1. Reasonably being suspicious but not being paranoid.

This is Psychological characteristics of a competent criminal investigator.

2. The 6 cardinal points to be considered in writing a police reports are the following:
 When
 What
 Where
 Who
 Why
 How
3. The basic nature?
4. gut feeling –

Minor extent – chance or luck

5. Protocol number 1

6. Destruction

Mutilation

7. At what stage

- final stage – concluding stage of the investigation

8. if a concerned citizen –

- TIP in a form of information

9. Tracing and

- follow up stage of investigation

10. criminal investigation is a science because it is governed by FIX PRINCIPLe

11. Indespensable toolls of

- 4 I’s

- interview

- interrogation

-
-

12. based on the

- to know the truth about a criminal investigation

13. as a process CI primarily involves

- systematic plan

14. In relation to the traits of a competent

15. what kind of investigation starts officially only after

- Reactive investigation

2. What is included in the IOC’s ticker?

3.

1.3 - Nature of criminal investigation

Definition of investigation:
“The investigation of the meaning of words is the beginning of education.” –
Antisthenes

“An investigation is a patient, step-by-step inquiry or observation, a careful

examination, a recording of evidence or a legal inquiry.” – Hess and Orthmann 2013

Etymology of Investigation:
“The word investigate is derived from the Latin word vestigare, meaning to track
or trace, a derivation easily related to police investigation.” - Hess and Orthmann 2013

Criminal investigation involves a legal search for people and things that can be used
to reconstruct a crime and the mental state of the offender.

What is the objective of this search?

- to determine the truth as far as the truth can be discovered in any post-factum
inquiry.
* Post-factum inquiry refers to an investigation or inquiry that is conducted after
an incident.

How can the truth be discovered in a post-factum inquiry?

- by gathering facts that can be used to answer questions regarding a criminal
case
* INVESTIGATE (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
 - to try to find out the facts (about something such as a crime or an
accident in order to learn how it happened, who did it, etc.

* FACT – a thing done

- the quality of being actual
- something that has actual existence
- the description of an actual occurrence
- a piece of information presented as having objective reality

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION – a legal inquiry caused by a complaint and is conducted

to follow up, examine, trace, track and search the facts concerning the commission of a
crime that can be done thru patient, step by step and meticulous observation. (Sadili
and Pena, 1998)

Criminal Investigation as a legal inquiry – covers the Identification (ID) of offenders

and the circumstances (mitigating, aggravating, justifying, exempting, or alternative circumstance) of
the crime, by careful evaluation of all available evidences until the offender is brought to
justice, and the innocent relieved from any false accusation. (Sadili and Pena, 1998)

Criminal Investigation – branch of jurisprudence whereby a scientific theories and

principles, including time-tested philosophical analysis, are applied.
Purpose: to discover, collect and process facts then develop info that may lead
any sensible person to see the truth

* TAKE NOTE: Applying practical and scientific knowledge to solve a crime is

sanctioned by rules and protocols prescribed by law.

How is this search accomplished?

- to
Criminal investigation is a legal inquiry concerning an incident presumed to be a crime.
What caused this inquiry?
What is the objective of this inquiry?
What is included in this inquiry?
Criminal investigation as a branch of jurisprudence. 
If this is so, what should be applied by detectives when investigating crimes?

Criminal investigation is a science.

Why is it considered a science?
- Modern day criminal investigators often apply scientific knowledge, based on
fixed principles (rigid rules).

E.g.; Dactyloscopy (fingerprinting) is often used by investigators, what is the

underlying principle behind this science that serves as example of fixed rule?
 *No 2 persons have exactly the same fingerprints in their individual
characteristics. AKA; Principle of individuality.

- In forensic chemistry, what is the main theory applied (which is another

example of a fixed principle)?
 “Every contact leaves a trace.” aka; EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE, PRINCIPLE
OF CONTACT, LOCARD’S PRINCIPLE

 Criminal Investigation involves a systematic method of inquiry, therefore it is a

science.
 Criminal investigation is a SCIENCE
o Criminal Investigators usually apply scientific knowledge, principles and
methodologies in order to discover, identify, collect and process facts/info
for purposes of promoting justice.
o However, use of scientific method must be supplemented by initiative and
resourcefulness.
o The sequence of investigation must follow a scientific operating framework
that requires imagination, innovation, and creativeness on the part of the
investigator.

Are there limitations in the application of practical and scientific knowledge to solve
criminal cases?
Do criminal investigators apply only scientific knowledge, principles and methods to
solve cases?

 Criminal investigation is an art as well as a science because activities performed

by investigators are not always governed by fixed rules or scientific principles.

Criminal investigation as an ART.

 The art of using various techniques to identify and locate criminal offenders and
then prove their guilt thru a criminal proceeding
 - apply the art of questioning.

Why do some people say that criminal investigation is more than an art rather than a
science?
 some people say that criminal investigation is more than an art rather than a
science because it is not governed by rigid rules or principles.

As an art, what are the 3 things that govern the actions of crime detectives?
 INTUITION
 FELICITY (or inspiration)
 CHANCE (or luck to a minor extent)
What was Hans Gross’ really saying when he mentioned that criminal investigation is
95% perspiration, 3% inspiration and 2% luck?
 Investigators should not only depend on inspiration or luck else they will fail 95%
in their investigation.
 100% effort must be exerted because inspiration or luck may never come in his
way.

Criminal investigation as a PROCESS.

