Republic of the Philippines

PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY

Camarines Sur

Lagonoy Campus
Module 2
Crime scene Protection and Preservation

Name of Student:_________________________ Week Number: 2 - 3____________

Course Code: ISM25________________________ Name of Faculty: HARRY M. CALALO
Course Title: Crime Scene Protection and Preservation

I. Objectives

 Understand the Importance of Crime Scene Protection and Preservation

 Define what is Crime Scene
 Identify the types of Evidence
 Discuss the overview of Crime Scene Protection, Preservation and Processing.

II. Lesson

INTRODUCTION
CRIME SCENE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
Actions taken at the outset of an investigation at a crime scene can play a pivotal role in the
resolution of a case. Careful, thorough investigation is key to ensure that potential physical evidence
is not tainted or destroyed or potential witnesses overlooked. (Janet Reno).
Physical evidence has the potential to play a critical role in the overall investigation and resolution of
a suspected criminal act. Realization of this potential depends on actions taken early in the criminal
investigation at the crime scene. Developments in technology and improvements in the analysis and
interpretation of physical evidence recovered from crime scenes will place even greater importance
on properly documented and preserved evidence.
An important factor influencing the ultimate legal significance of this scientific evidence is that
investigators follow an objective, thorough, and thoughtful approach. The goal of this process is to
recognize and preserve physical evidence that will yield reliable information to aid in the investigation.
Investigators should approach the crime scene investigation as if it will be their only opportunity to
preserve and recover these physical clues.
They should consider other case information or statements from witnesses or suspects carefully in
their objective assessment of the scene. Investigations may change course a number of times during
such an inquiry and physical clues, initially thought irrelevant, may become crucial to a successful
resolution of the case. It is recognized that all crime scenes are unique.
The judgment of the investigator on the scene, with the assistance of other responders, such as the
prosecutor, should be given deference in the implementation of this guide. It is impossible to propose
a single, step-by-step procedure to approach every type of situation. There are, however,
fundamental principles of investigating a crime scene and preserving evidence that 1should be
practiced in every case.

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 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

Forensic Science "Wherever he steps, wherever he touches, whatever he leaves, even without
consciousness, will serve as a silent witness against him his fingerprints or his footprints, but hi hair,
the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the
blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more, bear mute witness against him. This is
evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent
because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot
perjure itself, it cannot be wholly absent. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can
diminish its value." Dr. Edmond Locard (13 December 1877 - 4 May 1966)

CRIME SCENE VOCABULARIES

CRIME SCENE - Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having
occurred.
PRIMARY CRIME SCENE - The original location of a crime or accident.
SECONDARY CRIME SCENE - An alternate location where additional evidence may be found.
SUSPECT: Person thought to be capable of committing a crime.
ACCOMPLICE - Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime.
ALIBI - Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime.
TYPES OF EVIDENCES
Testimonial evidence includes oral or written statements given to police as well as court testimony
by people who witnessed an event.
Physical evidence refers to any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the
victims, or found in a suspect's possession.
Trace evidence refers to physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as
strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells.
CRIME SCENE PRESERVATION
CRIME SCENE PROTOCOL
Step 1: Interview The first step in Investigating a crime scene is to interview the first officer at the
scene or the victim to determine what allegedly happened, what crime took place, and how was the
crime committed. This information may not be factual information but it will give the investigators a
place to start.
Step 2: Examine scene, which will help identify possible evidence. The second step in the
investigation of a crime identity, the point of entry and point of exit. I outline the general layout of the
crime scene (к),
Step 3: Document The third step in the protocol involves creating a pictorial record of the scene as
well as a rough sketch to demonstrate the layout of the crime scene and to identify the exact position
of the deceased victim or other evidence within the crime scene.
Step 4: Process This is the last step in the protocol. The crime scene technician will process the
crime scene for evidence, both physical and testimonial evidence. It is the crime scene technicians
responsibility to identify, evaluate and collect physical evidence from the crime scene for further
analysis by a crime laboratory.
INVESTIGATING THE EVIDENCE

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 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

