the following
questions/statements.
(A) 1.) Is the process of eliciting information from witnesses and confidential informants.
a. Interview c. Deception
b. Interrogation d. Detection of crime
(A) 2.) If there is a reason to assume that a crime has indeed been committed, further investigation is
undertaken using more ___________________ and techniques.
a. Scientific method c. Experimental method
b. Theoretical method d. None of these
(B) 3.) The following is the collection of facts to accomplish a threefold aim of investigation; except?
a. To identify the guilty party c. To locate the guilty party
b. To put offender in jail without due process of law d. To provide evidence of his guilt
(C) 4.) The following are the basic mechanisms for controlling the behavior of those engaged in crime;
except?
a. Deterrence c. Opportunity
b. Rehabilitation d. None of these
(A) 5.) Interrogation of suspects is one of the most important functions of whom?
a. Criminal Investigator c. Judge
b. Prosecutor d. SOCO Team
(C) 6.) The final goal that is increasingly set for the investigators is addressing the many and varied
problems the citizenry feels the police should resolve.
a. Controlling crime c. Pursuing justice
b. Addressing problems d. None of these
(D) 7.) The basic reason of investigator on case for utilizing interview or interrogation is to obtain?
a. Information c. Evidence
b. Confession from suspect/s d. All of these
(A) 8.) The modern successful investigator must be skilled in obtaining information
from__________________ and the testimony of those concerned with a crime.
a. Physical evidence c. Testimonial evidence
b. Tracing evidence d. None of these
(D) 9.) The objective of the entire course of investigation of course, is to arrive at the truth of the situation
specifically with the following; except?
a. Provoke the guilty to confess
b. Allows the investigator to narrow down the list of suspected criminals
c. To identify the facts and know the circumstances surroundings the crime
d. Rehabilitation of criminals
(B) 10.) The investigator must procure testimony and physical evidence that will admissible-evidence that
will withstand the attacks of the ______________________ and be understood by the court.
a. Prosecutor c. Defendant
b. Defendant’s counsel d. None of these
References/Materials
▪ Effective Techniques in Criminal Investigation by P/Supt. Mario Baesa Garcia, PNP/Ret. (2016)
▪ Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation by Dr. Vicente, J.B. Dr. Eduardo, J.P. Dr. Catalino, M.G.
Mr. Estoque, S.B. & PO2 Vicente, R. M. Secod Edition, (2016)
▪ Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation by Adelene Mahinay Florendo (2012)
▪ Crime scene investigation and reconstruction, 3e. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Ogle,
Jr., R. (2012).
▪ PNP Criminal Investigation Manual (2011)
▪ Investigation of Cases under The Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610)
▪ Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code
▪ Violation of Illegal Gambling Law (PD No. 9287)
▪ Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act Of 2002
▪ In flagrante delicto cases in violation of RA 9165
▪ R.A. 8792 Electronic Commerce Act of 2000
▪ R.A. 8484 Access Device Act
▪ Credit Card Fraud Investigations (Violation Of Ra 8484)
▪ Republic Act 9372, otherwise known as the Human Security Act
Assignment (Enrichment Activity)
1. Write at least 100 words essay citing the importance of the application of science and technology
plays a critical role in the investigation and adjudication of crimes in our criminal justice system.
Note: Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
The importance of the application of science and technology in the investigation and the adjudication of
crimes in our criminal justice system is that it fasters the work of the investigators in solving the crime
scene incident by the use of several sciences like forensic science on the examination of the physical
evidences that were found in the crime scene.
In fact there so many scientific method used in solving the crime these are forensic ballistic for the
examination of firearm and ammunition, forensic dactyloscopy the for the analysis and comparison of
fingerprints as means of identification of individuals especially on the determination between innocent
and the perpetrator of the crime.
The use of the technology in investigation and adjudication of crimes is that it also make the job of the
investigators easy and more productive. These technologies are computers for data record,
communication technology like mobile phone for easy transfer of information, internet also for the use of
research in terms of forensic science. All of these technology are used in the crime scene for the other
purpose s like locating, recording and recovery of physical evidence.
All of this sciences and technology brings potential benefits to the police or investigators works in
investigating crimes.
2. Describe the level of forensic knowledge that a modern-day investigator must achieve to become
an effective investigator? Note: Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
The level of knowledge that a modern-day investigators must achieve to become an effective investigator
is the level MUST because an investigator must learn and apply all the basic skills needed for the practice
of crime solving and suspect identification
All of the forensic science must be applied and know by heart by the investigator for his guide
on solving crime in the fastest way.
Reflection or Insights
Personal Reflection
1. Why protocols are important in criminal investigations? (Your answer should be in a paragraph
form)
Protocols are important because its serves as a guide in conducting criminal investigation also to achieve
specific goals in the process of criminal investigation .Also it is important to follow protocols for be able
to properly prosecute the perpetrator and uphold justice.
Also if the protocols were followed the prosecutor and the judges on the court will have no problem in the
making of their judgment for the perpetrator.
Also for our criminal justice here in the Philippines is not always true or uphold
it's true justice many investigators and judges were just been paid for the client to be uphold as
innocent.
General Investigative Procedures
Introduction
The investigating officer and the crime scene specialists are responsible for the entire
investigation, including the crime scene. Upon arrival at the scene, the crime scene specialists should
obtain a brief statement from the first officer at the scene, detailing what transpired. The investigating
officer should gather much information, and many facts and opinions, from the first officers. The
investigating officer’s first contact with the scene will be a cursory one. Care should be taken not to
disturb anything. Evidence should not be moved or touched. Evidence will be properly documented,
measured, sketched, photographed, and fingerprinted later. At the start of the process, the investigator will
begin to digest information reported by first officers, witnesses, victims, and suspects, together with the
overall appearance of the crime scene. These details are used to formulate a plan to process the crime
scene.
Protecting the crime scene is an ongoing concern. Uniformed officers should remain posted at the
scene. The victim’s family, the public, and the press should be kept away from the crime scene. Fellow
officers, especially command officers, who have no business visiting the crime scene are a more serious
problem. In highly publicized crimes, superior officers often exhibit a desire to view the scene. This
should be avoided; one suggestion is to set up a command post with a pot of coffee to help keep
unnecessary persons away. Another possibility to discourage officers who visit a scene is to give them an
assignment and require them to file a written report or, at the minimum, have them sign a log. Sometimes
it may be necessary for the investigator in charge of the crime scene to inform the superiors politely that
the scene is still active and their presence might compromise findings and interfere with collecting
physical evidence.
The use of forensic science in criminal investigations depends on a number of factors. Police
investigators must be knowledgeable about the capabilities of the forensic science support services
available to them and appreciate how to use them effectively. Forensic practitioners must be familiar with
police investigative procedures, the scientific theory that supports their own activities, and the legal
aspects needed to convey the information from the crime scene to the ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Prosecutors, as well as defense attorneys, must understand the scientific and technological issues of the
case and be able to work with the expert to admit expert testimony into court. Police agencies that run
forensic science labs must fund them at an appropriate level to ensure quality, reliability, and timely
service to the criminal justice system. All of these efforts require the cooperation and willingness of
different professionals within the criminal justice system to work well together. Those of us who apply
science and technology to the solution of crimes have a duty to do our best for the criminal justice system
we serve in the interest of justice.
Crime scene investigation and forensic science operate within a legal framework. Thus, it is not
surprising that a number of cases or legal rulings define some of the aspects of forensic science and crime
scene investigation. The goal of any criminal investigation is not only to figure out what happened and
who did it, but also to bring the wrongdoer to justice. As the final stop in a criminal investigation is in the
courts, regulations, rules, legal precedents, and case law must be taken into consideration throughout the
investigation. The following is a review of some of the case law and rules of evidence that deal with
forensic science.
Crime scene investigation is the first step in the use of forensic evidence to solve a crime. During
this phase of a criminal investigation, items at the scene are found, collected and analyzed preliminarily in
order to determine how a crime was committed. To accomplish this, crime scene investigators must
follow procedures that include managing the crime scene; securing, surveying and documenting it; and
collecting and preserving evidence.
Securing the Scene

In order to ensure that evidence is protected, the first person at the scene of a crime should secure
it with barriers and/or crime scene tape soon after arriving to the crime scene. In addition, someone
should be chosen to act as a security guard so that people who do not belong at the location are kept out.
Managing a Crime Scene

At every crime scene, there are several people walking around performing different tasks. It is
imperative that the investigator in charge manage the logistics of the scene, the personnel who are there,
the information that is disseminated to all of the players involved and the technology being used. This
level of communication is necessary because what happens during the crime scene investigation phase
can make or break a case.
Surveying the Scene

This phase of crime scene investigation, which can include an investigator and a police officer,
involves looking at the entire scene and forming early theories about what may have occurred during the
crime. It is important for the investigators not to make any snap decisions when they perform this task as
these hypotheses are subject to change based on pursuant forensic examinations.
Documenting the Scene

Crime scenes are documented by four methods: written notes, photos, videos and sketches. Each
step of documentation is important because it serves as the record of the scene long after the evidence has
been taken to forensic examiners and the location has been cleaned up. All of these forms of
documentation are equally important to the case, so one should not be overlooked in favor of another.
❖ Crime Scene Photography
Crime scene photography is one of the most important duties that the crime scene investigator
performs. Visual communications are substantiated and verified by quality, concise and accurate
photographs of both the scene and the evidence as it was found. Photography of the scene and of evidence
is one of the first procedures performed at a scene. This generally occurs after the note-taking process has
begun. Take the photographs so that the area and items of evidence will be identified and oriented with
other areas in the overall scene.
The technique used at crime scenes is primarily a three-step process:
● A long or wide-angle view, sometimes referred to as an establishing shot.
● A medium or midrange view which focuses on particular objects, areas or evidence items.
● A close-up view that clearly shows what the item is, its condition and its position at the scene.
Photograph all collected evidence at its original location.
❖ An extreme close-up photograph may be taken of a small item, such as a bloodstain, hair, fabric
stain or fingerprint in blood. For an extreme close-up shot, the item should be photographed at
least twice, once with a scale (ruler) and at least once without a scale.
Investigators should use rulers and markers at crime scenes to identify items or areas being
photographed. The markers may be cones with numbers or letters affixed to the cone, plastic evidence
cards or index cards which have been marked identifying the evidence being photographed. When using
markers, take a photograph of the object or area with and without the marker.
When evidence has been identified as having been moved from its original position at a crime
scene, the investigator should make note of that. If the investigator is directed to photograph the evidence
item in its original location, a detailed note should be made that the item was photographed in the area
where it was originally located.
❖ Crime Scene Sketching
The final phase in documenting the scene is making a crime scene sketch. The drawback of
photographs is that they are two-dimensional representations of three-dimensional objects. As a result,
most photographs can distort the spatial relationships of the photographed objects causing items to appear
closer together or farther apart than they actually are. If spatial relationships of the evidence are important
or if something needs to have proportional measurements included in it for calculations (such as bullet
trajectory angles, accident reconstructions, etc.) then a sketch must be made of the crime scene.
A sketch is usually made of the scene as if one is looking straight down (overhead sketch) or
straight ahead (elevation sketch) at a crime scene. A rough sketch at the scene is usually made first on
graph paper in pencil with so many squares representing so many square feet or inches. Directionality of
the overhead view is determined by using a compass. Using a tape measure or other measuring devices,
measurements are taken at crime scene of the distances between objects and/or structures at the crime
scene. These measurements are proportionally reduced on the rough sketch and the objects are drawn in.
Two measurements taken at right angles to each other or from two reference points will usually suffice in
placing the objects where they belong in a sketch. Double measurements should also be taken to make
sure they are correct. This is especially true where calculations will later be used. A final sketch can be
made later using inks, paper, and ruler, or a computer. The original rough sketch should be retained and
preserved in case it is needed at a later date. Once the scene has been thoroughly documented then the
evidence collection can commence.
Searching the Scene

