Republic of the Philippines

Depa
Dep a rtment of the
the Interi
Interior
or and Loc a l G over
ove rnment
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NAT
NATIONA
IONALL POLICE
IC E
C RIM
RIM E LA BO RATO
RATO RY
Camp Crame, Quezon City

C IRC
IRC ULAR
NUMBER_01-06_
C LC – AD
ADO - 01

SC ENE OF C RIME OP
OPERATION
ION MANUAL
MANUAL

I. SC
SC ENE OF C RIME OPERATIO
ATION
N (SO
(SOC O):

Scene of Crime Operation is a forensic procedure performed by

tra
tra ine
ine d pers
p erso
o nnel of the PNP C rime
ime Laborato
Lab oratorry thr
throug
oughh sc
sc ientifi
ientific
c method
metho d s o f
investigation for the purpose of preserving the crime scene, gathering
information, documentation, collection, and examination of all physical
evidence.

II. AUTHORIT
HORITY:

II.1
II.1 C hap
ha p ter 3, Sec tio
tio n 24,
24, p a ra g ra p h c a nd Sec
Sec tion
tion 35 of RA 6975
6975..

II.2 PNP
PNP C L SO # 01-95
01-95 d td No
N o v 16,
16, 199
1995
5

III. MISSION: 
MISSION:  The
The SO C O shall ha ll p ro vid
vid e forensic
forensic e xper
pe rtis
tise to c rimin
imina
al
investigation by preserving, securing, and if need be, by scientifically
reconstructing the crime scene for the collection, documentation, and
forensic examination of all collected physical evidence with the end in view
of establishing fact/s relative to a criminal incident.

IV. OBJEC
OBJ ECT
TIVES:

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

of collection, examination, preservation, and presentation of all evidence for
the fina
finall disp
disp ositi
ositio
o n of
o f c riminal
iminal c a ses.

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

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

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

c ollec
ollec ted and
a nd examined
examined phy
p hys
sic a l evide
evidenc
nce.
e.

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

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

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

1
V. SOCO FUNCTIONS:

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

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

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

the c rime scene.

V.4. It shall method ically do cument the c rime scene.

V.5 It shall methodically collect and transport all available physical

evidence from the crime scene to the PNP Crime Laboratory for purposes of
appropriate forensic examinations.

V.6. As required, it shall present before any competent court and/or

any legally mandated agency its forensic findings and the expert testimonies
of the SOCO elements.

VI. GENERAL SOCO PROCEDURES:

VI.1 Preparation Prior to the Conduct of SOC O

VI.1.1. Ensure the availability of packaging and collection

materials necessary for typical search circumstance.

VI.I.2. Prepa re the preliminary format for the paperwork

needed to document the c onduct of the search.

VI.I.3. Discuss upcoming sea rch with the involved personnel.

VI.I.4. Ma ke preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at

scene, if practicable.

VI.I.5. C onsider the safety and comfort of sea rch personnel.

Be prepared for probable impediments which maybe poised by
weather or terrain. Ensure that ba sic crime scene search eq uipments
are functional. These should consist of the communication, lighting,
first aid, a nd sec urity equipments.

VII.6. Ensure that all SOC O Tea m elements tasked to enter the
crime scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective
gears as maybe nec essary.

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

successfully process a c rime scene and ensure that such assignments
are in keeping with the training, experienc e, attitude, and aptitude of
each individual.

VI.2. Crime Scene Approach

VI.2.1. Be alert for discarded evidence.

VI.2.2. Ma ke pertinent notes about the co ndition of the C rime

Scene based on the systematic observation & scene assessment.

2
 VI.2.3. Establish frame-of-mind to take control of scene
regardless of circumstance observed on arrival.

VI.2.4. C onsider pe rsonnel safety.

VI.3. Preliminary Crime Scene Survey.

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

search.

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

accomplished by the Team Leader.

VI.3.3. The SOC O Tea m Leader provides and ensures the

op erationa l foc us of the Tea m.