 Systematic process of discovering, collecting, preparing, identifying, and
presenting evidence.
 Purpose:
 To determine what happened
 To know who is/are responsible
 Criminal investigation is a Process since it requires a
 Patient
 Step-by-step (systematic)
 Meticulous (careful and thorough) exam of something or somebody in
relation to a criminal incident

 Criminal Investigation involves the process of Discovering, Collecting,

Preserving, Evaluating, and Presenting facts, information, documents, physical
objects for the purpose to establish the evidence of what happened and who
is/are responsible

What are the major steps in criminal investigation if it is regarded as a process?

1. Identification (recognition) of facts, information, evidence…
2. Collection of facts, information, evidence…
3. Preservation of forensic value (legal integrity of the information)
4. Evaluation of collected evidence and the case
5. Presentation of evidence and criminal case (before the prosecutor or before
the court)
* aka: the 5 fundamental functions (tasks) of investigators

What are the fundamental functions of criminal investigators?

 IDENTIFICATION
 Recognizing:
 Investigative leads (in the form of facts and information)
 Physical evidence
 Other forms of evidence
 The people involved in the case

3 kinds of people involved in a case that must be identified by the investigator

 Suspect/s – including the guilty party
 Witness/es – specially the eye-witness
  Victim/s – the offended party

 COLLECTION
 Gathering, sorting out (marking and tagging) significant:
 Facts
 Information
 Physical evidence
 Other forms of evidence

 PRESERVATION
 Protect the forensic value (legal integrity) of:
 Significant facts and information
 Collected evidence

 EVALUATION
 The assessment of:
1. The criminal case as a whole
2. Collected evidence

 PRESENTATION
 Introduction of evidence at the prosecutor’s office then to the court
 * REMEMBER: Present strong evidence first; present weak evidence later
as corroborative evidence (supporting evidence).

As a process, criminal investigation primarily deals on information and it should be

founded on a systematic plan.
What is the relationship of data, facts, information, and evidence to criminal
investigators?
What are their significance in CDI (crime detection and investigation)?
What is the significance of having a systematic plan when investigating a criminal case?
 
The BASIS, GOAL and OBJECTIVES of criminal investigation
What seems to be the obvious goal of criminal investigators?

What is the basis of any form of investigation performed by the detectives?

What are the 3 main objectives of criminal investigators according to the PNP criminal
investigation manual?
PHASES OF INVESTIGATIONS:
The main objective of a police investigator is to gather all facts in order to:
 PHASE I: Identify the suspects through 1.) confession; 2.) eyewitness testimony, 3.)
circumstantial evidence; and 4.) associate evidence;

PHASE II: Locate and apprehend suspects; and

PHASE III: Gather and provide evidence to establish the guilt of the accused.
In proving the guilt of the accused in court, the fact of the existence of the crime must be established;
the accused must be identified and associated with the crime scene; competent and credible witnesses
must be available; and the physical evidence must be appropriately identified. The investigator must
know by heart the elements of a specific crime.

DEFINITION OF INVESTIGATION
Investigation is the collection of facts to accomplish a three-fold aim:
a. to identify the suspect
b. to locate the suspect, and
c. to provide evidence of guilt

What is the goal (final objective) of criminal investigation?  What is the rationale of this
goal?
 
Criminal investigators are those authorized by law to conduct close analysis on criminal
cases. They are tasked to find answers to all questions concerning a crime.  To do this,
they must maximize using the tools in investigation. 
What are the 4 indispensable tools of criminal investigators?
Criminal investigators play a vital role in solving criminal cases and giving justice to
whom it is due. They are employed by public and/or private prosecutors, or directly used
by the court, to search evidences that can be used to answer legal and non-legal
questions that may arise during court trial.
While performing investigative activities, criminal investigators must establish the
answers to the six cardinal questions.

What are the 6 cardinal points in criminal investigation?

6 cardinal points of investigation:
1. what specific offense has been committed
2. how the offense was committed;
3. who committed it;
4. where the offense was committed;
5. when it was committed; and
6. why it was committed.

Criminal investigators have the following duties:

1. Establish that a crime was in fact committed under the law

2. Identify and apprehend suspected offenders
3. Recover stolen property
4. Assist the state in prosecuting the party charged with a crime

Thus, the role of the criminal investigator is to search the truth – whether or not a law
was violated then determine the specific crime committed.  Consequently, after
determining what specific crime was committed, he must discover how, when, where,
and why was the crime committed.
To be a competent criminal investigator according to the National Institute of Justice,
you must possess the following most desired characteristics:

1. Positively motivated (inspired)

2. Intuitive
3. Psychologically and emotionally stable
4. Judicious or discreet
5. Street-smart
6. Team-player (has a good sense of teamwork)
7. Persistent
8. Intelligent
9. Dedicated to his profession
10. A person with integrity (objective in performing his tasks)
11. Reliable

Motivation was identified by the NIJ as the first primary trait of a competent investigator.
The reason is obvious.  To successfully perform a task, you must have interest in doing
it.
If motivation is a managerial function, what is required from a criminal investigator that
is implied by this function?
In another point-of-view, motivation refers to the driving factor.
What is the primary motivating factor of a competent investigator?
What is the best motivating factor for criminal investigators that enables them to satisfy
their raison d’être?
According to Sir Robert Peel, it is better to let ten guilty persons escape than let one
innocent person be falsely accused. A criminal investigator who is not objective or who
lacks integrity can be responsible for a guilty person’s acquittal.  He is also responsible
for an innocent person’s imprisonment, fine, or possibly even death, or the ruination of
an organization’s reputation. It is important to emphasize to police investigators that
they are going to lose cases if there is a perception that they are bending the truth.
Without undermining the desirability and necessity of these 11 traits, an investigator
also must have retentive memory, patience, and keen observation. In other words, a
criminal investigator should be imaginative, creative, patient, and persistent.
Due to the complexity of criminal investigation today, an investigator must be able to
think logically, understand and sort-out volumes of data and facts. He must be capable
also of communicating and maintaining a positive relationship with fellow investigators
and other people involved in police work.  He must have self-discipline, knowledge of
the law and scientific techniques, and inductive (as well as deductive) reasoning.
(Bennett & Hess, 2004)
From these suggested characteristics, you already understand that a detective is not a
mediocre person. According to Bennett & Hess, a person must possess specific
intellectual, psychological and physical characteristics to qualify him as a competent
criminal investigator.
 
INTELLECTUAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. A criminal investigator must be capable of absorbing and retaining information

whether it concerns basic, technical or legal subject.
2. He must be able to apply technical and legal theories in his daily work.
3. He must be capable of practicing objectivity, logic and common sense in decision-
making. This is more desirable than exceptional intelligence.
4. He must be versatile enough to adopt with any situation. During training and while
already in the field, he must develop knowledge and skill in investigative techniques.
5. He must never stop learning or tell himself that he has learned enough knowledge in
his profession. He must continue enhancing his knowledge through academic
activities, field training, personal experience, and street-learning (on-the-job
experience).

 
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A criminal investigator must be:

1. emotionally well-balanced self-disciplined

2. detached persevering
3. inquisitive
4. reasonably suspicious (but not paranoid)
5. discerning or perceptive (capable of using intuition)
Take note that perseverance, together with inquisitiveness and intuition, are very useful
in investigating ‘clueless case.’ Some investigators are not convinced on the importance
of intuition. However, most experienced investigators certify their value in discovering
the key to solve crimes.
What is intuition and its relevance to the current topic?
 
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A criminal investigator must be physically fit and have good vision and hearing.
Because of long and demanding hours spent in performing investigative duties, an
investigator with good health and high energy level has an advantage over those who
are not.
He must have a working knowledge on martial arts and firearms proficiency. He must
have the physical capability of applying these knowledge in combat situations.  He must
be fit enough to apply defense tactics in confronting, disabling and arresting suspects.

2.2 - Background Information on CSI

CSI (crime scene investigation) is the process of recognizing, searching, collecting,

preserving, and documenting physical evidence at the CS. It covers the process of
identifying and interviewing witnesses and/or victims at the CS, including on-the-spot
arrest of suspected offenders.  CSI involves more than just searching the crime scene.
CSI refers to the post-incident police operational procedures undertaken at the crime
scene. It presupposes that the crime has been consummated and therefore
investigation is to be commenced with the securing and processing of the place of
occurrence. (PNP SOP on the Conduct of CSI)
The CSI starts with the arrival of the PNP FRs to the arrival of the Duty Investigator/IOC
and the SOCO Team until the lifting of the security cordon and release of the crime
scene. 
In the PNP setting, what is the nature of CSI?
CSI is one of the most critical stages of any criminal investigation. The initial actions
taken at the crime scene by the FR/s, Investigators and SOCO Team members at the
outset of the investigation are of such vital importance that oftentimes their actions
would determine the outcome of the investigation. However, while CSI is the most
important stage of the investigation in terms of collecting vital forensic evidence and
information, this initial stage is also often the most chaotic and therefore prone to errors.
Case reviews of major cases conducted by the DIDM through the EPJUST Program have
revealed that one of the major sources of confusion at the crime scene is the unclear delineation
of functions of the FR, IOC and the SOCO Team of the PNP-CL. While the PNP mandated the
PNP Crime Laboratory to conduct SOCO as early as 1996, this doctrine of utilizing the SOCO
team in the collection of forensic evidence at the crime scene necessitates the issuance of a
protocol if only to lay down the functions, responsibilities and accountabilities of each member
of the CSI team.
It is imperative to remember, however, that the IOC has the primary responsibility over
the crime scene and takes control and supervision in the overall crime scene
investigation. A systematic and organized procedure on crime scene investigation is
therefore the key to ensuring that all potential physical evidence are properly preserved
and collected, all possible witnesses are identified and documented, and all the
necessary basic procedures are undertaken properly.

What are the 2 main objectives of CSI?I

1. To establish what happened

2. To identify the responsible person/s

What are the purposes of the PNP-SOP (standard operating procedures) on the
conduct of CSI?
 For the purpose of PNP-SOP, CSI refers to all the investigative procedures undertaken
at the crime scene commencing from the arrival of the PNP FRs to the arrival of the
Duty Investigator/IOC and the SOCO Team until the lifting of the security cordon and
release of the crime scene.

The following are the intents and purposes of this SOP:

1. To define and delineate the functions and responsibilities of the FRs. the IOC, and
the SOCO Team in the conduct of crime scene investigation;
2. To establish and harmonize the sequence of activities that shall be conducted at the
crime scene and identify the accountabilities of each responsible PNP
personnel/team;
3. To set the standard forms that shall be required to be accomplished by the FR, the
SOCO Team and the IOC, which shall henceforth become an integral part of the
case folder;
4. To minimize the most common mistakes committed by the investigators and ensure
that potential physical evidence is not contaminated or destroyed and potential
witnesses are not overlooked;
5. To ensure that lives are saved and that the security and safety of the PNP CSI
personnel (FR/IOC/SOCO) are enhanced;
6. To ensure that the CSI procedures are conducted properly, efficiently and effectively
to ensure the admissibility of collected evidence in court; and
7. To address and mitigate the investigation procedural weaknesses identified during
the conduct of case reviews.

 
What is the scope of the application of the PNP SOP on the conduct of CSI?
This SOP applies to all crime scene investigation undertaken by the PNP and provides the
procedures to be observed by the FRs, IOC, and SOCO Teams as well as the reports formats that
they shall be required to prepare. This procedure shall likewise be observed by the Special
Investigation Task Groups (SITG).