Drug Chemistry - Determines the presence of controlled substances and the identification of
marijuana.
Trace Chemistry - Identification and comparison of materials from fires, explosions, paints, and
glass. Microscopy Microscopic identification and comparison of evidence, such as hairs, fibers,
woods, soils, building materials, insulation and other materials. Biology/DNA - Analysis of body fluids
and dried stains such as blood, semen, and saliva.Toxicology Tests body fluids and tissue determine
the presence of drugs and poisons.
• Latent Prints Identification and comparison of fingerprints or other hidden impressions from sources
like feet, shoes, ears, lips or the tread on vehicle tires Ballistics (Firearms) Study of bullets and
ammunition through the comparison of fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns on
people and objects.
• Tool marks -- Examines marks left by tools on objects at a crime scene or on a victim, such as a
hammer used to break a door or a screwdriver used to pick a lock.
• Questioned Documents Examination of documents to compare handwriting, ink, paper, writing
instruments, printers, and other characteristics that would help to identify its origin.
A. SECURING THE CRIME SCENE
The first Security Officer to arrive at the crime scene has the critical task of securing the crime scene
 Protect the crime scene to preserve its physical aspects. Prevent unauthorized intrusions and
protect the scene from change. Prevent unneeded movement of physical
 Rope off / cord the entrances and exits. Post guards to control the spectators
 Reroute the traffic.
 Cover the fragile evidences and areas.
B. PRESERVING THE SCENE.
The steps needed to protect the scene should begin as you: Give aid to the injured or examine the
dean. Prevent unneeded walking about.
 Avoid touching door, door knobs, light switches, floors and windows.
 Avoid using telephone or smoking at the scene.
 Do not use the toilet, turn on the water, or use towels at the crime scene. Do not move or
disturb the body of the deceased person. Usually, you cover the body only after it has been
fully processed for evidences. Do not touch items or surface that are likely to yield latent
(hidden) fingerprints. Do not allow any item to be removed from the scene without specific
permission from the crime scene investigator. Helping victims, apprehending witnesses, and
requesting needed assistance. Ensure that the victims and witnesses are treated with dignity
and consideration.
 Keep the suspects and witnesses separated if possible. • Do not discuss the crime with
witnesses and bystanders. • Set up a briefing area for officials who arrive at the scene.
 Make note of certain details.
SOMETHINGS TO TAKE NOTE
 Time of the crime committed
 Time when the Security were first called
 Time when the Security arrived at the scene
 Note the weather condition, e.g. Rain, snow, fog and wind. . Note the humidity (wetness or
moisture) factor, visible air pollution.
 Note the temperature inside or outside
 Note weather the ground is wet or dry
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 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

C. SEARCHING THE SCENE

Think of the crime as highly dynamic. It is underdoing changes. Usually there is only one chance to
search a scene properly.
 Pay attention to apparent physical focal point or points of the crime scene in this information
change.
 Your key action on this stage of the search to observe and record Obtain statement from the
witnesses.
 f the search is to be lenghty, set aside the area. Note the obvious items of evidence to be
collected. • Searchers must be breifed thoroughly.
 Everybody must refrain from touching or moving any item.
 The person finding the evidence, must immediately tell the person in charge of the search
about the find. The person finding the evidence must protect the area until an investigator
arrives,
 A competent search of a crime scene demands close attention to detail.
 A successful crime scene search produces a comprehensive and non destructive
accumulation of all available physical evidence within a reasonable period of time. You can
search a scene using one or more of the four methods; the spiral search, grid search, strip
search, and the zone search or quadrant search.
Why Crime Scene Is Important The Identity of the Victim...
 The How, What and Why... Mental Culpability...
 Who is (are) the Offender(s). Evidence. The First Steps The first officer to arrive at the scene
is responsible for securing the crime scene. First priority should be given to obtaining medical
assistance for individuals in need of it and to arresting the perpetrator.
 As soon as it is possible, extensive efforts must be made to exclude all unauthorized
personnel from the scene. Once the scene is secured, the preliminary exam must begin
 Recording of the crime scene becomes a critical piece to the investigation process.

III. Activities

 Define the following:

a. Crime Scene -
b. Suspect -
c. Accomplice -
d. Alibi –
e. Testimonial Evidence –
f. Physical Evidence –
g. Trace Evidence-

IV. Assessment

 Discuss the importance of Crime Scene Protection and Preservation in the Law Enforcement
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

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 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Camarines Sur

 Choose from the following to discuss; Crime Scene Preservation, Securing the Crime Scene,
Preserving the Scene and Searching the Scene.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

V. Suggested References

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Mf_JTkVMGVrFOZblu5h2pzMpeUSwwcRakTGsD03A_GAavc7o8A

Prepared by: Reviewed by: Approved by:

HARRY M. CALALO SHEEHENNA B. PETEZA, M.S CRIM SHIRLENE S. ESPLANA, Ph.D

FACULTY PROGRAM DIRECTOR CAMPUS DEAN