2.

SPECIALIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION - 1 with LEGAL MEDICINE

(2%)

INTRODUCTION

Special Crime Investigation

- It is a special study of modern techniques in the investigation of serious and
specific crime. This focus on
specific crimes which by their nature are difficult and complex to investigate.
The following are some examples of cases subject to special crime investigation:
1. Robbery
2. Arson
3. Kidnapping
4. Abortion
5. Rape
6. Murder
7. Homicide
8. Carnapping
9. Criminal negligence, Hit and Run cases
10. Bombing
11. Swindling
Criminal Investigation
- Is both a science and art in conducting inquiry pertaining to crime or
offense in consonance with legal
procedures to establish the truth for the interest of justice and equity.
Criminal Investigator
- A public safety officer who is tasked to conduct investigation of all criminal
cases as provided and embodied
for under the Revised Penal Code or criminal law of the country, and other special laws
which are criminal in
nature. A well trained, well discipline and well experienced in the field of criminal
investigation duties and
responsibilities.
Special Crime Investigation
- It is a special study of modern techniques in the investigation of serious and specific
crime. This focus on specific crimes which by their nature are difficult and complex to
investigate.
The following are some examples of cases subject to special crime investigation:
1. Robbery
2. Arson
3. Kidnapping
4. Abortion
5. Rape
6. Murder
7. Homicide
8. Carnapping
9. Criminal negligence, Hit and Run cases
10. Bombing
11. Swindling

Criminal Investigation
- Is both a science and art in conducting inquiry pertaining to crime or offense
in consonance with legal procedures to establish the truth for the interest of justice
and equity.

Criminal Investigator
- A public safety officer who is tasked to conduct investigation of all criminal cases as
provided and embodied for under the Revised Penal Code or criminal law of the
country, and other special laws which are criminal in nature. A well trained, well
discipline and well experienced in the field of criminal investigation duties and
responsibilities.

2.1 Principles, techniques, methods and legal requirements of the

following; Crime Scene search for each Crime falling under Crime
against persons of the Revised Penal Code and relevant Special Penal
Laws;

CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

Chapter One
DESTRUCTION OF LIFE

Article 246. Parricide. - Any person who shall kill his father, mother, or child, whether
legitimate or illegitimate, or any of his ascendants, or descendants, or his spouse, shall
be guilty of parricide and shall be punished by the penalty of reclusion perpetua to
death.

Article 247. Death or physical injuries inflicted under exceptional circumstances. - Any

legally married person who having surprised his spouse in the act of committing sexual
intercourse with another person, shall kill any of them or both of them in the act or
immediately thereafter, or shall inflict upon them any serious physical injury, shall suffer
the penalty of destierro.

If he shall inflict upon them physical injuries of any other kind, he shall be exempt from
punishment.

These rules shall be applicable, under the same circumstances, to parents with respect
to their daughters under eighteen years of age, and their seducer, while the daughters
are living with their parents.

Any person who shall promote or facilitate the prostitution of his wife or daughter, or
shall otherwise have consented to the infidelity of the other spouse shall not be entitled
to the benefits of this article.

Article 248. Murder. - Any person who, not falling within the provisions of Article 246
shall kill another, shall be guilty of murder and shall be punished by reclusion temporal
in its maximum period to death, if committed with any of the following attendant
circumstances:

1. With treachery, taking advantage of superior strength, with the aid of armed
men, or employing means to weaken the defense or of means or persons to
insure or afford impunity.

2. In consideration of a price, reward, or promise.

3. By means of inundation, fire, poison, explosion, shipwreck, stranding of a

vessel, derailment or assault upon a street car or locomotive, fall of an airship, by
means of motor vehicles, or with the use of any other means involving great
waste and ruin.

4. On occasion of any of the calamities enumerated in the preceding paragraph,

or of an earthquake, eruption of a volcano, destructive cyclone, epidemic or other
public calamity.

5. With evident premeditation.

6. With cruelty, by deliberately and inhumanly augmenting the suffering of the

victim, or outraging or scoffing at his person or corpse.
Article 249. Homicide. - Any person who, not falling within the provisions of Article 246,
shall kill another without the attendance of any of the circumstances enumerated in the
next preceding article, shall be deemed guilty of homicide and be punished by reclusion
temporal.

Article 250. Penalty for frustrated parricide, murder or homicide. - The courts, in view of
the facts of the case, may impose upon the person guilty of the frustrated crime of
parricide, murder or homicide, defined and penalized in the preceding articles, a penalty
lower by one degree than that which should be imposed under the provision of Article
50.