2.3 - PNP version of CSI

CSI (crime scene investigation) has a broader scope than SOCO (scene of the crime
operation).
As performed by the PNP, CSI is done by a group/team of police personnel from the
police station/office that has territorial jurisdiction over the area where the violent
incident took place.
SOCO is done by a group of trained PNP personnel from the crime lab service. Such
group is called SOCO team. 

Who are the PNP personnel involved in the conduct of CSI?

1. FR

2. IOC

3. SOCO Team Leader

4. Videographer and recorder

5. SOCO Specialists / Technicians

6. Evidence Custodian

 
In what case whereby the SOCO is necessary in the investigation of a crime scene?
 When the CS needs special processing due to controversial and sensational cases,
specialists from the PNP Crime Lab should be requested.

Who are the most essential specialists of the CSI team? (Identify at least 6 … .)

---

What is the job description of each CSI personnel?

 
What is the general flow of CSI upon arrival of first police officers at the CS?
 

2.4 Lecture Videos

Part 1

Take Note:
 When a crime is committed and reaches the attention of the police, an appropriate
investigation must begin.
 In response to any criminal report or complaint, the police must proceed to the CRIME
SCENE (CS)
 The earliest officer who arrives at the CS is called FIRST RESPONDER.
- usually a first responder are personnel of the PNP or other law enforcement
agencies who are mandated and expected to be the first to respond, to calls for
assistance in cases of incident or crime.
- First responder generally refers to a police officer who has a jurisdiction over
the area where the incident or crime was taken place
- proceed to crime scene to render assistance to the victim and to protect and
secure the incident scene

Based on the PNP SOP

 After the FR confirmed the existence of an incident and it appears that a crime has been
committed, s/he calls the police station to send a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR or POLICE
INVESTIGATOR
 Usually, the detective sent by the p/station will be assigned as the INVESTIGATOR ON
CASE
 He is the police personnel assigned to investigate the incident because he is actually the
DUTY INVESTIGATOR when the police station received the call from First Responder.
 When the IOC, together with the FR/s have taken proper jurisdiction of the incident,
they must do immediately the so-called CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION and not
necessarily the SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATION.

* CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

 - the process of recognizing, searching, collecting, preserving, and documenting physical
evidence and other essential evidence found at the Crime Scene.

- covers the process of identifying and interviewing witnesses and/or victims at the CS,
including on-the-spot arrest of suspects at the CS

2 PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IN CSI

 To identify what happened
 To identify the responsible person/s

In the Philippine setting, is CSI the same with SOCO?

- Strictly speaking, NO

SOCO definition:
- a forensic procedure performed by a team of trained personnel from the CRIME
LABARATORY OFFICE.
- involves scientific methods of investigation for the following purposes:
 Preserving the crime scene
 Gathering information
 CS documentation
 Collection and examination of all physical and other forensic evidence.

When is SOCO performed?

 The CSI team will request SOCO specialists from the PNP Crime Lab when
the evidence encountered in a particular crime scene need special
processing due to the CONTROVERSIAL nature of the case and/ or the
SENSATIONAL nature of the case.

CSI in the PNP setting

 a comprehensive inquiry about a crime
Comprehensive inquiry – means that the investigation is not just conducted by
one officer but a team of investigators
* Focus in the crime scene but not limited only inside the crime scene
Investigative Activity Included:
- crime scene survey
- crime scene photography
- crime scene sketching
- crime scene search
 -interviewing a witnesses and other person involving the ncidents
- collection of physical evidence
 done in a systematic procedure of various investigative recovery of
physical and testimonial evidence

Purpose:
1. To identify the witnesses
2. To arrest perpetrator/s for prosecution purposes.

Technically, when will CSI commence?

CSI technically will commence upon the ARRIVAL of the FR/s or the IOC at the CS.

How is CSI concluded?

CS concludes with the LIFTING of the security cordon (police line) and the RELEASE of
the Crime Scene.

Part 2

Nature of CSI
1. CSI refers to post-incident police operational procedures undertaken at the CS.
2. CSI is usually the most critical stage of any investigation of a criminal incident.
* However, while CSI is the most important stage of the investigation in terms of
collecting vital forensic evidence and information, this initial stages is the most often
also most chaotic therefore prone to errors.

What is one of the major sources of confusion at the CS?

- The unclear delineation of functions of the
* FR
* IOC
* SOCO Team
(based on Case Reviews of major cases conducted by the DIDM thru the
EPJUST Program)

What are the purposes of the PNP-SOP on the Conduct of CSI?

1. Define and delineate the functions and responsibilities of the PNP personnel in the
conduct of CSI.
 2. Establish and harmonize the sequence of activities that are conducted at the CS and
identify the accountabilities of each responsible PNP personnel/team.
3. Set the standard forms to be accomplished by the PNP personnel, which shall
henceforth become an integral part of the case folder.
4. Minimize the most common mistakes committed by the investigators and ensure that
potential physical evidence is not contaminated or destroyed and potential witnesses
are not overlooked.
5. Ensure that lives are saved and that the security and safety of the PNP CSI personnel are
enhanced.
6. Make sure that CSI procedures are conducted properly, efficiently and effectively to
ensure admissibility of collected evidence in court.
7. Address and mitigate the weaknesses in the investigation procedures that were
identified during the conduct of case reviews.

PNP SOP on the Conduct of CSI Scope of Application

 Applicable to all CSI undertaken by the PNP.
 Provides the procedures to be observed by the FIRST RESPONDERS (FRs),
IOC, and SOCO TEAM as well as the report formats that they shall be
required to prepare.
 This SOP must be observed also by the SITG (Special Investigation Task
Group). Most commonly known as Investigation Task Force.