The search is performed by investigators based on what was observed during the earlier survey of
the crime scene. During this stage of crime scene investigation, the order in which evidence will be
collected is established.
❖ Sequence of Conducting a Crime Scene Search
A crime scene search must be conducted in a methodical manner to maximize the recovery of
evidence at any given scene. The purpose of processing a crime scene is to locate, collect and preserve all
evidence relevant to the investigation. Evidence recovered at a crime scene can be interpreted to assist in
the reconstruction of the crime scene events. Crime scenes cannot be lumped together. Each crime scene
is different and they must be evaluated case by case.
When searching a crime scene, it must be performed in a planned and coordinated way (Figure
5.1). At exterior scenes it is extremely difficult to locate small items of evidence like shell casings, bullet
fragments, projectiles and blood in dirt or grass unless you do it methodically. When searching outdoors,
use a metal detector. Shell casings, fragments and projectiles are very hard to see with the naked eye. Use
all equipment at your disposal. Some outdoor scenes will require the crime scene detective to get down on
their hands and knees to conduct a search. It is next to impossible to observe all types of evidence from a
standing position.
When searching indoor scenes, remember to look up. Search the ceilings for blood spatter from
castoff and bullet holes. Do not overlook searching the shelves in a room or areas where potted plants are
present. These can hide blood and bullet holes.
Figure 5.1. Search patterns used at a crime scene.
● The Zone search should divide the area to be searched in half or in quarters (Figures 5.1 and 5.2). These
areas can be subdivided into quadrants if needed. This pattern can be used in small outdoor scenes but
works best on interior room searches and when searching vehicles. A minimum of two people should
perform this type of search. When each area is thoroughly searched; swap areas and search again. This will
ensure a thorough and complete search and if any evidence was present it should have been located. You
must be organized with this search pattern. Start your search with the floor areas and work up to the
furniture, then tables, plants, shelves and closets. Check walls from floor to ceiling for bullet strikes, blood
spatter,etc.
Figure 5.2. Illustration of a zone search pattern.
● Lane or line search is a good search pattern for outdoor scenes (Figure 5.1). This search pattern
allows for a thorough search and the possibility of overlooking evidence is reduced. Lay out lanes
3’ or 4’ wide. At large scenes begin with six or seven lanes. Once these lanes have been searched,
move the lanes over and continue to search. Perform a visual search and use a metal detector.
Items such as jewelry, bullet projectiles or fragments and shell casings are difficult to find
because these items often blend in with the ground cover. The metal detector will increase your
chances of finding more evidence.
● The spiral search has limitations and is not often used. Start the search at a known point and walk
in a circular pattern, increasing the distance from the center (Figure 5.1). Complete a visual
examination and use a metal detector if looking for small items of evidence easily obscured by
ground cover. Do not forget to look up into trees and tall shrubbery.
● The grid search is a useful search pattern at outdoor scenes (Figure 5.3). This search technique is
best used when searching for gravesites or working a surface skeleton recovery. The grids should
be kept to a manageable size to ensure a complete and thorough search is performed, usually 10’
x 10’ or 12’ x 12’. Perform a visual examination and use a metal detector often. Place the grid
around the largest concentration of bones or evidence. Do not forget to look up into trees and
shrubs.

Figure 5.3. Illustration of a grid search pattern
● The pie or wheel search is a pattern that is especially useful at bombing scenes (Figure 5.4). The
center of the pie or wheel will be the seat of the bomb or the detonation point. Use rope or
barricade tape to form the quadrants (pie slices). The outer perimeter will be the distance from the
center to the outer most piece of evidence plus one-half the total distance. An example of this: A
piece of evidence is found 170 feet from center. Half that distance is 85 feet. Adding 85 feet to
170 feet places the outer perimeter at 255 feet from the blast seat. When searching this type of
scene, it is very important to search the tops of buildings, vehicles and trees .
Figure 5.4. Illustration of a pie or wheel search pattern.
Collecting Evidence
The lead investigator at a crime scene will elect one person to collect and preserve all of the
evidence, which makes it more likely that every item is accounted for and that the evidence does not get
lost or become contaminated. Each piece of evidence is handled carefully, packaged separately and
marked by the crime scene investigator.
❖ Evidence Collection
Investigators should perform the evidence collection process in a systematic and careful manner.
The process begins with the preliminary crime scene survey/walk-through, followed by a determination
of the evidence collection sequence to be used.
The evidence collection sequence may be based on the following information:

• The scene location: interior, exterior, within a vehicle.
• The condition of the evidence: either fragile or stable.
• Weather conditions which might affect the scene or evidence within.
• Scene management considerations which may alter or contaminate the evidence.
• Additional processing techniques that may need to be conducted at the scene with specialized
personnel.
Investigators should use the appropriate equipment when collecting evidence. Collection
equipment that may come into contact with evidence should be sterile.
⮚ Collection Methods
The swabbing collection technique should be used for the recovery of biological evidence in a
dried or liquid state. Best practice techniques include the following:
Dried Material Collection Technique

• With gloved hands, slightly moisten the swab with distilled water. (The swab should be damp
but not overly wet.)
• Thoroughly rub the stained area using a single moistened swab for a small stain and multiple
swabs for a large stain. When only a small amount of the stain is available, concentrate as much
of the stain as possible on the tip of the swab.
• Air-dry the swabs.
• Place each swab into separate package.
• This package may be placed inside a paper envelope.
• Collect a substrate/control sample from an unstained area using the same techniques
Reconstructing and Releasing the Scene
During the reconstruction phase of crime scene investigation, more theories of a crime are
developed---or disregarded---based on the evidence that was found and collected. When forensic
scientists test the evidence, it is determined how accurate these theories are. After investigators finish
their work on a crime scene, the person in charge will release it. When this is done, the date and time of
the release is documented by the lead investigator. In some cases, no one will be able to subsequently
enter the crime scene unless a warrant is obtained
❖ Reconstructing and releasing a Crime Scene
Every crime and crime scene is different. The investigation of a mass murder is much different
than the investigation of an accident. In some cases, a crime can be reconstructed at the scene, depending
upon the information and evidence gathered. In other instances, a crime scene may take months to
reconstruct.
During the reconstruction phase of crime scene investigation, more theories of a crime are developed or
disregarded based on the found and collected evidence. When forensic scientists test the evidence, the
accuracy of these theories is tested in order to be validated or disproved.
Even if the reconstruction is not complete at the crime scene, the person in charge may release the
scene if all evidence has been gathered. In some cases, no one will be able to subsequently enter the crime
scene unless a warrant is obtained. This may hold true especially in cases where the reconstruction of the
crime scene is undetermined.
The truth is present at every crime scene. A small rural area may not follow all the steps or use as
many people in their investigations as a large city. Additionally, the scope of the crime indicates how
many people and how much paperwork might be involved. In all cases, however, documentation is
imperative. Without a trail of evidence, criminals may never be convicted.
Lesson 2: General Investigative Procedures

● Procedure at the Crime Scene Investigation
● Procedure at the Crime Scene
● Methods of Crime Scene Search
● Procedures on Taking Photographs
● Procedures on Taking a Sketch
● Procedures on Lifting Fingerprints
● SOCO Assistance
● Release of Crime Scene
1. Understand Physical Evidence and Crime Scene Procedures.

2. Determine the Legal Constraints on Criminal Investigations.
3. Describe some techniques and methods police use to conduct online criminal investigations.
4. Define open source information gathering techniques and explain best practices for using such
techniques in criminal investigations
5. Organize the criminal case including field notes, reports, and crime scene activities.
6. Emphasize the importance or procedures on taking photographs and other methods on
how to process the crime scene.
7. Describe and discuss the collection and preservation of evidence.
8. The Role of Evidence in Criminal Investigations
9. Describe and discuss the uses of forensic sciences.
10. Define and discuss case and trial preparation.
1. When entering a crime scene, why is it the first responder should proceed with
extreme caution and concentrate their attention to possible evidence at which
locations? Explain your answer
Answer: The first responder should proceed with caution because everything found in
the crime scene is important in the process of investigation and the first responder
should concentrate on the possible evidence and location of every piece of evidence
found in the crime scene because it somehow tells and show how crime is committed.
2. Describe why it is important for the first responder to record the times associated with
a crime scene investigation.
Answer:It is important to record all of the evidence in the crime scene so that in
future use the investigator can easily scan and tell what happen and the procedure that
they conducted.
3. Describe what procedures you would take to prevent fellow officers who are not
assigned to the case from entering the crime scene.
Answer:It is advised to just not let them interfere for it might compromise the results
and may lead to failure of investigationthe best thing to do is just do a command post
and let them have coffee for uninvited persons
4. Describe what information should be included in crime scene sketches.

Answer:The information that should be included in the crime scene Sketch are the
overall layout of a location and the relationship of evidentiary items to the
surroundings. It can show the path a suspect or victim took and the distances
involved.
5. Describe the most appropriate way to collect a liquid bloodstain at the scene of a
crime.
Answer: Dried Material Collection Technique
First with gloved hands, slightly moisten the swab with distilled water. (These wab should be
damp but not overly wet.)
Second is to tthoroughly rub the stained area using a single moistened swab for a small stain and
multiple swabs for a large stain. When only a small amount of the stain is available, concentrate
as much of the stain as possible on the tip of the swab.
Third is to air-dry the swabs.
Fourth step is place each swab in to separate package.
Fifth is to package may be placed inside a paper envelope..
6. You have been asked to collect a knife from the crime scene with a visible fingerprint
in blood. Describe how you would package this item up.
Answer:First is to get the blood sample as soon as possible by using the Dried
material collection method and collect the knife sealed it in clean zip-lock bag and
label it.
Discussion

1. When police officers are called to a crime scene, they may be lucky in that the perpetrator is still
on the premises. In that case, the police take the criminal away and focus on building a case
against them that stands up in court. But what about crimes where the criminal is long gone. How
do the police investigate and solve that crime?
Answer:Since the criminal is long gone on the arrival of the police should check if there is a
victim and might still be alive if and ask the victim for his/her dying declaration of not proceed
directly in investigation secure the area and start processing the crime scene.
2. What is a crime scene search?

Answer: Crime scene search is a planned and coordinated legal search of a crime scene to locate
physical evidence relevant to the investigation. PURPOSE OF A CRIME SCENE SEARCH.
Develop the facts of the crime. Identify, collect, and preserve evidence.
3. Enumerate and explain the three methods in photographing the crime scene.
Answer:First is a long or wide-angle view, sometimes referred to as an establishing shot.
Second is the mediumormidrangeviewwhichfocusesonparticularobjects,areasorevidenceitems.
Last is the close-upviewthatclearlyshowswhattheitemis,itsconditionanditspositionatthescene.
It is advised to photograph all collected evidence at its original location.
4. What is a Sketch?
Answer:A crime scene sketch is a permanent record of the size and distance relationship of the
crime scene and the physical evidence within it.
5. What is the difference between a rough sketch and final sketch?

Answer:A final sketch is a finished rendition of the rough sketch. Only significant items and
structures are typically present within a final sketch.
6. What method of search pattern that is especially useful at bombing scenes?