VI.3.4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques that

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

VI.3.5. Organize methods and procedures needed to

rec ognize special problem area s.

VI.3.6. Identify and protect transient physica l evidence.

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

environmental conditions of the crime scene based on the exact
locations of items found thereat and condition of the crime scene as
rec eived from the investiga tor on c ase.

VI.4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence

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

becomes detailed in preliminary survey stage.

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

most likely to be enc ountered.

VI.4.3. Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is

sufficient for task at ha nd.

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

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

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

VI.4.6. C onsider whether the evidence app ea rs to have been

moved inad vertently.

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

app ea rs intentiona lly c ontrived.

VI.5 Narrative description of the Crime Scene

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

of the c ondition of the c rime scene.

3
 VI.5.2. Photography supplements narrative description of the
crime scene.

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

sporadic and unorga nized attempt to rec over physical evidence.

VI.6. Crime Scene Photography / Videography

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

possible.

VI.6.2. Document the photographic effort with a photograph

log.

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

up views of the scene is established .

VI.6.4. Photograph evidence in place before its collection

and packaging.

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

statement of witnesses, victims, suspects.

VI.6.6. Take photograp hs from eye level, when fea sible, to

represent scene as would be ob served by normal view.

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

be taken.

VI.7. Sketch of Crime Scene

VI.7.1. The diagram establishes permanent rec ords of items,

conditions and distance/size relationships – diagram supplement
photographs.

VI.7.2. Number designa tions on sketc h should be coo rdinated

with same number de signa tions on evidence log.

VI.7.3. The sketch should contain sufficient mea surements and

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

VI.8. Detailed Crime Scene Search

VI.8.1. C onduct sea rch in a general manner and work to the

specifics regarding evidence items.

VI.8.2. Photograph all items before collection and enter

notation in photographic log.

VI.8.3. Ma rk evidence loc ations on diagram/sketc h.

VI.8.4. Do not handle evide nce excessively after rec overy.

VI.8.5. Sea l all evidence c ontainers at the crime scene.

VI.9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection

4
 VI.9.1. Tag and photograph evidence in place before
collection.

VI.9.2. Methodically record the recovered evidence. Mark

evidence (mark item itself whenever feasible)

VI.9.3. Place identifying marks in evidence containers.

VI.10. Final Crime Scene Survey

VI.10.1. Discuss search jointly with a ll personnel for

completeness.

VI.10.2. Double-check documentation to detect inadvertent

errors.

VI.10.3. C hec k to ensure all evidenc e is accounted for

before depa rting the scene.

VI.10.4. Ensure all equipment used in the sea rch is ga thered.

VI.10.5. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult a ccess

areas have not been overlooked in detailed sea rch.

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

VI.II.1. Ensure that approp riate inventory has been provided .

VI.II.2. Relea se the scene with the notion that there is only one
chanc e to pe rform the job correc tly and completely.

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

final survey and prope r doc umentation.

VII. SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PROCEDURES

VII.I. In clandestine labo ratories and bombing c ases/incide nts, the EOD
should clear the area first and declare it secured prior to the conduct of
SOCO. Moreover, these are considered as special situations whereby the
Forensic Chemical Officer (FOCO) shall be tasked to undertake the initial
scene assessments and advice the SOCO Team Leader as to how the
sequenc e of the crime scene investiga tion shall be undertaken.

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

and/or nuclear (CBRN) situation, the SOCO Team shall directly coordinate
with the Spe cial Rescue/ C BRN Tea m of the Bureau of Fire Protec tion prior to
the conduct of crime scene investigation. This shall be the standard
operational procedure pending the capability acquisition of the PNP Crime
Laboratory for CBRN situation.

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

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

5
 VII.4. Situation/incidents may occur whereby the functional expertise of
a forensic specialist is critical and/or would provide better command of the
SOCO. The SOCO Team Leader must immediately take cognizance of these
situations and put to task the forensic specialist in assessing the situation and
rec ommending as to how the SOC O shall be sequentially conduc ted.