Points to Ponder
 Is SITG the same with the PNP CSI team?
- NO, the SITG is complex group of officers from the PNP that may include other officers
or unit from other law enforcement agencies depending on the extent or gravity of the crime or
their investigation
- The CSI team is a small part of the SITG
 Are members of the PNP CSI team the same with the members of the SOCO team?
- NO, members of the CSI team are different from the personnel composing the SOCO
team.
- SOCO team becomes part of the CSI team if the IOC which is usually the head of the CSI
team request for SOCO assistance from Crime Lab Office.
(part 4 of manual)

PNP CSI Team

 More commonly referred to as the IT
  Composed of personnel from the police station who has territorial jurisdiction of the
place where the crime is committed
 Refer to PNP investigation PROTOCOL #3

PNP Investigation Protocol #3

What is the composition of the investigation team from a police station?
 Team Leader
 Recorder
 Photographer
 Evidence Custodian
 Composite Illustrator (cartographer)

Standard composition of SOCO team;

 SOCO team Leader
 Evidence Custodian/ Driver
 Forensic Specialist/ Technicians (all must be present)
- Forensic Photographer
- Measurer/Sketcher
- Fingerprint expert
- Forensic Chemist
- Firearms examiner/expert
- Medico-legal Officer

Who among the forensic specialist has the authority to inform the COP or the duty investigator
about the death of a victim in a shooting incident?
- Medico-legal officer

SOCO team Structure

SOCO TEAM LEADER
Recorder Videographer
Photographer Medico-legal Examiner
Measurer/Sketcher Forensic Chemist
Fingerprint Specialist Firearm and weapon specialist
Other specialists Other specialists
EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN
(SOCO van DRIVER + Assistant)

The FBI has 11 stages of CSI which they call ‘ crime scene administration procedures ‘.
The PNP has 7 stages of CSI as integrated in their ‘ Crime scene response procedures ‘.

Last stage in CSI? – RELEASE THE CRIME SCENE

STAGES OF CSI (American Setting)

11 stages of CSI based on the FBI Crime Scene Administration procedure:
1. Preparation and approach
2. Secure and protect the scene
3. Preliminary survey (walk-thru)
4. Evaluate physical evidence possibilities
5. Prepare narrative description
6. Depict scene photographically
7. Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
8. Conduct detailed search
9. Record and collect physical evidence
10. Conduct final survey
11. Release crime scene

* Upon arrival at the Crime scene, the IOC must be briefed by the First Responder
* If the IOC evaluated that the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Crime Lab SOCO team,
then he should request for the conduct of SOCO.

* What cases/incidents fall under the jurisdiction of the CLS-SOCO?

- SOCO specialist of the Crime Laboratory shall be requested
- In cases where crime scene needs special processing due to its SIGNIFICANCE or
because of its SENSATIONAL nature.

SIGNIFICANT CASES that requires the assistance of the SOCO TEAM

 Bombing incident
 Initiated terrorist activities
 Raids, ambuscade, liquidation (assassination)
 KFR case (kidnap for ransom)
 Armed robbery of banks and other financial institution
 Calamity/disaster
 Massacre
 Heinous crimes (as defined by law)
 Violent Crimes ; Murder, homicide, arson, rape with homicide
 SENSATIONAL CASES since it involves
 Elected Public Officials (Brgy. Chairman up to the RP President)
 Appointed Public officials with the rank of commissioner, secretary and undersecretary
 Foreign diplomat (an foreigner)
 Any foreigner
 PNP/AFP personnel
 Former high-ranking government officials
 Other prominent figures such as movie stars, sports stars, tri-media practitioners,
prominent businessmen, professionals and prominent leaders of religious organizations

3.1 - Module Overview

As implied in the title, this module focuses on investigation procedures, especially those
that are useful in dealing with the violent crimes, otherwise described in some of the
PNP publications as "crimes of violence". The success of investigation does not rely on
chance although there can be a remote possibility that a criminal case may be solved
due to pure luck. Most investigations had been successful because members of the
investigating team followed legal and/or scientific procedures. These procedures,
otherwise known as investigation protocols, are actually plans that are mandated by the
office/organization that commissioned the criminal investigators.
In this module, we will focus on the established investigation procedures of the PNP.
These procedures are officially declared in their published manuals, which are actually
the main references in this module. These official publications are as follows:

1. PNP Criminal Investigation Manual (2011),

2. PNP SOP on the Conduct of CSI (2011)
3. PNP Operational Procedures (2013)
4. PNP Field Manual on the Investigation of Crimes of Violence (2011)

3.2 - Crimes of Violence

In this section, we will focus on the so-called 'crimes of violence'. 
'Crimes of violence' refers to crimes such as murder, homicide, kidnapping/abduction,
bombings, sexual assault and other criminal incidents that put lives in danger. 'Crimes of
violence', or 'violent crimes' in common lingo,  pose major challenge to the investigative
capability of the police. Murder, whether committed by a single individual or by a syndicated
crime group or by a terrorist group, is the most serious of all violent crimes.  Many murder and
similarly violent crimes are considered as either heinous or sensational that necessitates for the
technical assistance of the SOCO Team during CSI. Most crimes of violence, therefore,  are
significant or sensational cases that requires the services of forensic specialist from the PNP
Crime Lab.
 Once a suspicious death is identified as a potential murder case, the actions by the FR
attending the scene are critical to the investigation. Studies show that the initial action at the
crime scene is the most commonly cited weakness within the investigative response. In many
instances, this simply entails police personnel failing to adhere to procedures to minimize
contamination such as controlling access to the scene thru a specific route.
What is the most important part of VCI in terms of collecting vital forensic
evidence and information?