Answer: The pie or wheel search is a pattern that is especially useful at bombing scenes.
7. Why it is every crime and crime scene is different? Explain

Answer:Every crime is different just like felony crimes and offence crime felony is punishable by
the revised penal code while the offence crimes are punishable by special laws. Also every crime
scene is different just like killing incident and victimless crime.
8. Why Investigators should use the appropriate equipment when collecting evidence? Explain
Answer:It is advised that all Investigators should and must use the proper equipment for the
collection of the evidences to avoid erroneous results.
Learning activities/Exercises
The Ship mystery
A Japanese ship was en route to the open sea. The captain went for a shower removing his ring and
keeping it on the table. When he returned, he found it had gone missing. The captain immediately called
the three suspected crew members and asked each one where they were and what were they doing in the
last 15 minutes.
The cook said, “I was in fridge room getting meat for cooking.”
The Engineer , “I was working on generator engine.”
The seaman said, “I was on the mast correcting the flag which was upside down by mistake.”
The radio officer said, “I was messaging to a company about the arrival”
The navigation officer said, “I was sleeping in my cabin.”
The captain immediately caught the thief. How?

Answer:The captain new that is was the seaman because Japanese flag cannot be upside is down.
Activity/Exercises 1.1
❖ The crime scene can be all of these things. Simply put, it is any place or thing where there
is an opportunity to identify and recover evidence of the crime or criminal activity. This
can be real evidence such as weapons in incidents of violent crime; it can be forensic
evidence such as fingerprints, and it can also be visual evidence such as photographs,
search notes and sketch plans of the scene. The purpose behind examining crime scenes
can be what?
Answer: The purpose in thoroughly examining the crime scene is to solve the and answer the six
cardinal points of investigation and answer the criminal is investigations three fold aim.
The Hospital mystery
“Who shot her?” cried a man as he rushed into the hospital where his wife was kept.
The man was stopped by the police who asked him where he was last night he told them he was spending
the night at a friend’s place.
He told them that when he called to check on his wife, the maid answered the call and just told him that
his wife has been taken to the hospital. And as soon as he heard this he came running to the Hospital.
After hearing this the police immediately arrested him. Why?

Answer:As the first sentence tells the man already know that his wife is been shot and without any
knowledge at all.
❖ It is a physical match - If trace evidence is found on the suspect or in his possession that matches
something at the scene, this makes this item valuable as evidence. For instance, broken plastic
parts or a broken fingernail that can be matched by fracture marks can demonstrate that two
pieces were once a part of the same item. Why and when is a crime scene investigation
conducted?
Answer:Investigation should be conducted immediately when there is a question sample collected
from the crime scene and a standard sample from the suspect.
The Apple mystery
A serial killer invited a prospective victim to her place. They ate together and after the meal. She
unnoffered her an apple. When she refused, she insisted that they share the apple. So, she took the apple
and cut into two halves. Both of them started eating the apple. As soon as her guest ate the apple she died.
If both of them had the same apple, how come one died and one survived?
Answer: She used a knife coated with just one one edge with poison. When she sliced the applein to two,
only the victim half was poisoned.
❖ It is important to remember that while the physical evidence collected at the scene can reveal
numerous powerful facts in the case, the case investigator also relies on other types of evidence
including eyewitness testimony to piece together the full picture of the crime. What are the
limitations of the crime scene investigation process?
Answer:The limitations is that not to include the unessary testimony of the witness and do not
include parts that are not included in the crime scene.

Test I: True or False (2 Points Each)
Direction: Write a complete word TRUE if the statement is correct and the word FALSE if the statement
is wrong.
FALSE 1. In whatever stage the investigation may be in, whether in the process of identification,
location, or court litigation, the investigator relies heavily on gathered information.
FALSE 2. Experienced investigators should not employ a handbook to record the relevant details of the
case.
TRUE 3. The crime may come to the attention of the police through their observation.
TRUE 4. The actual location of the crime may simply refers to a crime scene.
TRUE 5. The search is performed by investigators based on what was observed during the earlier survey
of the crime scene.
TRUE 6. An important function of the police is to help uphold community norms.
TRUE 7. Successful criminal investigative techniques are usually gained through experience, but these
can also be gained through reading.
TRUE 8. Crime of violence will leave evidence of physical struggle.
TRUE 9. Usually, the criminal is not hiding; he is simply unknown.
FLASE 10. The final test of a criminal investigation is in the presentation of evidence in the prosecutor’s
office.
(A) 1.) It is the actual location or the area wherein the crime occurred.
a. Crime scene c. Alleged crime situation
b. Crime incident d. None of these
(C) 2.) The physical evidence includes but not limited to the following, except
a. Blood and bloodstain c. Fingerprints and footprints
b. Firearms and other deadly weapons d. All of these
(B) 3.) Is a positive proof wherein law enforcement agencies look upon the science as the best evidence of
positive identification.
a. Polygraphy c. Forensic chemistry
b. Fingerprint d. Photography
(B) 4.) What pillar of the criminal justice system is responsible in evaluation of evidence?
a. Law Enforcement c. Court
b. Prosecution d. Correction
(A) 5.) In removing bodies in the crime scene, its former position should be;
a. marked on the floor of ground c. preserved recorded notes
d. photographed d. recorded in the notebook
(D) 6.) What is the best evidentiary specimen that can be used in DNA analysis.
a. Saliva c. Blood
b. Urine d. All of these
(B) 7.) Are people who examine crime scenes with distinct specialties such as forensic photography and
fingerprinting.
a. Crime scene investigator c. First responder
b. Police investigator d. None of these
(C) 8.) By installing police line or other available materials like ropes, straws, human barricade, wood
and chain.
a. Crime scene survey c. Cordon off the crime scene
b. Sketch of crime scene d. None of these
(C) 9.) In cases where the evidence encountered needs special processing due to significant or sensational
cases, the __________ specialists of the crime laboratory shall be requested.
a. PNP SWAT c. SOCO
b. PDEA d. None of these
(D) 10.) This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene and becomes detailed in preliminary survey stage.
a. Narrative description of the crime scene c. Final crime scene survey
b. Sketch of crime scene. D. Evaluation of physical evidence
Jr., R. (2012).
▪ Charlotte Anne Cox July 05, 2017 Crime Scene Investigation Procedures
▪ https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/crime-scene-procedures.html
Assignment
Enrichment Activity
1. Write at least 100 words essay based on this question “How does the court define
whether a person is an expert witness? Note: Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
The court or the juries are first test the witness credibility by asking lots of logical questions
to ensure that the witness or witnesses are really telling the truth in what really happened in the crime
scene. The juries must know that the witness or witnesses opinion are helpful and in line with the factual
evidence of a case. Testimonies from the expert witness can have a tremendous influence the final
decision of the judge.
After testing the expert witness or witnesses the court or the juries must do evaluation in
their minds if this is really true ones it is accepted by the court or the juries
Judgment of the accused or suspect is pronounce.
Personal Reflection
1. Why do you think a crime scene photography are so important for a crime
scene investigation? Note: Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
A picture is worth a thousand words and it is especially true in crime scene photography.
In court presentation of evidences photography is one of the basis of information that investigators rely
on. Photographs are the most effective and simplest way to represent a crime scene by the Investigating
officer
The purpose is simple that is to provide a true and accurate record of the crime scene and
physical evidence that is present.
2. How accurate are eyewitnesses? What might influence their accuracy? Note:
Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
Eyewitness are very accurate because they are the one who seethe actions of the
suspect and the identification of the suspect.
Eyewitness testimony it's often thought of as solid evidence in criminal cases, but
researchers including Iowa State University's Gary Wells have found that our memories aren't as reliable
as we think. Sometimes, we can even build false recollections about people we only think we saw.
Physical Evidence
Introduction
Today, crimes often can be solved by detailed examination of the crime scene and analysis of
forensic evidence. The work of forensic scientists is not only crucial in criminal investigations and
prosecutions, but is also vital in civil litigations, major man-made and natural disasters, and the
investigation of global crimes.
The key to any successful criminal investigation and prosecution is the quality of evidence
obtained at the crime scene. The more evidence collected, the greater the likelihood of a conviction.
Crime scene investigators are highly skilled in the investigation and collection of evidence, and they often
have to be on the lookout for numerous types of evidence.
Crime scene investigators rely on a variety of techniques to help them determine how a crime was
committed and who committed it. The analysis of physical evidence includes looking for fingerprints and
DNA, and examining blood-spatter patterns to determine what type of weapon was used and the spatial
relationship of the weapon to the victim. Bullet trajectory techniques complement the blood-spatter
analysis, and digital photography helps investigators preserve the appearance of the crime scene for future
analysis.
The goal of the subsequent investigation is to correctly interpret the facts, reconstruct the events
and understand what happened. Due to the transient and fragile nature of those traces, their reliability and
the preservation of their physical integrity depend to a very large extent on initial actions at the scene of
the incident. Evidence integrity can be achieved with very limited means by observing a key set of
guiding principles. Acting with care and professionalism throughout the crime scene investigation process
is critical for the admissibility of evidence for court purposes as well as for human rights inquiries and
humanitarian action.
Recognition of physical evidence is a vital step in the process. If potential physical evidence is
not recognized, collected or properly preserved and tested, the forensic value of the evidence may be
greatly reduced or even lost forever. Numerous routine and high profile cases have demonstrated the
harsh reality that despite the availability of current crime scene technologies, specialized equipment, and
sophisticated forensic laboratory analysis, the effective utilization of physical evidence in crime solving is
only as good as the knowledge and integrity of the crime scene personnel and the objective legal system
that supports those functions. In some cases, evidence has been falsified or results tainted, misleading the
justice system.
Those who work the crime scene have unfortunately been labeled “crime scene technicians,” and
often are only involved in the crime scene security, documentation of the crime scene and the collection
and preservation of the physical evidence from the crime scene. Documentation of the crime scene and
the collection of physical evidence are important aspects of the crime scene investigation and, certainly,
must be properly performed. The completion of these crime scene tasks is essential in maintaining the
integrity of the physical evidence and providing the final outcome of the criminal investigation. However,
these activities are purely mechanical tasks and any individual with minimal training can perform these
tasks with moderate precision. While these tasks are extremely important, they have a limited direct value
on the solution of a crime.
Scientific crime scene investigation is a process that not only includes the above mechanical
aspects of scene security, crime scene documentation, and physical evidence collection and preservation,
but also demands and expects more dynamic approaches such as scene survey, scene analysis,
development of hypotheses through the linkage of the scene, physical evidence and persons, and the
reconstruction of the crime scene . Even in agencies where the crime scene tasks are assigned by levels,
all personnel working a crime scene must be aware of the dynamic nature of a crime scene and the
importance of linkage and hypothesis development.
Crime scene investigation is based on scientific reasoning. That means that the investigation of
the crime scene is systematic, methodical and logical. It begins with the initial response to a crime scene
and continues through the scene security, the crime scene documentation, the recognition of physical
evidence, the enhancement of patterns, the physical evidence collection, packaging and preservation, the
physical evidence examination, the crime scene analysis and profile, and ultimately concludes at the
crime scene reconstruction.
Physical evidence obtained from the crime scene or other segments of the investigation is often
the cornerstone upon which the successful outcome of the case is dependent. Yet, many cases are never
solved or prosecuted due to the lack of physical evidence. On the other hand, some innocent people are
arrested and prosecuted because of witness misidentification or the misuse of forensic evidence. While it
is theoretically possible that a near perfect crime can be committed in which the perpetrator was able to
commit the crime, leaving minimal evidence, it is more likely that the critical evidence was never
recognized or found. Many investigators have obtained the necessary expertise to document, collect and
preserve various types of physical evidence. However, the presumed simple task of finding the critical
evidence can often be the failure point of the crime scene investigation.
One common practice is to collect everything that could be, in any possible manner, construed as
evidentiary in nature. This sort of practice is not only a waste of time and resources, but could potentially
cause legal and investigative issues; if every object at a scene is collected and submitted to the forensic
laboratory for further analysis, the forensic facility will be overwhelmed, and it is more likely that some
of the evidence collected will have no probative value. Examination of materials unrelated to the incident
may also provide “false leads” which will waste valuable resources and may lead to the arrest of the
wrong person. On the other hand, the identification of evidence that has so-called “probative value”
(evidence that is proof of or has a tendency to prove a fact at issue) is sometimes the focus of some crime
scene analysts. Care should be taken when using this approach as well, since valuable evidence may be
overlooked in an effort to prove a hypothesis or link the scene to a specific suspect. If critical evidence is
omitted or improperly preserved, no type of modern, state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation and
technology will be able to salvage the investigation. Hence, a system must be developed where the
relevant physical evidence is recognized and located, while superfluous materials are excluded. This will
only result if the crime scene investigators understand the goals of a crime scene search, grasp the
concepts and techniques for effective searching, and routinely exercise the discipline necessary to rely on
a systematic, structured search process with a completely objective and open mind.
Once a crime scene has been defined and a “boundary” has been established, the crime scene(s)
should be secured and processed accordingly. Any actions taken at the crime scene should meet all the
legal and scientific standards and requirements. Once the locations are determined, the proper sequence of
events of the crime can be established, and thus the physical evidence from each of the scenes can be
successfully recognized. The crime scene investigation and the forensic process will thus begin.
Physical Evidence at the Crime Scene
Physical evidence can be classified according to its physical state, the type of crime, and the
nature of the evidence, its composition, or the types of questions to be resolved. Each of these
classifications is useful for offering conceptual ideas and practical approaches in the crime scene
investigation. It is important for a crime scene investigator to understand the value of physical evidence,
as well as the limitations of physical evidence, to appreciate the interaction of various definitions or
classifications of crime scenes, to recognize the theory of transfer evidence, and to understand the proper
methodologies for locating microscopic crime scenes within the more obvious macroscopic crime scenes.
It is from the analysis of the crime scene that the crime scene investigator can determine what type of
physical evidence will most likely be found at a particular type of crime scene, where to find the physical
evidence at a particular type of crime scene, and how to recognize, collect, preserve and process the
physical evidence. Finally, based upon the examination results of physical evidence, the investigator
should be able to accurately reconstruct the crime scene.
We generally perceive the relevant forensic evidence to include items such as a weapon used at a
homicide, a bullet found in a victim’s body, or a bloodstain pattern. However, in any given case, any
particular object may prove to be the crucial piece of physical evidence necessary to solve the crime.
Thus, physical evidence can be best described as any evidence that can provide useful information to
investigate the crime.
Physical evidence is any type of evidence with an objective existence, that is, anything with size,
shape, and dimension. Physical evidence can take any form. It can be as large as a house or as small as a
fiber. It can be as fleeting as an odor or as obvious as the destructive results at the scene of an explosion.
In fact, the variety of physical evidence that may be encountered in an investigation is infinite. Physical
evidence may also be considered either direct evidence (evidence that supports a conclusion of fact
without inference) or circumstantial evidence (evidence that requires inference to connect it to a
conclusion of fact).
Some investigators may think that every item of physical evidence can be directly associated to a
specific person, place, or thing and believe that it is possible to link that evidence to a unique source. This
is generally not the case. Although some types of physical evidence may come from one and only one
source, most physical evidence may only be associated with a class or group. Only a few kinds of
physical evidence can be individualized. A broken piece of plastic physically fitted to reconstruct an item
is an example of individualization. Other types of evidence including biological stains, fingerprints, tool
marks, and fired bullets are examples of evidence that may be associated with a unique source
Failure to secure a search warrant may result in legal sanctions by the court. In some cases, the
physical evidence seized at a crime scene may be inadmissible in court for lack of a warrant. In fact, a
legal doctrine called fruit of the poison tree provides that any subsequent information derived from
illegally seized physical evidence is inadmissible in court and cannot be used. The concept of a “chain of
custody” or “chain of evidence” is important to understand. The court will require proof that evidence
collected during an investigation and the evidence ultimately submitted to the court are one and the same.
To prove that the integrity of the physical evidence has been maintained, a chain of custody must be
demonstrated.
Crime scene investigation, as noted previously, is not just processing or documenting a crime
scene, nor is it just the collection or packaging of physical evidence. Careful processing, documentation
and collection of physical evidence are integral parts of the forensic processes. But the foundation of all
forensic investigations is the ability of the crime scene investigator or forensic scientist to recognize
potential physical evidence – large or small, visible or latent, exculpatory or inculpatory – at a crime
scene. The subsequent identification of the physical evidence along with the determination of the possible
source or origin of that evidence is the next step. Proper crime scene investigation is the starting point in
the process of establishing what happened, when it happened, where it happened, who was involved, and
how it occurred.
Contrary to the way it is portrayed in popular television programs, crime scene investigation is
neither glamorous nor carried out in an easy or lackadaisical manner. It is an organized, methodical,
systematic and logical process. To perform crime scene functions properly requires not only extensive
training and experience on the part of the investigator, but also absolute objectivity along with a
coordinated team effort. Perhaps one of the most important issues related to crime scene investigation
today is the establishment of professional standards. An assessment of current standards in the practices
of collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence is needed. All professionals involved with
crime scene investigation, forensic examination and the legal system must carefully assess their roles in
the investigative process and presentation of the forensic evidence in courts of law. Professionalism and
ethical standards for all parties involved in both criminal and civil litigations need to be developed.
A high-quality crime scene process does not have to be elaborate or sophisticated. Rather, the
simple, objective adherence to fundamental principles and procedures is all that is necessary. The
essential crime scene functions are recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of all relevant
physical evidence. If these elements are achieved, there will be a much higher probability that the case
will be accurately resolved through scientific interpretation of the evidence and presentation of the
available facts and data in the court system.
Common types of Physical evidence
• Blood, semen, saliva, hair, human or animal, biological samples