The courts, considering the facts of the case, may likewise reduce by one degree the
penalty which under Article 51 should be imposed for an attempt to commit any of such
crimes.

Article 251. Death caused in a tumultuous affray. - When, while several persons, not
composing groups organized for the common purpose of assaulting and attacking each
other reciprocally, quarrel and assault each other in a confused and tumultuous manner,
and in the course of the affray someone is killed, and it cannot be ascertained who
actually killed the deceased, but the person or persons who inflicted serious physical
injuries can be identified, such person or persons shall be punished by prision mayor.

If it cannot be determined who inflicted the serious physical injuries on the deceased,
the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed
upon all those who shall have used violence upon the person of the victim.

Article 252. Physical injuries inflicted in a tumultuous affray. - When in a tumultuous

affray as referred to in the preceding article, only serious physical injuries are inflicted
upon the participants thereof and the person responsible thereof cannot be identified, all
those who appear to have used violence upon the person of the offended party shall
suffer the penalty next lower in degree than that provided for the physical injuries so
inflicted.

When the physical injuries inflicted are of a less serious nature and the person
responsible therefor cannot be identified, all those who appear to have used any
violence upon the person of the offended party shall be punished by arresto mayor from
five to fifteen days.

Article 253. Giving assistance to suicide. - Any person who shall assist another to
commit suicide shall suffer the penalty of prision mayor; if such person leads his
assistance to another to the extent of doing the killing himself, he shall suffer the penalty
of reclusion temporal.

However, if the suicide is not consummated, the penalty of arresto mayor in its medium
and maximum periods, shall be imposed.
Article 254. Discharge of firearms. - Any person who shall shoot at another with any
firearm shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium
periods, unless the facts of the case are such that the act can be held to constitute
frustrated or attempted parricide, murder, homicide or any other crime for which a
higher penalty is prescribed by any of the articles of this Code.

Section Two. - Infanticide and abortion.

Article 255. Infanticide. - The penalty provided for parricide in Article 246 and for
murder in Article 248 shall be imposed upon any person who shall kill any child less
than three days of age.

If the crime penalized in this article be committed by the mother of the child for the
purpose of concealing her dishonor, she shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional
in its medium and maximum periods, and if said crime be committed for the same
purpose by the maternal grandparents or either of them, the penalty shall be prision
mayor.

Article 256. Intentional abortion. - Any person who shall intentionally cause an abortion
shall suffer:

1. The penalty of reclusion temporal, if he shall use any violence upon the person
of the pregnant woman.

2. The penalty of prision mayor if, without using violence, he shall act without the
consent of the woman.

3. The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods, if the
woman shall have consented.

Article 257. Unintentional abortion. - The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum

and medium period shall be imposed upon any person who shall cause an abortion by
violence, but unintentionally.

Article 258. Abortion practiced by the woman herself of by her parents. - The penalty of
prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed upon a
woman who shall practice abortion upon herself or shall consent that any other person
should do so.

Any woman who shall commit this offense to conceal her dishonor, shall suffer the
penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods.

If this crime be committed by the parents of the pregnant woman or either of them, and
they act with the consent of said woman for the purpose of concealing her dishonor, the
offenders shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum
periods.
Article 259. Abortion practiced by a physician or midwife and dispensing of abortives. -
The penalties provided in Article 256 shall be imposed in its maximum period,
respectively, upon any physician or midwife who, taking advantage of their scientific
knowledge or skill, shall cause an abortion or assist in causing the same.

Any pharmacist who, without the proper prescription from a physician, shall dispense
any abortive shall suffer arresto mayor and a fine not exceeding 1,000 pesos.

Section Three. - Duel

Article 260. Responsibility of participants in a duel. - The penalty of reclusion temporal

shall be imposed upon any person who shall kill his adversary in a duel.

If he shall inflict upon the latter physical injuries only, he shall suffer the penalty
provided therefor, according to their nature.

In any other case, the combatants shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor, although no
physical injuries have been inflicted.

The seconds shall in all events be punished as accomplices.

Article 261. Challenging to a duel. - The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum

period shall be imposed upon any person who shall challenge another, or incite another
to give or accept a challenge to a duel, or shall scoff at or decry another publicly for
having refused to accept a challenge to fight a duel.

Chapter Two
PHYSICAL INJURIES

Article 262. Mutilation. - The penalty of reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua shall

be imposed upon any person who shall intentionally mutilate another by depriving him,
either totally or partially, or some essential organ of reproduction.

Any other intentional mutilation shall be punished by prision mayor in its medium and
maximum periods.