What are the issues that must be addressed when investigating murder cases?

Who must attend to these issues when investigating violent murder cases?

Investigation of crimes should progress in a systematic manner. Therefore,

efforts of the police personnel involved in VCI (violent crime investigation) are
categorized and performed by phases. The initial phase in VCI is covered by the first 72
hours of a major case (such as murder or violent kidnapping). The first 72 hours in VCI,
which is crucial, is technically dubbed as the 'Golden Hour'.
If the murder or abduction of a certain person is considered either heinous or
sensational by the PNP, the IOC must immediately request for technical assistance of
the SOCO Team from the local PNP-CLO through the city/provincial police office TOC
(Tactical Operation Center). In instances where the IOC must collect a physical
evidence since it is about to be destroyed or contaminated, he should be guided by a
checklist as mandated by PNP investigation protocols. Only duly-trained investigators
can process the incident scene of major cases as part of VCI.

3.3 - General Investigative Procedures

If you have browsed already the investigation manuals published by the DIDM of our
national police force, you know that there are PNP established procedures in:

1. Receiving complainants
2. Recording incident in police blotter
3. Inter-unit coordination
  a. Investigation by the territorial unit concerned
  b. Activation of the special investigation task force (SITG)
4. Crime scene response procedures
5. Recording the crime scene
6. Searching for evidence
7. Collecting evidence
8. Marking and tagging physical evidence
9. Evaluating evidence
10. Preserving evidence
11. Releasing evidence
12. Maintaining chain of custody
13. Transmitting physical evidence to the CL
14. Arresting criminal suspect/s
15. Booking of arrested suspects
16. Custodial investigation
17. Inquest procedures
18. Search and seizures

What are the guidelines for each of the above-mentioned procedures?

Your main references are PNP Investigation Manual and the PNP Operational
Procedures manual.

These procedures are designed by the PNP in adapting to the current trends in modern
investigation, in line with the PNP-ITP (Integrated Transformation Program) which
seeks to improve and integrate the different manuals used by PNP personnel to serve
as guidein all aspects of police investigation.

RESPONDING TO COMPLAINTS
Upon receiving a walk-in complainant, the DDO (duty desk officer) of the police station that has
territorial jurisdiction on the incident must do the following:
1. Record the time it was reported;
2. Get the identity of the caller/complainant;
3. Get the place of the incident;
4. Get the nature of the incident;
5. Get the number of victim/s;
6. Record a brief synopsis of the incident in the police blotter;
7. Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrol officers or the nearest police precinct to act
as first responders; and
8. Inform the duty investigator.

The first responders should be equipped with ‘police line’ (for secure the place of
incident), voice recorder and camera (for rapid documentation).
Depending on the availability of personnel, the duty investigator should organize
preferably team of investigators to proceed to the incident scene after the first
responders called for back-up.
 

RECORDING COMPLAINTS/INCIDENTS IN POLICE BLOTTER

As a general rule, all crime related incidents must be recorded in the official police
blotter. The PNP police blotter is an 18” x 12” logbook with hard-bound cover that
contains the daily register of all crime incident reports, official summary of arrests, and
other significant events reported in a police station.
The duty officer (DO) at the police station is the one in-charge for recording the nature
of the incident in the police blotter containing the five “W”s (who, what, where, when and
why) and one “H” (how) of the information and inform his superior officer or the duty
officer regarding the occurrence of such incident. In answering the above 5 Ws and 1 H
and the Case  Disposition, all material details about the incident, including the nature of
the action or offense; the DTPO; the names of the suspect/s, the victim/s, the
witness/es, if any; facts of the case; significant circumstances that aggravate or mitigate
the event or the crime should be entered along with the identity of the officer to whom
the case is assigned IOC; and, the status of the case.
Before entry into the blotter book, the (DO) should first evaluate if the report is a crime
incident, arrest or event/activity, which is for records purposes only. If the report is a
crime incident, the DO should accomplish first the Incident Record Form (IRF) from
which the entry in the blotter book and CIRS (Crime Incident Reporting System)  will be
extracted.
Supposedly, each PNP operating unit or police station should maintain and utilize the
CIRS,
an electronic reporting system that facilitates crime documentation, modernizes data
storage and provides quick and reliable transmission of crime-related information from
the PNP local units to the National Headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
All crime incidents whether reported by the victims, witnesses or third parties must be
recorded in the police blotter, even under the following circumstances:

1. When the offender is ill and is unlikely to recover or is too senile or too mentally
disturbed for proceedings to take place;
2. When the complainant or an essential witness is dead and the proceedings cannot
be pursued;
3. When the victim or an essential witness refuses, or is permanently unable to stand
as a witness; and
4. The victim or complainant or witness is a minor.

The police unit with the territorial jurisdiction where the crime was committed shall have
the primary responsibility to record and report the same. If a continuing crime is
committed in various areas of responsibilities, it should be recorded and reported as a
single crime by the unit taking cognizance of the crime.

INTER-UNIT COORDINATION
Many cases of crimes of violence involve cross-jurisdictional pursuit of the suspects. If a
violent incident perpetrated by two or more suspects just happened within a few hours
before it was reported by the police and these suspects are fleeing from the scene using
a get-away vehicle,  police response usually involve hot pursuit. 
Hot pursuit, also known as in the US as fresh pursuit, refers to an immediate, recent
chase or follow-up without material interval for the purpose of taking into custody any
person wanted by virtue of a warrant, or one suspected to have committed a recent
offense while fleeing from one police jurisdictional boundary to another that will normally
require prior official inter-unit coordination but which the pursuing unit cannot, at that
moment, comply due to the urgency of the situation.