• Documents-handwriting, type, ink, indented, obliterations, burned
• Drugs-illegal substance-sale , manufacture, distribution, use
• Explosives- explosive charge material and residues
• Fibers, Hair, Paint
• Fingerprints, latent and visible
• Firearms and ammunition
• Glass-particles, fragments
• Impressions- tire marks, shoeprints, tracks, bite marks
• Organs and physiological fluids-existence of drugs or poisons, alcohol
• Petroleum products-e.g. gas residues, grease or oil
• Plastic bags-e.g. garbage bag in homicide or drug case
• Rubber, other polymers- remnants linked to objects recovered in suspects possession
• Powder residues- gun powder
• Serial numbers- ID numbers
• Soil and minerals-e.g. soil in shoes or safe insulation
• Tool marks-object containing impression of another object
• Vehicle lights- filament condition
• Wood and other vegetative matterwood, sawdust, plant material, linking person or object to the crime
scene
Types of Physical Evidence

Biological Evidence
Biological evidence is any bodily fluid or other bodily tissue. Technological advances in the last
30 years have placed an increased emphasis on the collection of biological evidence at crime scenes.
Through DNA testing, biological evidence can provide for a near-positive identification of the donor.
Biological evidence may consist of blood, semen, bone fragments, skin, saliva or hair.
Sources of Biological Evidence
Safety First – safeguards while handling biological evidence
❖ Wear gloves
❖ Keep contaminated surface away from face – protect those mucous membranes
❖ Properly dispose of gloves/wash hands
Goals of biological evidence collection;
• Collect as much sample as possible from a single source—keep it concentrated

• Ensure that the sample is not inadvertently mixed with other biological samples—change gloves if
contaminated
• Handle the sample in a manner that minimizes deterioration—air-dry quickly (and no heat or sunlight
exposure)
Further recommendations for collection of biological evidence;
• Handle as little as possible—submit the item with the stain still on it

• If stain is on a large porous surface (e.g., a rug) cut out the stain area (plus unstained)
• Collect with slightly moistened (with dist. water) cotton swab—keep it concentrated, and take a control
swab too
Taking care to avoid contamination
• Don’t allow one evidence stain to come into contact with other biological samples, including transfer
from tools and gloves
• Don’t talk or cough over evidence stains • Collect and package stains separately
• Clean tools (e.g., tweezers) thoroughly, with distilled water stream, dry with tissue, repeat • May use
disposable tools
Packaging biological evidence
• Allow stains to air-dry as much as possible before placing in paper bag or envelope—do not use plastic
• Use separate paper containers for each item and package stains and controls separately
• Ensure that the paper container is large enough to allow circulation around the evidence item
• For garments, use clean paper to prevent different stains from contacting each other.
Types of Evidence at a Crime Scene
The significance of each evidence is often unknown at the time of collection from scene of crime
but as the investigation proceeds further seemingly important evidence at the time of collection may not
be able to contribute much and vice -versa. For these reasons, the forensic scientist needs to cover every
corner of the crime scene and treat each and every piece of evidence as vital. So every little object at a
crime scene must be considered to be significant until thoroughly examined in the laboratory or
investigation reached to the fruitful conclusion.
(Rule 30) Rules of Admissibility
A. OBJECT (REAL) EVIDENCE
Section 1. Object as evidence. — Objects as evidence are those addressed to the senses of the court.
When an object is relevant to the fact in issue, it may be exhibited to, examined or viewed by the court.
B. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
Section 2. Documentary evidence. — Documents as evidence consist of writing or any material

containing letters, words, numbers, figures, symbols or other modes of written expression offered as proof
of their contents.
1. Best Evidence Rule
Section 3. Original document must be produced; exceptions. — When the subject of inquiry is the
contents of a document, no evidence shall be admissible other than the original document itself, except in
the following cases:
(a) When the original has been lost or destroyed, or cannot be produced in court, without bad
faith on the part of the offeror;
(b) When the original is in the custody or under the control of the party against whom the
evidence is offered, and the latter fails to produce it after reasonable notice;
(c) When the original consists of numerous accounts or other documents which cannot be
examined in court without great loss of time and the fact sought to be established from them is
only the general result of the whole; and
(d) When the original is a public record in the custody of a public officer or is recorded in a
public office.
Section 4. Original of document. —
(a) The original of the document is one the contents of which are the subject of inquiry.
(b) When a document is in two or more copies executed at or about the same time, with identical
contents, all such copies are equally regarded as originals.
(c) When an entry is repeated in the regular course of business, one being copied from another at
or near the time of the transaction, all the entries are likewise equally regarded as originals.
2. Secondary Evidence
Section 5. When original document is unavailable. — When the original document has been lost or
destroyed, or cannot be produced in court, the offeror, upon proof of its execution or existence and the
cause of its unavailability without bad faith on his part, may prove its contents by a copy, or by a recital
of its contents in some authentic document, or by the testimony of witnesses in the order stated.
Section 6. When original document is in adverse party's custody or control. — If the document is in the
custody or under the control of adverse party, he must have reasonable notice to produce it. If after such
notice and after satisfactory proof of its existence, he fails to produce the document, secondary evidence
may be presented as in the case of its loss.
Section 7. Evidence admissible when original document is a public record. — When the original of
document is in the custody of public officer or is recorded in a public office, its contents may be proved
by a certified copy issued by the public officer in custody thereof.
Section 8. Party who calls for document not bound to offer it. — A party who calls for the production of a
document and inspects the same is not obliged to offer it as evidence.
3. Parol Evidence Rule
Section 9. Evidence of written agreements. — When the terms of an agreement have been reduced to
writing, it is considered as containing all the terms agreed upon and there can be, between the parties and
their successors in interest, no evidence of such terms other than the contents of the written agreement.
However, a party may present evidence to modify, explain or add to the terms of written agreement if he
puts in issue in his pleading:
(a) An intrinsic ambiguity, mistake or imperfection in the written agreement;
(b) The failure of the written agreement to express the true intent and agreement of the parties
thereto;
(c) The validity of the written agreement; or
(d) The existence of other terms agreed to by the parties or their successors in interest after the
execution of the written agreement.
The term "agreement" includes wills. (7a)
4. Interpretation Of Documents
Section 10. Interpretation of a writing according to its legal meaning. — The language of a writing is to
be interpreted according to the legal meaning it bears in the place of its execution, unless the parties
intended otherwise.
Section 11. Instrument construed so as to give effect to all provisions. — In the construction of an