Article 263. Serious physical injuries. - Any person who shall wound, beat, or assault
another, shall be guilty of the crime of serious physical injuries and shall suffer:

1. The penalty of prision mayor, if in consequence of the physical injuries

inflicted, the injured person shall become insane, imbecile, impotent, or blind;

2. The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods, if in

consequence of the physical injuries inflicted, the person injured shall have lost
the use of speech or the power to hear or to smell, or shall have lost an eye, a
hand, a foot, an arm, or a leg or shall have lost the use of any such member, or
 shall have become incapacitated for the work in which he was therefor habitually
engaged;

3. The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods, if in

consequence of the physical injuries inflicted, the person injured shall have
become deformed, or shall have lost any other part of his body, or shall have lost
the use thereof, or shall have been ill or incapacitated for the performance of the
work in which he as habitually engaged for a period of more than ninety days;

4. The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in

its minimum period, if the physical injuries inflicted shall have caused the illness
or incapacity for labor of the injured person for more than thirty days.

If the offense shall have been committed against any of the persons enumerated in
Article 246, or with attendance of any of the circumstances mentioned in Article 248, the
case covered by subdivision number 1 of this Article shall be punished by reclusion
temporal in its medium and maximum periods; the case covered by subdivision number
2 by prision correccional in its maximum period to prision mayor in its minimum period;
the case covered by subdivision number 3 by prision correccional in its medium and
maximum periods; and the case covered by subdivision number 4 by prision
correccional in its minimum and medium periods.

The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not be applicable to a parent who shall
inflict physical injuries upon his child by excessive chastisement.

Article 264. Administering injurious substances or beverages. - The penalties

established by the next preceding article shall be applicable in the respective case to
any person who, without intent to kill, shall inflict upon another any serious, physical
injury, by knowingly administering to him any injurious substance or beverages or by
taking advantage of his weakness of mind or credulity.

Article 265. Less serious physical injuries. - Any person who shall inflict upon another
physical injuries not described in the preceding articles, but which shall incapacitate the
offended party for labor for ten days or more, or shall require medical assistance for the
same period, shall be guilty of less serious physical injuries and shall suffer the penalty
of arresto mayor.

Whenever less serious physical injuries shall have been inflicted with the manifest intent
to kill or offend the injured person, or under circumstances adding ignominy to the
offense in addition to the penalty of arresto mayor, a fine not exceeding 500 pesos shall
be imposed.

Any less serious physical injuries inflicted upon the offender's parents, ascendants,
guardians, curators, teachers, or persons of rank, or persons in authority, shall be
punished by prision correccional in its minimum and medium periods, provided that, in
the case of persons in authority, the deed does not constitute the crime of assault upon
such person.

Article 266. Slight physical injuries and maltreatment. - The crime of slight physical
injuries shall be punished:

1. By arresto menor when the offender has inflicted physical injuries which shall
incapacitate the offended party for labor from one to nine days, or shall require
medical attendance during the same period.

2. By arresto menor or a fine not exceeding 20 pesos and censure when the
offender has caused physical injuries which do not prevent the offended party
from engaging in his habitual work nor require medical assistance.

3. By arresto menor in its minimum period or a fine not exceeding 50 pesos when
the offender shall ill-treat another by deed without causing any injury.

Aquino, R. C.(1930).Revised Penal Code : Act no. 3815. Manila Central Book Supply.
Retrieved from https://lawphil.net/statutes/acts/act_3815_1930.html

Principles
GENERAL PRINCIPLES 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 his guilt.
In the performance of his duties, the investigator must seek to establish the six
(6) cardinal points of investigation, namely:
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.
Principles of Crime Scene Investigation
The key principle underlying crime scene investigation is a concept that has become
known as Locard’s Exchange Principle. It states that whenever someone enters or
exits an environment, something physical is added to and removed from the scene. This
principle is generally summed up by stating: “Every contact leaves a trace.”
 The logic behind this principle allows investigators to link suspects to victims, to
physical objects, and to scenes. Any evidence that can link a person to the scene
is referred to as associative evidence. This may include items such as
fingerprints, blood and bodily fluids, weapons, hair, fibers and the like. This
type of evidence answers the question “Who did this?”
Associative evidence - links people to the place of the crime
 Reconstructive evidence - allows investigators to gain an understanding of the
actions that took place at the scene. A broken window, a blood spatter pattern,
bullet paths and shoe prints can all reveal what actually happened. This type of
evidence answers the question, “How did it happen?”