The 3 forms of inter-unit coordination that can be used by the PNP in cases of cross-
jurisdictional pursuit of criminal suspects are the following:
1. Personal Coordination or by Official Representative:  Team Leader/s (TL) of local
police units operating outside their territorial jurisdiction and NSUs (National Support
Units) coordinate, personally or through an official representative, with the Police
Regional, Provincial or City Police Office within whose jurisdiction the operation is to
be conducted.

2. Coordination by Filing Coordination Form:  Prior to the launching of the operation,

except in cases where the formal (in writing) inter-unit coordination cannot be made
due to the nature and/or urgency of the situation such as, but not limited to, cross-
jurisdictional pursuit operations, the coordination should be made formally using the
prescribed Coordination Form, which shall be fi led with the concerned operation
center of the Police Regional, Provincial or City Office.

3. Coordination by Practical/Available Means of Communication:  In cases where

formal inter-unit coordination is not feasible, the Police Unit concerned shall
endeavor to notify the territorial police office through any practical/available means
of communication at anytime during the operation and, if not possible, should
accomplish and furnish the territorial police office a written incident report
immediately after the termination of the operation.

A major case occurred near the boundary of Tuba, Benguet and Baguio City. According
to witnesses, a riding in tandem shot their 2 victims along the highway within Baguio
City and fled towards Tuba. Personnel from BCPO responded immediately and
conducted hot-pursuit operation. While the hot-pursuit operation is going on, the BCPO
director decided to activate a SITG to handle the major case. The activation of SITG to
deal with this case will facilitate the coordination of police units that will help in pursuing
the suspects who could be crossing municipal or event provincial boundaries.

Who will be the members of the SITG?

Draft the organizational chart that will show the police units/offices composing the SITG.

3.4 - Crime Scene Security & Preservation

The concepts and principles discussed in this module are intended in dealing with
violent murder cases. While reading  and doing the learning tasks in this section,
consider yourself as a FR (first responder) in a violent crime scene.
Most cases of suspicious deaths are classified as potential murder case.  In such cases,
your actions as the FR attending the scene are critical to the investigation. Studies show
that initial actions at the murder scene often involve 'weak-spots' which are tantamount
to investigation oversights. In many instances, a weak-spot simply entail police
personnel failing to adhere to procedures to minimize contamination such as controlling
access to the scene thru a specific route.
The FRs are the police officers who were dispatched by a local police station after
receiving an incident/flash/alarm report and that they were the first to arrive at the
incident scene. Immediately after verifying that the report received by their police station
is true, their primary responsibility is crime scene security and preservation. 
In securing and preserving scenes of violent incidents, the FRs should consider the
following:

 Take appropriate actions to any injured persons.

 Cordon off the scene of incident.
 Manage witnesses discreetly.
 Avoid contamination of the crime scene and the things found therein.
 Protect and collect evidence.

Hence, if you are the police officers who arrive first at any violent crime scene, your 4
main tasks are as follows:

1. Give first aid to any injured person.

2. Apprehend the suspected offender if still present at the scene.
3. Protect any obvious physical evidence at the scene, and if necessary document then
collect  fragile physical evidence and "hot items".
4. Cordon off a sufficiently large area of the scene and protect it.

As FRs, remember that rendering assistance to any injured person must precede other
law enforcement actions. If necessary, arrange for the transportation of injured person
to the nearest hospital. In case a severely wounded person is found at the scene,
prepare to take his/her dying declaration.
Your main duty after giving first aid if necessary, is to secure and protect the scene.
Protecting and collecting trace evidence involves a number of different measures that
will vary from one scene to another. You should primarily protect the crime scene and
preserve evidence and, secondly, collect evidence that might otherwise be destroyed.
One important measure when it comes to ensuring that evidence is not lost is to avoid
contamination.
As FRs tasked to secure and protect a scene of violent crime, you must do the
following:
1. Conduct a preliminary evaluation of the scene upon arrival.
2. Cordon off the scene with whatever available materials like ropes, straws, human
barricade, police line, wood and chain. Prevent entry/exit of unauthorized persons
within the cordoned area.
3. Document appearance of the scene and take note of names of possible witnesses
or suspects.
4. Stay at the vicinity of the scene until IOC arrives. Brief the IOC on the situation upon
arrival and assist him in the maintenance of security, crowd control, preservation of
evidence and custody of witness/suspects until such time the investigation is
completed and temporarily turned over to the local COP for the continuance of crime
scene security.

According to the PNP Investigation Protocols, what are the duties of the first police
officers who arrived at a crime scene?
1. First Responder:
a. The first Police Officers to arrive at the crime scene are the FRs who were dispatched
by the local police station/unit concerned after receipt of incident/flash/alarm report;

b. Immediately, the FR shall conduct a preliminary evaluation of the crime scene. This
evaluation should include the scope of the incident, emergency services required, scene safety
concerns, administration of life saving measures, and establishment of security and control of the
scene;

c. The FR is mandated to save and preserve life by giving the necessary first aid measures
to the injured and their medical evacuation as necessary. The FR shall likewise secure and
preserve the crime scene by cordoning the area to prevent unauthorized entry of persons;

d. The FR shall take the dying declaration of severely injured person/s, if any. The FR
shall make the initial assessment on whether a crime has actually been committed and shall
conduct the preliminary interview of witnesses to determine what and how the crime was
committed;

e. If and when there is a suspect present in the area, the first responder shall arrest, detain
and remove the suspect from the area; and

f. The FR, upon the arrival of the IOC, shall turn-over the crime scene to the duty
investigator/IOC after the former has briefed the investigator of the situation. The FR shall
prepare and submit the CSI Form “1” - First Responders Report to the IOC and be prepared to
assist the IOC in the investigation.
Why should FRs conduct a preliminary evaluation of the scene before doing life-saving
measures? What are the specific maters to be evaluated?
b. Immediately, the FR shall conduct a preliminary evaluation of the crime scene. This
evaluation should include the scope of the incident, emergency services required, scene safety
concerns, administration of life saving measures, and establishment of security and control of the
scene;