instrument, where there are several provisions or particulars, such a construction is, if possible, to be
adopted as will give effect to all.
Section 12. Interpretation according to intention; general and particular provisions. — In the

construction of an instrument, the intention of the parties is to be pursued; and when a general and a
particular provision are inconsistent, the latter is paramount to the former. So a particular intent will
control a general one that is inconsistent with it.
Section 13. Interpretation according to circumstances. — For the proper construction of an instrument,

the circumstances under which it was made, including the situation of the subject thereof and of the
parties to it, may be shown, so that the judge may be placed in the position of those who language he is to
interpret.
Section 14. Peculiar signification of terms. — The terms of a writing are presumed to have been used in
their primary and general acceptation, but evidence is admissible to show that they have a local, technical,
or otherwise peculiar signification, and were so used and understood in the particular instance, in which
case the agreement must be construed accordingly.
Section 15. Written words control printed. — When an instrument consists partly of written words and
partly of a printed form, and the two are inconsistent, the former controls the latter.
Section 16. Experts and interpreters to be used in explaining certain writings. — When the characters in
which an instrument is written are difficult to be deciphered, or the language is not understood by the
court, the evidence of persons skilled in deciphering the characters, or who understand the language, is
admissible to declare the characters or the meaning of the language.
Section 17. Of Two constructions, which preferred. — When the terms of an agreement have been
intended in a different sense by the different parties to it, that sense is to prevail against either party in
which he supposed the other understood it, and when different constructions of a provision are otherwise
equally proper, that is to be taken which is the most favorable to the party in whose favor the provision
was made.
Section 18. Construction in favor of natural right. — When an instrument is equally susceptible of two
interpretations, one in favor of natural right and the other against it, the former is to be adopted.
Section 19. Interpretation according to usage. — An instrument may be construed according to usage, in

order to determine its true character.
C. TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE
1. Qualification of Witnesses
Section 20. Witnesses; their qualifications. — Except as provided in the next succeeding section, all
persons who can perceive, and perceiving, can make their known perception to others, may be witnesses.
Religious or political belief, interest in the outcome of the case, or conviction of a crime unless otherwise
provided by law, shall not be ground for disqualification.
Section 21. Disqualification by reason of mental incapacity or immaturity. — The following persons

cannot be witnesses:
(a) Those whose mental condition, at the time of their production for examination, is such that
they are incapable of intelligently making known their perception to others;
(b) Children whose mental maturity is such as to render them incapable of perceiving the facts
respecting which they are examined and of relating them truthfully.
Section 22. Disqualification by reason of marriage. — During their marriage, neither the husband nor the
wife may testify for or against the other without the consent of the affected spouse, except in a civil case
by one against the other, or in a criminal case for a crime committed by one against the other or the
latter's direct descendants or ascendants.
Section 23. Disqualification by reason of death or insanity of adverse party. — Parties or assignor of

parties to a case, or persons in whose behalf a case is prosecuted, against an executor or administrator or
other representative of a deceased person, or against a person of unsound mind, upon a claim or demand
against the estate of such deceased person or against such person of unsound mind, cannot testify as to
any matter of fact occurring before the death of such deceased person or before such person became of
unsound mind.
Section 24. Disqualification by reason of privileged communication. — The following persons cannot
testify as to matters learned in confidence in the following cases:
(a) The husband or the wife, during or after the marriage, cannot be examined without the consent
of the other as to any communication received in confidence by one from the other during the
marriage except in a civil case by one against the other, or in a criminal case for a crime
committed by one against the other or the latter's direct descendants or ascendants;
(b) An attorney cannot, without the consent of his client, be examined as to any communication
made by the client to him, or his advice given thereon in the course of, or with a view to,
professional employment, nor can an attorney's secretary, stenographer, or clerk be examined,
without the consent of the client and his employer, concerning any fact the knowledge of which
has been acquired in such capacity;
(c) A person authorized to practice medicine, surgery or obstetrics cannot in a civil case, without
the consent of the patient, be examined as to any advice or treatment given by him or any
information which he may have acquired in attending such patient in a professional capacity,
which information was necessary to enable him to act in capacity, and which would blacken the
reputation of the patient;
(d) A minister or priest cannot, without the consent of the person making the confession, be
examined as to any confession made to or any advice given by him in his professional character
in the course of discipline enjoined by the church to which the minister or priest belongs;
(e) A public officer cannot be examined during his term of office or afterwards, as to
communications made to him in official confidence, when the court finds that the public interest
would suffer by the disclosure.
2. Testimonial Privilege
Section 25. Parental and filial privilege. — No person may be compelled to testify against his parents,
other direct ascendants, children or other direct descendants.
3. Admissions and Confessions
Section 26. Admission of a party. — The act, declaration or omission of a party as to a relevant fact may
be given in evidence against him.
Section 27. Offer of compromise not admissible. — In civil cases, an offer of compromise is not an
admission of any liability, and is not admissible in evidence against the offeror.
In criminal cases, except those involving quasi-offenses (criminal negligence) or those allowed by law to
be compromised, an offer of compromised by the accused may be received in evidence as an implied
admission of guilt.
A plea of guilty later withdrawn, or an unaccepted offer of a plea of guilty to lesser offense, is not
admissible in evidence against the accused who made the plea or offer.
An offer to pay or the payment of medical, hospital or other expenses occasioned by an injury is not
admissible in evidence as proof of civil or criminal liability for the injury.
Section 28. Admission by third party. — The rights of a party cannot be prejudiced by an act, declaration,
or omission of another, except as hereinafter provided.
Section 29. Admission by co-partner or agent. — The act or declaration of a partner or agent of the party
within the scope of his authority and during the existence of the partnership or agency, may be given in
evidence against such party after the partnership or agency is shown by evidence other than such act or
declaration. The same rule applies to the act or declaration of a joint owner, joint debtor, or other person
jointly interested with the party.
Section 30. Admission by conspirator. — The act or declaration of a conspirator relating to the conspiracy
and during its existence, may be given in evidence against the co-conspirator after the conspiracy is
shown by evidence other than such act of declaration.
Section 31. Admission by privies. — Where one derives title to property from another, the act,
declaration, or omission of the latter, while holding the title, in relation to the property, is evidence
against the former.
Section 32. Admission by silence. — An act or declaration made in the presence and within the hearing or
observation of a party who does or says nothing when the act or declaration is such as naturally to call for
action or comment if not true, and when proper and possible for him to do so, may be given in evidence
against him.
Section 33. Confession. — The declaration of an accused acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged,
or of any offense necessarily included therein, may be given in evidence against him.
4. Previous Conduct as Evidence
Section 34. Similar acts as evidence. — Evidence that one did or did not do a certain thing at one time is
not admissible to prove that he did or did not do the same or similar thing at another time; but it may be
received to prove a specific intent or knowledge; identity, plan, system, scheme, habit, custom or usage,
and the like.
Section 35. Unaccepted offer. — An offer in writing to pay a particular sum of money or to deliver a
written instrument or specific personal property is, if rejected without valid cause, equivalent to the actual
production and tender of the money, instrument, or property.
5. Testimonial Knowledge
Section 36. Testimony generally confined to personal knowledge; hearsay excluded. — A witness can

testify only to those facts which he knows of his personal knowledge; that is, which are derived from his
own perception, except as otherwise provided in these rules.
6. Exceptions To The Hearsay Rule
Section 37. Dying declaration. — The declaration of a dying person, made under
the consciousness of an impending death, may be received in any case wherein his death is the subject of
inquiry, as evidence of the cause and surrounding circumstances of such death.
Section 38. Declaration against interest. — The declaration made by a person deceased, or unable to
testify, against the interest of the declarant, if the fact is asserted in the declaration was at the time it was
made so far contrary to declarant's own interest, that a reasonable man in his position would not have
made the declaration unless he believed it to be true, may be received in evidence against himself or his
successors in interest and against third persons.
Section 39. Act or declaration about pedigree. — The act or declaration of a person deceased, or unable
to testify, in respect to the pedigree of another person related to him by birth or marriage, may be received
in evidence where it occurred before the controversy, and the relationship between the two persons is
shown by evidence other than such act or declaration. The word "pedigree" includes relationship, family
genealogy, birth, marriage, death, the dates when and the places where these fast occurred, and the names
of the relatives. It embraces also facts of family history intimately connected with pedigree.
Section 40. Family reputation or tradition regarding pedigree. — The reputation or tradition existing in a
family previous to the controversy, in respect to the pedigree of any one of its members, may be received
in evidence if the witness testifying thereon be also a member of the family, either by consanguinity or
affinity. Entries in family bibles or other family books or charts, engravings on rings, family portraits and
the like, may be received as evidence of pedigree.
Section 41. Common reputation. — Common reputation existing previous to the controversy, respecting
facts of public or general interest more than thirty years old, or respecting marriage or moral character,
may be given in evidence. Monuments and inscriptions in public places may be received as evidence of
common reputation.
Section 42. Part of res gestae. — Statements made by a person while a starting occurrence is taking place
or immediately prior or subsequent thereto with respect to the circumstances thereof, may be given in
evidence as part of res gestae. So, also, statements accompanying an equivocal act material to the issue,
and giving it a legal significance, may be received as part of the res gestae.
Section 43. Entries in the course of business. — Entries made at, or near the time of transactions to which
they refer, by a person deceased, or unable to testify, who was in a position to know the facts therein
stated, may be received as prima facie evidence, if such person made the entries in his professional
capacity or in the performance of duty and in the ordinary or regular course of business or duty.
Section 44. Entries in official records. — Entries in official records made in the performance of his duty
by a public officer of the Philippines, or by a person in the performance of a duty specially enjoined by
law, are prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated.
Section 45. Commercial lists and the like. — Evidence of statements of matters of interest to persons
engaged in an occupation contained in a list, register, periodical, or other published compilation is
admissible as tending to prove the truth of any relevant matter so stated if that compilation is published
for use by persons engaged in that occupation and is generally used and relied upon by them therein. (39)
Section 46. Learned treatises. — A published treatise, periodical or pamphlet on a subject of history, law,
science, or art is admissible as tending to prove the truth of a matter stated therein if the court takes
judicial notice, or a witness expert in the subject testifies, that the writer of the statement in the treatise,
periodical or pamphlet is recognized in his profession or calling as expert in the subject.
Section 47. Testimony or deposition at a former proceeding. — The testimony or deposition of a witness