VII.5. The PNP C rime Laboratory strictly adheres to the c ardinal forensic
protocol of objectivity albeit such adherence does not preclude the basic
human sensibilities and respect for the dea d. The SOC O Team shall exped ite
the transfer of a cadaver in the crime scene to an accredited morgue for
further forensic examinations after its position has been accurately sketched,
photographed, properly documented, and all other essential forensic
procedures needed to be performed at the crime scene had been
completed . Further, the SOC O Tea m shall exercise ethical judgment by
ensuring that no photograph of the c ada ver shall be taken other than for the
purpose of criminal investiga tion

VIII. TYPES OF SEARCH

VIII.1. Quadrant or Zone sea rch method

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

ea ch qua drant is cut into another set of quadrants.

VIII.2. Strip or Line search method

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

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

6
tagged and the sea rch proc eeds at a given signal. At the end of
the rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along new lanes as
shown in the abo ve illustration.

VIII.3. Spiral search method

In this method, the sea rchers follow ea ch other along the pa th

of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiralling in toward the
center.

VIII.4. Grid or double strip search method

 The grid or d ouble strip method of sea rch is a modification of

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

VIII.5. Wheel search method

7
 In this method of sea rch, the area is considered to be
approximately circular. The searchers gather at the center and
proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be
repeated several times depending on the size of the circle and the
number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great
increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from
the center. Another is the possibility of evidence contamination or
destruction with the likelihood that the searchers will step on them
as they converge at the center.

IX. SOCO TEAM ORGANIZATION

IX.1. Basic Individual Attribute

 The Scene of C rime of O peration is considered as a specialized

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

IX.2. Training

All personnel projected to be detailed with the SOCO Team

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

IX.3. Basic SOC O C omposition/ Tasks

IX.3.1 Team Leader

- Responsible for the performance and work product of the

SOC O and its individual members at crime scenes.

- Assume C ontrol – ensure safety of personnel and sec urity at

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

- C onduc t initial work-through for purpo ses of safety, making

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

- Designate command post location and ensure exchange of

information between sea rch a nd investiga tive personnel.

- Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignments

for team members.

- Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make

sure a coo perative spirit is maintained.

- Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for

personnel – consider shift planning.

8
 - C ontrol access to the scene and designa te an individual to log
everyone into the scene.

Act as PIO/ Spo kesperson at the C rime Scene.

- Responsible for the consolidation/compilation of reports,

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

- C ontinuously re-evaluate efficienc y of sea rch during entire

course of operation.

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

evidence.

IX.3 2. Photographer

- Photograph entire a rea before it is entered.

- Photograph victims, crowd and vehicles.

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

coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.

- Photograph major evidence items before they are moved.

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

- Photograph all latent fingerprints, and other impression

evidenc e, before lifting and c asting is accomplished.

- Photograph blueprints, maps and previous photographs of

scene, as required.

- Take final photographs to show final cond ition as relea sed .

IX.3.3 Sketc her

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

North.

- Set forth on sketch major items of evidence and coordinate

evidence nomenclature with Evidence Custodian and Evidence
C ollec tors/ proc essors.

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

needed.

- Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team

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

- Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and list

assistant (s) on sketc h.

- Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale

disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is rec orded on sketc h.

9
 IX.3.4. Evide nce Log Rec order/C ustodian

- Prepare evidence rec overy log.

- Coordinate evidence nomenclature with the Sketcher,

Photographer and Evidence Collector/processors.

- Rec ord all evidence.

- Rec eive all evidence

- Undertake evidence pa ckaging and preservation

- Ma intain chain-of-custody of evidenc es.