 To help establish the linkage of people and things to a scene, the investigator may
also collect known substances, called control samples. These can be items such
as fibers from carpeting at the scene, glass fragments, soil, vegetation and
other trace evidence.

Eliminating people who could not be the perpetrator is also important. Control samples
of fingerprints and DNA are often collected from any person(s) who have access to the
scene who are not considered suspects.

Gauging the Value of Evidence

It is unique - If an item is found that helps narrow the possibilities of who might be
considered a suspect, or the manner in which a crime was committed, this evidence
would be of use. Is an impression from a vehicle tire found in the dirt at the scene? The
tread impression can be compared to others to determine the type of tire that was on
the car. Is a shoe print left in the soil? The tread may help to identify the size and type of
shoes it came from and the wear pattern could be used to match it to a specific pair.
Learn more about footwear impressions and tire tracks.
The hand of an apparently unconcious person lying next to a firearm with a crime
scene marker numbered five
It has a low probability of occurring by chance - Considering the mathematical
probabilities will help to determine the odds that a piece of physical evidence found at
the scene could appear merely by coincidence. If DNA evidence found at the scene
matches a suspect, the chances are exceedingly low that another person could have
left this sample. But even evidence that has a much higher probability—for instance, a
common type of shoeprint that is left in the soil—is still valuable. When combined with
other high probability evidence, these can help narrow the list of possible parties and
build a compelling case.
It is inconsistent - If an item is found that is out of place or inconsistent with the
setting, or is out of character for the victim—for instance if the victim was a non-smoker
but a cigarette butt is found at the scene—this could be an important bit of evidence.
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.

Adams, T; Krutsinger, J.(2000). Crime Scene Investigation.

Forensicsciencesimplified.org. Retrieved from
https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/csi/resources.html

Techniques
Processing the Crime Scene
In an Organized approach to Crime Scene Investigations there are three (3) basic and
simple stages in properly processing the crime scene . Those stages consist of Scene
Recognition, Scene Documentation and Evidence Collection. An organized approach is
a sequence of established and excepted duties and protocols.

An organized approach assures:

 a thorough and legal search is conducted.
 expeditious processing without compromise.
 proper scene documentation.
 proper methods and techniques for evidence recovery.
 proper use and knowledge of resources and equipment.
 all pertinent evidence recovery.
 proper handling and packaging of evidence.
 proper distribution points for evidence analysis.
 proper safety precautions are followed.

Scene Recognition
The recognition or discovery of evidence begins with the initial search of the scene. The
search can be defined as the organized and legal examination of the crime scene to
locate items of evidence to the crime under investigation. There are several search
methods or patterns applied in an organized search. Factors such as the number of
searchers, the size of the area to be searched, the terrain, etc. are used to determine
the method or pattern to be employed in the crime scene search.
Since most investigations start with very limited information, care and common sense
are necessary to minimize the chances of destroying evidence. A plan of operation is
developed and initiated from an initial walk through of the scene. The plan is to decide
what evidence may be present, what evidence may be fragile and need to be collected
as soon as possible. What resources, equipment, and assistance are necessary for the
processing. Consideration of hazards or safety conditions may need to be addressed.

Scene Documentation
In the documentation stage of an organized approach for processing the crime scene all
functions have to correspond and be consistent in depicting the crime scene. The final
results of a properly documented crime scene is the ability of others to take your
finished work and reconstruction the events that occurred at the scene and your court
room presentation. In the Scene Documentation stage there are three simple steps to
properly document the crime scene.
 Written notes and reports.
 Photographs.
 Sketching.
Reports
Each method is important in the proper documenting of a crime scene. The notes and
reports should be done in a chronological order and should include no opinions, no
analysis, or no conclusion. Just the facts. The scene should be documented just as the
investigator sees it.
Photographs
The photographs should be taken as soon as possible, to depict the scene as it is
observed before anything is handled, moved, or initiated into the scene. The
photographs allow a visual permanent record of the crime scene and items of evidence
collected from the crime scene. There are three positions or views that the crime scene
investigator needs to achieve with the photographs. Those views consist of overall
scene photographs showing the most view possible of the scene, mid-range
photographs showing the relationships of items and a close up of the item of evidence.
A close up should be taken of items that have serial numbers, tags and vin's. All
stationary evidence where the photograph will be used to assist in the analytical
process should be taken using a tripod with the proper lighting techniques for creating
any needed shadows. A second photograph adding a measuring devise should be
taken of items where the photo will assist in the analytical process.
Sketching a crime scene
Sketches are used along with the reports and photographs to document the scene. A
crime scene sketch is simply a drawing that accurately shows the appearance of a
crime scene. The sketch is simply drawn to show items, the position and relationship of
items. It does not have to be an architectural drawing made to a scale, however it must
include exact measurements where needed. The advantage of a sketch is that it can
cover a large area and be drawn to leave out clutter that would appear in photographs.