deceased or unable to testify, given in a former case or proceeding, judicial or administrative, involving
the same parties and subject matter, may be given in evidence against the adverse party who had the
opportunity to cross-examine him.
7. Opinion Rule
Section 48. General rule. — The opinion of witness is not admissible, except as indicated in the
following sections.
Section 49. Opinion of expert witness. — The opinion of a witness on a matter requiring special
knowledge, skill, experience or training which he shown to posses, may be received in evidence.
Section 50. Opinion of ordinary witnesses. — The opinion of a witness for which proper basis is given,
may be received in evidence regarding —
(a) the identity of a person about whom he has adequate knowledge;
(b) A handwriting with which he has sufficient familiarity; and
(c) The mental sanity of a person with whom he is sufficiently acquainted.
The witness may also testify on his impressions of the emotion, behavior, condition or appearance of a
person.
8. Character Evidence
Section 51. Character evidence not generally admissible; exceptions: —
(a) In Criminal Cases:
(1) The accused may prove his good moral character which is pertinent to the moral trait
involved in the offense charged.
(2) Unless in rebuttal, the prosecution may not prove his bad moral character which is
pertinent to the moral trait involved in the offense charged.
(3) The good or bad moral character of the offended party may be proved if it tends to
establish in any reasonable degree the probability or improbability of the offense charged.
(b) In Civil Cases:
Evidence of the moral character of a party in civil case is admissible only when pertinent to the
issue of character involved in the case.
(c) In the case provided for in Rule 132, Section 14, (46a, 47a)
The Examination of Physical evidence
Physical evidence recognition and laboratory analysis can be helpful in directing an investigation
along a productive path. Not all types of physical evidence will be able to directly link to or identify a
suspect. In fact, the most common use of physical evidence found at crime scenes is to identify an
unknown substance. Examples include the identification of suspected controlled substances or poisons,
identification of accelerants in fire debris, blood alcohol levels, and toxicology of blood specimens.
Moreover, physical evidence can provide indirect investigative information or leads to solve a crime. This
is the most important and significant use of physical evidence collected from the crime scene.
Not every crime scene will have a “smoking-gun” or an eyewitness, but the scene will definitely
contain physical evidence that can provide help to the investigating officers. For example, in a hit-and-run
investigation, a seven-layer paint chip from the victim’s clothing can be used to narrow down the number
and kinds of cars that could have been involved in the accident. Use of this information and vehicle
databases may greatly reduce the time spent on the investigation . Furthermore, the size of a shoeprint
found at the scene may help the investigator eliminate a suspect or indicate possible shoe class
characteristics. The DNA profiles from the semen stain in a victim’s rape kit can lead to a potential
suspect. The number of different calibers of bullets found may indicate the number and types of weapons
used to commit a crime. The locations of blood spatters and fingerprint impressions can yield information
about the possible sequence of events at the scene; or the conditions of this pattern evidence could help
identify the activities that occurred at the scene.
The objectives of crime scene investigation are to recognize, document, collect, preserve interpret
and reconstruct all the relevant physical evidence at the crime scene. The goal is not to predetermine
whether a potential suspect is guilty or innocent. The major objective of physical evidence examination is
to provide useful information for the criminal investigator to investigate cases. It is the intersection of
these objectives of crime scene investigations and the examination of forensic evidence that defines a
proper scientific crime scene investigation.
Once the evidence is submitted to the laboratory, scientific examinations will be carried out based
on the type of evidence, such as firearms, handwriting, DNA, video, and fingerprint evidence. No matter
what type of evidence is being analyzed, laboratory personnel must follow the general principles of
evidence examination.
The examination of physical evidence by a forensic scientist is generally undertaken for the
purposes of identification or comparison.
1) Identification: The process of determining a substance’s physical or chemical identity. Drug

analysis, species determination, and explosive residue analysis are typical examples of this
undertaking in a forensic setting. Identification has as its purpose the determination of the
physical or chemical identity of a substance as near absolute certainty as existing analytical
techniques will permit.
To do this requires the analysis and ultimate identification of a specific physical or chemical
substance to the exclusion of all other possible substances.
1)Establish a series of tests for known reference standards

a) Conduct testing on all aspects of the know reference standards to allow for unique
identification
b) Inclusion of the known standard
c) Exclusion of all other possibilities (this is the difficult one)
d) Some standards may require only a single test to establish a unique identity
e) Some standards may require a series of tests to both eliminate other possibilities and identify
the standard
2) Apply the identity testing to your suspect sample

a) Each sample should be treated as unique and requires exhaustive testing to establish identity
1) unique identification of all sample components
2) unique identification of some sample components
b) Different samples will require different testing strategies
3) Compare the test results of your unknown to the test results of your know reference samples
a) compare to previously established reference sample results
b) run knowns and unknowns in side-by-side testing (this is usually the best)
4) Expertise is gained over time and after running many sample and reference identifications. Ultimately,
the conclusion will have to be substantiated beyond any reasonable doubt in a court of law.
1.)The examination of physical evidence by a forensic scientist is generally undertaken for the
purposes of identification or comparison.
2) Comparison: The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects of evidence have a
common origin. A comparison analysis subjects a suspect specimen and a standard/reference
specimen to the same tests and examinations for the ultimate purpose of determining whether
they have a common origin. Compare:
1) Hair found at a scene to hair from a suspect.
2) A paint chip found at a scene with the paint from a suspect vehicle. 3) Fibers found on
a victim with fibers found in suspect’s back seat.
1)Forensic Comparison is a two-step procedure

a) Combinations of select properties are chosen from the suspect and standard/reference specimen
for comparison.
1)These will depend on the nature of the specimens being compared.
2) Overriding consideration must be the ultimate evidential value of the comparisons.
b) A conclusion must be drawn about the origins of the specimens.
2) Do they come from the same source?

a) If different then NO.
b) If the same then…still maybe NO.
3) It depends on the types of characteristics that are compared.

c) To comprehend the evidential value of a comparison, one must appreciate the role that
probability has in ascertaining the origins of two or more specimens.
4) Individual characteristics: Properties of evidence that can be attributed to a common source with an
extremely high degree of certainty.
a) Ridge characteristics of fingerprints
b) random striation markings on bullets or tool marks
c) irregular and random wear patterns in tire and footwear impressions
d) handwriting characteristics
e) irregular edges of broken objects
f) manufacturing marks or striations that cover consecutive items In each case it is not possible to
state with mathematical exactness the probability that specimens are of a common origin; it can
only be concluded that this probability is so high as to defy mathematical calculation or human
comprehension
Evidence Examples Paint Physical and chemical analysis of paint evidence (chips or residue) can
indicate it’s class, such as automobile paint, house paint, nail polish, etc. The evidence can be compared
to 40,000 different types of paint classified in a database, which can be used to identify a particular make
or model of car or brand of tool. Paint evidence can also indicate individual characteristics if an
investigator is able to find similarities between two samples, such as the color, number of layers, chemical
composition, or a physical match between the edges of two paint chips – one from a tool and one from a
crime scene. Paint Layers Physical Match of Paint Chip Edges Paint Transfer on a Car
Glass particles can be found at various crime scenes, such as breaking and entering, hit and run,
vandalism, or murder. Glass at a crime scene is analyzed to determine its color, surface characteristics,
tint, thickness, density, chemical composition, and refractive index (RI). The results of the tests provide
clues about the crime and help investigators connect the evidence to a suspect or other object used in a
crime, such as matching glass from a crime scene to a headlight to a suspect’s car. The pattern of cracks
in a windshield fracture can reveal information about speed, occupant position, and angle of impact.
Magnified image of glass fragments
Explosive substances can be examined to determine its chemical composition to identify the type
of explosive used and its origin. Traces of explosives found on a suspect’s clothing, skin, hair, or other
objects may be matched to explosives from the crime scene. Materials used to make an explosive device
will be compared to evidence found in the suspect’s possession to confirm a match.
Ballistics Characteristics of ammunition, firearms, and residue are examined to find matches
between suspects and the evidence found at a crime scene. Chemical tests can reveal gunshot residue
(GSR) on the hands, face, or clothing of a victim or suspect to indicate how close a person was to a fired
gun. Rifling (grooves) in a gun barrel causes distinctive grooves, indentations and scratches upon fired
bullets, which can be matched to the weapon that fired them. Police are able to search the Integrated
Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) database to compare markings from bullets, cartridge cases, and
shotgun shells to ballistic evidence. Investigators can compare the striations on bullets to see if they
match. Did you know? Caliber (handguns & rifles) or gauge (shotguns) refers to the size of the internal
diameter of a gun’s barrel.
Dust & Dirt Dust, dirt, or sand evidence can reveal where a person has traveled and may be
picked up at a crime scene or left behind. Investigators examine the samples for chemical composition,
pollen, plant material, and other organic matter to find links to a specific crime scene. Microscopic Image
of Sand Fingerprints There are 3 types of fingerprint patterns: arches, loops, and whorls. Investigators
also identify unique ridge characteristics in a fingerprint that can be used to identify a suspect or victim.
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is a database used by investigators at local, state,
and national levels to search for matches to fingerprints found at a crime scene.
Fingerprints Recording Prints
♣ rolling inked prints ♣ primary identification number Lifting Prints ♣ Black, white and
fluorescent powder ♣ Chemicals—ninhydrin, iodine, silver nitrate, cyanoacrylate Other Types of Prints
♣ Palm, lip, teeth, eye, ear, voice, shoe and footprints
Impression Evidence
Shoeprints & Tire Tracks Impression evidence can be photographed, lifted with tape, or cast with
plaster to compare to a suspect’s shoes or tires. Investigators will examine the evidence to identify the
brand of shoe or tire based on its tread pattern and other physical features to provide leads in the case.
Shoes and tires will also show wear patterns after being used for a period of time as well as other features
(scratches, nicks, and cuts) that can be used to match evidence to specific items. For example, shoeprints
can be matched to a suspect based on how the treads on the shoes that are worn down due to that person’s
walking style. Bite Marks Each of the 32 teeth in humans is unique due to age and wear. Impressions and
photographs of bite marks left on a victim, assailant, or other object at a crime scene can often be matched
to dental records. Tool Marks Tiny nicks and chips form on the edges of a tool as it is used, which can be
used to identify matches between evidence and suspects. Tools may also pick up traces of blood or other
substances that can be tested or have fingerprints that can be lifted.
Fracture Matches
When an object broken, torn, or cut, two unique edges are formed, which are referred to as
fracture lines. These edges can be compared by the naked eye or with microscopes to see if they fit
together, which indicates that they may have been part of the same object at one time. Investigators may
compare the edges on pieces of tape, glass fragments, paint chips, pieces of a car from an accident, paper
bag, etc. to find possible matches.
Questioned Documents
Examiners will analyze a ransom note or other document to find clues to link it to a crime scene
or a specific suspect. They will analyze the type of paper used, printing method or handwriting style, and
type of ink. Other unique features, such as watermarks on stationary or indentations made as someone
wrote on a page in a notebook, may provide useful clues. Wounds Wounds can often be matched to
weapons or tool marks on the weapon. Investigators may also be able to determine the weapon's size,
shape, and length. Analysis of a wound may provides clues to a victim’s injuries, characteristics of the
suspect (left-handed, right-handed, height, etc.), and positions of the victim and suspect at the time of the
incident.
DNA Investigators can extract DNA from almost any tissue, including hair, fingernails, bones,
teeth and body fluids. The DNA is used to create a profile that can be compared to profiles from suspects
or victims. CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is a database maintained by the FBI that is used to
find matches to unknown DNA samples from a crime scene. Insects Flies, beetles, and other insects can
provide useful clues about a corpse. Forensic entomologists use factors such as weather conditions, the
location and condition of the body, and their knowledge of the life cycles of insects to help them estimate
the postmortem interval or PMI (the time between death and the discovery of the body)
Forensic Pathology
This field involves the investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths. The
primary role of the medical examiner is to determine the cause of death. If a cause cannot be found
through observation, an autopsy is normally performed to establish the cause of death.
Forensic Pathology
After a human body expires there are several stages of death. Rigor mortis results in the
shortening of muscle tissue and the stiffening of body parts in the position at death (occurs within the first
24 hours and disappears within 36 hours). Livor mortis results in the settling of blood in areas of the body
closest to the ground (begins immediately on death and continues up to 12 hours). Algor mortis results in
the loss of heat by a body (a general rule, beginning about an hour after death, the body loses heat by 1 to
1- 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until the body reaches the environmental temperature).
Skeletal Remains
Forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine four characteristics for a victim:
age, sex, race, and stature (height/build).  Sex - Determined by examining the pelvis, humerus, and
femur  Age and stature – Determined by analyzing the development of the teeth, bone growth, and the
length of specific bones, such as the femur.  Race – Determined by analyzing the skull for
characteristics that are common among people of different races. DNA samples can be collected from
bone, teeth, and hair to provide clues to a person’s identity. Scientists may also be able to gain clues as to
a person’s past, recent injuries, or the cause of death based on bone fractures and other signs of trauma.
What do forensic anthropologists do?
Generally, forensic anthropologists DO NOT do any of the following: Collect trace evidence
(hair, fibers) Run DNA tests Analyze ballistics or weapon evidence Analyze blood spatter Conduct
autopsies What a forensic anthropologist does DO to aid in a case: Goes to a crime scene to assist in the
collection of human remains Cleans up the bones so that they may be looked at Analyzes skeletal remains
to establish the profile of the individual Looks at trauma evident on the bones to establish the pathway of
a bullet or the number of stab wounds Works with a forensic odontologist (dentist) to match dental
records Testifies in court about the identity of the individual and/or the injuries that might be evident in
the skeleton
Examples:  Vomit and urine can be used to test for alcohol, drugs, and poisons.  Cigarette
butts may contain dried saliva.  Semen containing sperm is valuable for DNA analysis.  Blood can
provide DNA evidence and blood spatter can provide clues about the crime. Body Fluids Blood, semen,
saliva, sweat, and urine can be analyzed to give investigators information about the crime as well as its
victim or the suspect. Chemicals and ultra violet light can be used at a crime scene to find body fluid
evidence. Areas with potential evidence are swabbed, bagged and collected in vials, which are air tight
and have a low risk of cross contamination.
Hairs & Fibers