When and why is it necessary for the FRs to do life-saving measures?

c. The FR is mandated to save and preserve life by giving the necessary first aid measures to the
injured and their medical evacuation as necessary. The FR shall likewise secure and preserve the
crime scene by cordoning the area to prevent unauthorized entry of persons;

RESPONSIBILITIES OF FIRST RESPONDERS

To reiterate and summarize what you already know about your duties and
responsibilities as FRs at the scene of violent crimes, take note the following specific
actions/steps:

1. Give first aid to injured person/s. Immediately request for assistance from medical
experts.
2. Decide whether a crime has been committed.
3. Apprehend the suspected offender if still present at the scene. Take into account
possible entry points, route of escape or hiding place of perpetrator/s.
4. Cordon off a sufficiently large area around the scene. 
5. Do not let anyone enter the cordoned area. This applies to other police officers
unless they have special reason for being there.
6. Protect the crime scene from alteration and contamination.
7. Write down the names of all the persons at the scene and where they can be
contacted in the next few hours. Remove them from the scene.
8. Inform your superior officer responsible for deciding on who is to carry out the
investigation and call in reinforcements to the scene. This officer is usually the COP
(in a local police station or in a MPO) or the PD (in a city or district police office).
9. If shots have been fired, secure any evidence of primer particles and/or gunpowder
residue on the hands of victim/s and suspect/s.
10. If any person has been taken to the hospital, see to it that a police officer is sent to
the hospital to take the necessary measures.
11. Photograph, and if appropriate video record, the crime scene and the adjacent area,
including the people hanging around the scene.
12. Make a note of the measures that are taken and the persons who enter the crime
scene. Take note of the specific time of important events and observations.
13. Take control of the scene until the arrival of the designated IOC.
14. Turn over the scene to the IOC after briefing him/her about the situation.
15. Stay at the vicinity of the scene to assist in the security maintenance, crowd control,
preservation of evidence and custody of witness/suspects.
16. Prepare and submit the CSI Form #1 (First Responder's Report) to the IOC.

APPREHENDING SUSPECTS
In responding to a very recent incident, you must take measures to apprehend the
perpetrator if possible. Conduct initial interview of all the people at the incident scene to
gather information for any information that may serve as investigative leads or establish
the facts of the case.

If information is forthcoming in the form of description, escape route, etc., take

actions accordingly. Pass the information passed to the local or regional police
operation centers. Persons at the crime scene who claim to be witnesses may in fact be
involved in the incident as principals, accomplices or accessories.

If a suspect was arrested by other people at the scene, do the following:

1. Get the names of the persons who turned-over or arrested the suspect;
2. Isolate the arrested suspect/s and separate him/her from any probable witness of
the incident;
3. Record what time the suspect was arrested;
4. If the suspect volunteers any statement, take note of the time, location and
circumstances of the statements; and 
5. Wait for the investigator to question the suspect.

RESPONDING TO INJURED PERSONS

As FRs, you are mandated to save and preserve life by giving the necessary first aid to
the injured person/s. Included in that mandate is to arrange for medical evacuation
immediately as necessary.

If the injured person is not in serious condition, do the following:

1. Provide the necessary first aid depending on his/her condition.

2. Document his/her appearance and location.
3. Conduct initial interview. Get his/her identity and other personal data.
4. Bring him/her immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency vehicle.

If the injured person at the scene is in serious condition, do the following:

1. Provide the necessary first aid depending on his/her condition.

2. Photograph immediately his/her appearance and location.
3. If his/her condition is fatal and moving the body is not possible, get his/her 'dying
declaration'.
4. Wait for EMS personnel or paramedics.

What is this so-called 'dying declaration'?

A statement by a person who is conscious and knows that death is imminent concerning what he or she b
elieves to be the cause or circumstances of death that can be introduced into evidence during a trial in ce
rtain cases.
A dying declaration is considered credible and trustworthy evidence based upon the general belief that m
ost people who know that they are about to die do not lie. As a result, it is an exception to the Hearsay rul
e, which prohibits the use of a statement made by someone other than the person who repeats it while te
stifying during a trial, because of its inherent untrustworthiness. If the person who made the dying declara
tion had the slightest hope of recovery, no matter how unreasonable, the statement is not admissible into 
evidence. A person who makes a dying declaration must, however, be competent at the time he or she m
akes a statement, otherwise, it is inadmissible.
A dying declaration is usually introduced by the prosecution, but can be used on behalf of the accused.
As a general rule, courts refuse to admit dying declarations in civil cases, even those for Wrongful
Death, or in criminal actions for crimes other than the Homicide of the decedent.

When are the legal requisites of a dying declaration'?

- Requisites. In order that a dying declaration may be admissible, the following
requisites must concur; 1.) it must concern the crime involved in and the circumstances
surrounding the declarant’s death; 2.) at the time of the declaration, the declarant must
be conscious of impending death; 3.) the declarant must be competent as a witness;
and 4.) the declaration must be offered in a criminal case for homicide, murder, or
parricide in which the declarant was the victim.

What are the 3 standard questions that first responders should use in taking a ‘dying
declaration?
1. Ano ang pangalan at address mo?
2. Kilala mo ba ang gumawa nito sa iyo?
3. Sa pakiramdam mo ba ay ikakamatay mo ang tinamo mong mga sugat?

What are the specific information that should be integrated in a victim's statement to
qualify as 'dying declaration'?