- C oordinate transmittal of evidence to the c onc erned

laboratory technical division for examination

IX.3.5. Driver/Security

- C oordinate with the supply PNCO to ensure that the vehicle is

properly maintained

- Provide physical security to the SOCO elements and

equipments

IX.3.6. Evidence Processor/C ollec tor – This generally refers to the

different forensic specialists, who by virtue of their specialization, are
necessary to identify, collect, examine, and present before the courts
evidence at the crime scene. The services of these forensic specialists
shall be attached to the SOCO Team depending on the SOCO
requirements of the reported crime scene. There are crime incidence
where not all forensic spec ialists are needed to proc ess the scene.

IX.4. Forensic Specialists

Forensic Specialists refer to the PNP C rime Lab p ersonnel who by

academic preparation, series of specialized trainings, and/or
occupational exposure had acquired the required technical expertise
in any of the following PNP C rime Laboratory’s core c ompetenc ies:

IX.4.1. Biologica l Scienc e or any of its branches

IX.4.2. Physica l Science or any of its branches

IX.4.3. Physical Identification

IX.4.4. Firearms Identification

IX.4.5. Fingerprint Identification

IX.4.6. Document Examination

IX.4.7. Polygraph Examination

IX.4.8. Forensic Photography

10
X. SOCO EQUIPMENTS AND OTHERLOGISTICAL SUPPORT

X.1 SOC O Team Element’s Uniform – The individua l elements uniform

shall be constituted by the following:

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

X.1.2 Personal Equipment Rig

X.1.3 Firearm

X.1.4 UV Blacklight/ 3 ALS/Polylite

X.1.5 Hand Gloves/shoe covers

X.1.6 Poncho (Raincoa t with reflec tor)

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

X.2.1 Search Light

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

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

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

as pa rt of the SOC O capa bility to respond to medica l emergenc ies.

X.2.4 Radio C ommunication Equipment – This shall be the

standard issued communication equipment to afford communication
between the SOC O Tea m and the C rime Laboratory Office.

X.2.5. SOC O Kit

X.2.6. PBI Kit

X.2.7 One (1) Long Firea rm – The SOC O Van shall have one (1)
long firearm with one (1) corresponding basic ammunition load as
team defense equipment to be handled by the sec urity personnel.

XI. SUPPLETORY ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND PROCEDURES

XI.1 Stand on the Tri-Med ia a nd Prescribed Relationship

 The PNP C rime Laboratory as a pa rt of the law enforcement

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

XI.1.1 On crime sce ne, only the SOC O Tea m Lea der is authorized
to provide answers to the inquiries from the media. The reply must only
state the available facts. The Team Leader must not, in whatever
manner, relay any information that could elicit multiple and subjective

11
 inferenc es or interpretations. In the absence of conc rete ob jec tive
data, the Tea m Lea der shall courteously beg off to a nswer inquiries
and inform the media that the inquiries shall be answered after
laboratory examinations had been conducted and with clearance
from the criminal investigator on case and /or line or investigating unit
conducting the investiga tion.

XI.1.2 The SOCO Team Leader must exercise professiona l

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

XI.1.3 Post Crime Scene Investigation inquiry from the media shall
be c leared first from the Direc tor, PNP C L.

XI.1.4 The PNP C rime Labo ratory rec og nizes the vital role that the
media play in enhancing the community awareness of protecting
and preserving the crime scene. Efforts in direct coordination with
the media shall be initiated for this purpose.

X1.2 Crime Scene Protec tion and Preservation Trainings – The PNP
C rime Laboratory shall continuously conduct period ic crime scene protec tion
trainings for the first responders.

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

or DCLO having responsibility over the area of incident shall be the O ffice
Primary Responsible (OPR) and reinforcing SOC O Tea ms from HQs PNP C L
and other RC LOs/DCLOs shall provide support.

X1.4 C oo rdination - Direc t and lateral coordination with PNP units and
other law enforcement units for the purpose of crime scene protection,
preservation, and evidence collection is highly encouraged.

X1.5 Training Designs – Periodic evaluation of the SOC O Program of

Instructions shall be undertaken to ensure that it is current a nd prospe ctive.

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

12