Hairs and fibers may be transferred from the suspect or the suspect’s clothes to the victims’ and
vice versa. For example, a suspect may pick up carpet fibers on his shoes or leave hairs behind at a crime
scene. Hairs can be examined to identify their origin, such as human or animal. Hairs with roots intact can
be tested for DNA. Fibers are used to make clothing, carpeting, furniture, beds, and blankets. They may
be natural fibers from plants or animals or synthetic fibers that are man-made. Microscopic Image of
Hairs & Fiber.
The Value of Physical Evidence
Physical evidence can be anything from massive objects to microscopic items, generated as part
of a crime and recovered at the scene or at related locations.
Considering all sources of information available in investigations (e.g. confessions, testimonies,
video surveillance), physical evidence plays a pivotal and an especially valuable role. With the exception
of physical evidence, all other sources of information suffer from problems of limited reliability. Physical
evidence, when it is recognized and properly handled, offers the best prospect for providing objective and
reliable information about the incident under investigation.
However, the value of even the most carefully recovered and preserved evidence can be lost if the
chain-of-custody is not properly maintained. “Chain-of-custody” is often recognized as the weak link in
criminal investigations. It refers to the chronological and careful documentation of evidence to establish
its connection to an alleged crime. From the beginning to the end of the forensic process, it is crucial to be
able to demonstrate every single step undertaken to ensure “traceability” and “continuity” of the evidence
from the crime scene to the courtroom.
Rule 133 (Weight and Sufficiency of Evidence)
Section 1. Preponderance of evidence, how determined. — In civil cases, the party having
burden of proof must establish his case by a preponderance of evidence. In determining where
the preponderance or superior weight of evidence on the issues involved lies, the court may
consider all the facts and circumstances of the case, the witnesses' manner of testifying, their
intelligence, their means and opportunity of knowing the facts to which there are testifying, the
nature of the facts to which they testify, the probability or improbability of their testimony, their
interest or want of interest, and also their personal credibility so far as the same may legitimately
appear upon the trial. The court may also consider the number of witnesses, though the
preponderance is not necessarily with the greater number.
Section 2. Proof beyond reasonable doubt. — In a criminal case, the accused is entitled to an
acquittal, unless his guilt is shown beyond reasonable doubt. Proof beyond reasonable doubt
does not mean such a degree of proof, excluding possibility of error, produces absolute certainly.
Moral certainly only is required, or that degree of proof which produces conviction in an
unprejudiced mind.
Section 3. Extrajudicial confession, not sufficient ground for conviction. — An extrajudicial
confession made by an accused, shall not be sufficient ground for conviction, unless
corroborated by evidence of corpus delicti.
Section 4. Circumstantial evidence, when sufficient. — Circumstantial evidence is sufficient
for conviction if:
(a) There is more than one circumstances;
(b) The facts from which the inferences are derived are proven; and
(c) The combination of all the circumstances is such as to produce a conviction beyond
reasonable doubt.
Section 5. Substantial evidence. — In cases filed before administrative or quasi-judicial
bodies, a fact may be deemed established if it is supported by substantial evidence, or that
amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a
conclusion.
Section 6. Power of the court to stop further evidence. — The court may stop the
introduction of further testimony upon any particular point when the evidence upon it is already
so full that more witnesses to the same point cannot be reasonably expected to be additionally
persuasive. But this power should be exercised with caution.
Section 7. Evidence on motion. — When a motion is based on facts not appearing of record
the court may hear the matter on affidavits or depositions presented by the respective parties, but
the court may direct that the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions.
Lesson 3: Physical Evidence
● Common Types of Physical Evidence
● Types of Physical Evidence
● Types of Evidence
● The Examination of Physical Evidence
● The Value of Physical Evidence
1. List the common types of physical evidence.

2. Apply the rules of evidence as they relate to the investigative process and safety considerations .
3. Explain the difference between Identification vs. Comparison.
4. Describe the various types of evidence found on digital devices
5. Describe investigative tools used to analyze digital evidence
6. Discuss the value of class evidence in criminal investigations.
7. Explain the purpose physical evidence plays in reconstructing crime.
8. Describe the various types of evidence found on digital devices.
9. List the sources of Biological Evidence
10. Discuss proper collection of biological evidence
11. Understanding how to avoid contamination
12. Understanding how to detect and monitor for contamination
1. Why do you think it is so important to use proper methods when collecting evidence from
a crime scene?
Answer:It is important to use proper methodswhen collecting evidence because the collection, custody
and preservation of forensic evidence is a vital aspect of evidence integrity, without proper adherence to
these procedures, crucial evidence that could potentially have great impact on a court case could be
rendered
2. Which type of evidence do you think is most useful in an investigation? Why?

Answer:The most useful evidence in an investigation is Direct Evidence
the most powerful type of evidence, direct evidence requires no inference. The evidence alone is the
proof. This could be the testimony of a witness who saw first-hand an incident of sexual harassment in the
workplace.
3. What type of recording do you think would be the most useful to crime imvestigators? Why?
Answer:The most useful type of recording in an investigation is the photographsthey are probably the
most useful to crime investigators out of all other types of recording simply because they are able to see
the exact layout of the crime scene without actually being there.
4. What do you think would be the best method of submitting evidence to a crime lab? Why?
Answer:The best method of submitting evidence to a crime lab is by personal delivery. Shipments
through mail may be lost or misplaced, causing a contamination of the evidence and rendering it useless.
The safe transportation of the evidence to a crime lab can only be assured through personal delivery.
5. Why do you think forensic scientists are so careful that the tests they do are sensitive, reproducible, and
specific? What might happen if they were less careful about this?
Answer:I think scientist are very careful because they practice and apply professionalism to every
evidence they handld in case if they are not very fucos in their job they might destroy the investigation.
6. What do you think the three tasks or responsibilities does a forensic scientist have?
Answer:First is the creation of reports and findings second is the analysis of the evidence in the laband
the last is the testifying in the court.
7. What criteria might be used to establish someone as an expert witness?

Answer:The criteria to be used to establish that someone is an expert witness are education, experience,
and publications.
8. What does a forensic anthropologist do?

Answer:Forensic anthropologists analyze human remains, typically in criminal investigations. Their study
of human remains aids in the detection of crime by working to assess the age, sex, stature, ancestry and
unique features of a skeleton, which may include documenting trauma to the skeleton and its postmortem
interval.
9. What do you think would be some of the challenges in collecting and preserving impressions? Why?
Answer:The most challenging part of collecting and preserving impression evidence would be making
sure not to damage or destroy the impression. Since impressions are very fragile and can be altered very
easily.
10. If you were on a Jury, do you think you would expect individual characteristics in the evidence? Why
or Why not? What effects might it have if individuals expect to have individuals characteristics
presented?
Answer:Yes, because every piece of evidence is unique. It might close the case.
11. What does a forensic anthropologist do?

Answer:Forensicanthropologistsanalyzehumanremains,typicallyincriminalinvestigations.Theirstudyofhu
manremainsaidsinthedetectionofcrimebyworkingtoassesstheage,sex,stature,ancestryanduniquefeaturesofas
keleton,whichmayincludedocumentingtraumatotheskeletonanditspostmorteminterval.
12. Why do you think forensic science has been increasingly used by the criminal justice system?
Answer:It is widely usein criminal justice system because of the increasing knowledge and technology
the scientists have to their advantage.
Discussion
1. What is physical evidence?

Answer: Physical evidence is any type of evidence with an objective existence, that is anything
with size, shape, and dimension. Physical evidence can take any form. It can be as large as a
house or as small as a fibre. It can be as fleeting as an odor or as obvious as the destructive results
at the scene of an explosion.
2. Why Investigators should use the appropriate equipment when collecting evidence?
Answer: To avoid erroneous results.
3. What is the purpose of physical evidence? I mean, I know I need to collect physical evidence, but
why?
Answer: Physical evidenceis the one who aids in the solution of a case, provides an element of
the crime, such as fear or force, and proves a theory in the case. Physical evidence will either
prove or disprove statements of what may or may not have happened.
4. Present your thoughts/ideas concerning the reasons why evidence gathered as part of an
investigation must be collected in a structured way? Explain your answer
Answer:It just be gathered in a structure way because it must be able to be admissible during
court presentation.
5. Out of the types of evidence discussed in this module, which one do you think is the most
important piece of evidence? Why?
Answer:Fingerprint Evidenceis the most important evidence because latent prints are left by the
contact of the palmar surfaces of the hands and/or bare feet of a personand are probably the most
valuable piece of evidence at any crime scene.
6. Why do you think forensic scientists study bloodstain patterns? What can be learned from them?
Answer: Forensic scientist study bloodstain pattern because it show how the perpetrator shoot the
victim in an thorough examination. It also show the trajectory of the bullet.
7. Describe the process of blood stain analysis and discuss the information that may be obtained
from it.
Answer:Bloodstain Pattern Analysis is the study and analysis of bloodstains at a known or
suspected crime scene with the purpose of drawing conclusions about the nature, timing and other
details of the crime. Information that may be gained with bloodstain pattern analysis include, for
example, the position of the individual when the blood was deposited (sitting, standing, etc.), the
relative position of individuals at the time of bloodshed, the possible type of weapon that is used.
8. The investigator must always be ready to explain their thinking and actions to the court.
For example, when an investigator is asked by a court, “How did you reach that
conclusion to take your chosen course of action? State your reason/answer.
AnswerAfter my thorough investigation with the aid of forensic science I count out that
all of the evidence are link to the perpetrator so I immediately plan an action to catch this
perpetrator.
Learning Activities/Exercises
Activity 1
A Man Shot in the Heart
A man was shot in the heart. Nobody tries to save him and it doesn't kill him. What happened?
Answer:I think the man is already dead
Activity 2
The Cottage mystery
An old man lived alone in a small cottage. One certain Thursday morning, while the mailman was
delivering a letter he found out that the old man is murdered. He immediately calls the cops. When the
cops arrive at the scene. They find two bottles of milk, Monday’s newspaper, a catalog, flyers, and
unopened mail. The police find the suspect.
Who is the suspect and why?
The police officer suspects the newspaper delivery person. The absence of Tuesday's and Wednesday's
newspaper indicates that the delivery person knew there was no one there to read it.
Activity 3
A girl got killed the killer took her iphone, airpods, piano and money
A girl got killed, the killer took her iphone, airpods, piano, and money. What did the killer take first?
Answer:Her life
Activity 4
Recorded Last Words
A man was found on the floor dead with a cassette recorder in one hand and a gun in the other. When the
police arrive at the scene they pressed play on the recorder. It was the man’s voice. He said, “I have
nothing else to live for. I can’t go on,” followed by the sound of a gunshot.
After listening, the police knew that this was a murder, not a suicide. How?
Answer:If the dead man had killed himself, he wouldn't have been to press the reverse button on the
cassette recorder

I. MODIFIED TRUE OR FALSE (2 points each)
 If both statements are TRUE write A

 If the first statement is TRUE and the second statement is FALSE write B
 If the first statement is FALSE and the second statement is TRUE write C
 If both statements are FALSE write D
1. _____A___The photographer upon arrival at the crime scene will photograph the entire area. The Team
Leader prepares photograph log and photographic sketch.
2. ____A____Upon location of evidence it must be photographed immediately with markings. Chalk line is
placed around the body of the victim immediately upon arrival at the crime scene.
3. _____A___The investigator should record the time when he was initially notified prior to his arrival at
the crime scene. Each crime is different, according to the physical nature of the scene and the crime or
offense involved.
4. ____B____Discover all facts and collect physical evidence is one responsibility of a criminal
investigator. The recovery of stolen property has no significance on the parallel identification of the
perpetrator.
5. ____A____Collect evidence immediately after location. Consider anything and everything at the scene as
evidence.
6. ___B_____The investigator places his initials, the date and time of discovery on each item for proper
identification. Sketches are substitute for notes or photos.
7. ____D____The Medico legal officer is indispensable in the composition of SOCO Team in incident
involving deaths.
8. ____A___Recognition of physical evidence is a vital step in the process. If potential physical evidence is
not recognized, collected or properly preserved and tested, the forensic value of the evidence may be
greatly reduced or even lost forever.
9. _____D___No person may be compelled to testify against his parents, other direct ascendants, children or
other direct descendants.
10. ______A___A witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his personal knowledge; that is,
which are derived from his own perception.
(Sir Nalibog ko Diri)
11. Even if evidence is highly relevant, a presiding officer has, in both civil and
12. criminal cases, a residual common law discretion to exclude unfairly
13. (improperly) and also unlawfully (illegally) obtained relevant evidence in
14. order to reinforce overriding notions of fairness.T
15. Even if evidence is highly relevant, a presiding officer has, in both civil and
16. criminal cases, a residual common law discretion to exclude unfairly
17. (improperly) and also unlawfully (illegally) obtained relevant evidence in
17. order to reinforce overriding notions of fairness.T
(A) 1. Articles and material which are found in connection with the investigation and which aid in
establishing the identify of the perpetrator or the circumstances under which the crime was committed or
which, in general assist in the prosecution of this criminal.
A. physical evidence B. associative evidence
C. corpus delicti D. tracing evidnce
(A) 2. The modern successful investigator must be skilled in obtaining information

from__________________ and the testimony of those concerned with a crime.
A. Physical evidence C. Testimonial evidence
B. Tracing evidence D. None of these
(A) 3. The means by which facts are proved is called

A. Proof B.Evidence
C. Fact D. Circumstance
(C) 4. Evidence is admissible when it is relevant to the issue and is not excluded by the rules on
A. Real evidence B. Secondary evidence
C. Admissibility of evidence D. Relevancy of evidence
(A) 5. The key to any successful criminal investigation and prosecution is the ___________________
obtained at the crime scene.
A. Qualityof evidence B. Minimal evidence
C. Scene analysis D. Scene assessment
(C) 6. The evidence consist of writing or any material containing letters, words, numbers, figures,
symbols or other modes of written expression offered as proof of their contents.
A. Object evidence B. Secondary evidence
C. Documentary evidence D. Testimonial evidence
(A) 7. The declaration of an accused acknowledging his guilt of the offense charged, or of any offense
necessarily included therein, may be given in evidence against him.
A. Confession B. Admission by silence
C. Admission D. Admission by privies
(A) 8. Who decides if someone is qualified as an expert witness?

A. Prosecutor B. Supreme Court
C. The judge. D. Defense lawyer
(B) 9. The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects of evidence have a common origin.
A. Identification B. Comparison
B. Testing D. Recognition
(B) 10. In a criminal case, the accused is entitled to an acquittal, unless his guilt is shown
___________________________.
A. Preponderance of evidence B. Extrajudicial confession
C. Beyond reasonable doubt D. Evidence on motion
Jr., R. (2012).
▪ Charlotte Anne Cox July 05, 2017 Crime Scene Investigation Procedures
▪ https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/crime-scene-procedures.html
▪ https://www.iabti.org/.
▪ https://www.rd.com/list/detective-riddles/
▪ https://www.riddlesandanswers.com/tag/murder-riddles/
▪ https://www.storypick.com/crime-riddles/
▪ https://brightside.me/inspiration-psychology/test-how-awesome-your-logic-skills-are-
with-these-7-detective-riddles-396710/
Assignment
Enrichment Activity
❖ Write at least 100 words essay describing the statement “The significance of Forensic science
applied to the solution of criminal acts by identifying suspects, clearing innocent persons of
suspicion and ultimately bringing the wrongdoers to justice”. Note: Your answer should be in a
paragraph form.
The first statement the significance of Forensic science is applied to the solution of criminal acts
by identifying the suspect this simply means that Forensic science does a lot in solving unique crimes
even the most difficult one by the use of forensic technology and other sciences example of this the
collection of physical evidence like fingerprints, hair or bloodstain to his alone can be examined through
forensic science and after thorough examination the perpetrator can now be identified.
The second statement the clearing of innocent persons of suspension and brining the wrongdoers
to justice this means that in use of forensic science all the collected evidence that were examined and has
produced a result which is now can be use to eliminate the innocent and catch the real suspect and
brought to court for his/her judgement and justice is now pronounce.
❖ It is a physical match - If trace evidence is found on the suspect or in his possession that matches
something at the scene, this makes this item valuable as evidence. For instance, broken plastic
parts or a broken fingernail that can be matched by fracture marks can demonstrate that two
pieces were once a part of the same item. Why and when is a crime scene investigation
conducted? Note: Your answer should be in a paragraph form.
Answer:
Crime scene investigation is conducted by the investigator because there is now a clear result
of the comparison of physical matching.
This is done immediately by the crime investigators to immediately catch the perpetrator.
Personal Reflection
a. But what should physical evidence be collected? What is the purpose of physical evidence? Note:
Your answer should be in a paragraph form
Physical evidence should be collected for examination to identify the cause and the perpetrator of
a certain crime. Any material object that plays some role in the matter that gave rise to the litigation,
introduced as evidence in a judicial proceeding (such as a trial) to prove a fact in issue based on the
object's physical characteristics.
Physical evidence aids in the solution of a case, provides an element of the crime, such as fear or
force, and proves a theory in the case. Physical evidence will either prove or disprove statements of what
may or may not have happened.
Also physical evidence help in identification of the elements of the crime.
b. What type of evidence do you think would be most difficult to collect? Why? Note: Your answer
should be in a paragraph form.
For me I think the most difficult evidence to collect is the trace evidence such as fibers, hair, or
specs of dirt. Theses evidence required good vision and tremendous efforts to collect.
it uses special vacuums and other specialized tools such as tweezers are needed to carry out
the collection of trace evidence. Trace evidence is often small and hard to find and to collect.

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Negros Oriental State University

College of Criminal Justice Education

CDI 134 (Special Crime Investigation 2)

Name: Quitoy, Jon Rizal G.

General Principles of Investigation

Common Investigation Oversights

Nowadays, criminal investigation is quite technological. Forensic investigation is latest

Course Learning Outcomes

Contents of the Module

This module contains the following lessons:

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to;

1. What must be done to protect the life and safety of persons?

3. Who will become the focus or subject of a criminal investigation?

Discuss the following questions based on your own understanding;

1. What is criminal investigation? Define

2. How do the Police Investigate Crimes? Discuss

Who killed Mr. James?

The Recorder mystery

How did they know?

The Honeymoon mystery

How did the agent know that it was a murder?

▪ Use technology to track student participation.

Discrete Type of Test:

Test I: True or False (2 Points Each)

Test II: Multiple Choice (2 Points Each)

Assignment (Enrichment Activity)

General Investigative Procedures

Securing the Scene

Managing a Crime Scene

Surveying the Scene

Documenting the Scene

❖ Crime Scene Sketching

Searching the Scene

❖ Sequence of Conducting a Crime Scene Search

Figure 5.1. Search patterns used at a crime scene.

Figure 5.2. Illustration of a zone search pattern.

The evidence collection sequence may be based on the following information:

Dried Material Collection Technique

❖ Reconstructing and releasing a Crime Scene

Lesson 2: General Investigative Procedures

Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to;

1. Understand Physical Evidence and Crime Scene Procedures.

4. Describe what information should be included in crime scene sketches.

Discuss the following questions based on your own understanding;

2. What is a crime scene search?

5. What is the difference between a rough sketch and final sketch?

6. What method of search pattern that is especially useful at bombing scenes?

7. Why it is every crime and crime scene is different? Explain

The Ship mystery

The captain immediately caught the thief. How?

The Hospital mystery

After hearing this the police immediately arrested him. Why?

The Apple mystery

▪ Use technology to track student participation.

Discrete Type of Test:

Test I: True or False (2 Points Each)

TRUE 6. An important function of the police is to help uphold community norms.

TRUE 8. Crime of violence will leave evidence of physical struggle.

TRUE 9. Usually, the criminal is not hiding; he is simply unknown.

Test II: Multiple Choice (2 Points Each)

• Blood, semen, saliva, hair, human or animal, biological samples