Evidence Collection
The evidence collection or recovery step in crime scene processing is the methods,
techniques, and procedures used in retrieving evidence. Patience and care are very
important at the crime scene. The investigator should take the proper time and care in
processing the scene. The work is tedious and time consuming.
Teamwork in crime scene investigations is essential. The entire investigation may
involve many people from different organizations. Each individual has a vital role in the
investigation process. Continual communication among all parties involved is
paramount.

Byrd, M. (2005). Duty Description for the Crime Scene Investigator. Crime-Scene-
Investigator.net. Retrieved from
https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/dutydescription.html

Methods of Crime Scene Search

Irrespective of the type of crime scene, the investigator has to decide the appropriate
method immediately, without delay, so as to collect the evidences in the intact form as
far as possible. Following are the basic search methods, usually commissioned on the
crime scene:

1. Zonal Method
2. Strip Method
3. Line Search
4. Grid Method
5. Spiral Method (Outward Spiral & Inward Spiral)
6. Wheel Search Method
7. Random Search

 Zonal Method: In this method the crime scene is virtually divided into different zones.
The number of zones depends upon the size and complexity of the crime scene. This
method can be applicable to both indoor and outdoor crime scenes. Different people will
be employed in individual zones, and will search their zones thoroughly for the
evidences normally as well as using different techniques (UV/IR/Video). After searching
in their own zones, the zones will be exchanged to check the accuracy and double
check for any missing items. This method cannot be applicable on very squeezed and
complex crime scenes like elevators, lift shafts, or stairs.
 Strip or Parallel Method: In this method the virtual strips or line are being imagined to
walk through on the crime scene and look for the evidences. The method is well suited
for the crime scene like class rooms, where rows are present already, each row can be
considered as a strip. Also, minimum number of the personals are required for this
method. One person will start the walk through from one corner of the strip and will
move towards the other looking for the evidences. The walk through should be slow and
thorough. If two personals are employed, then each of them can start from two different
points and continuing to the different ends to double check the search.
 Grid Method (two parallel strip): It is just like the strip method; the only difference is
that two strips are considered to form a grid. Again, only two people can do the
searching walking through on separate strips and then will switch their strips for the
more accuracy. It is a good method for large indoors and outdoors crime scenes.
Spiral Method: This is well suited for lager indoor and outdoor crime scene with less
obstacles (like furniture etc.). The searcher will start either from the center of the room
(outward) or from the periphery (inward) search as show in the images below. Also, two
investigators can search together, one moving from the center towards the periphery
and other one vice versa.
 Wheel Search Method: This method is only applicable to the lager outdoor scenes like
fields, desert, or other such open areas. It is like the zonal method; however, the wheel
is divided into various zones depending upon the size of the crime scene. Different
individuals will be employed in separate zones and then switching their zone for more
accuracy. The investigators or the searchers can begin from the epicenter moving
towards their zones to complete the search, and then returning back to the epicenter for
the discussion or collection procedures.
 Random Search Method: This is the most common method employed by the
investigators, because of the feasibility at any location. No above-mentioned ruled to be
followed for this method. It is also advisable to consider this method on complex crime
scenes.
Bhoopesh, D. (2020).Crime Scene Search Method. forensicscienceexpert.com.
Retrieved from https://www.forensicscienceexpert.com/2020/01/crime-scene-search-
methods.html

Legal requirements
1. Evaluate the current legal ramifications of crime scene searches (e.g., obtaining
of search warrants).

2. Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel before arrival at scene, if

possible.

3. Select, when feasible, person-in-charge prior to arrival at scene.

4. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel — do not be caught

unprepared when encountering a potentially dangerous scene or inclement
weather — examples are:
 Clothing
 Communication
 Lighting assistance
 Shelter
 Transportation
 Food
 Medical assistance
 Scene security
 Equipment

5. Organize communication with services of an ancillary nature (e.g., medical

examiner, prosecutive attorney) in order that questions which surface during
crime scene search may be resolved. Take steps to organize a "command post"
headquarters for communication, decision-making, etc., in major/complicated
investigations.
Byrd, M. (2005). Duty Description for the Crime Scene Investigator. Crime-Scene-
Investigator.net. Retrieved from
https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/respon3.html
2.2 Types and classification of open and closed wounds, including
defense wounds, gunshot wounds, sexual assault/rape related
wounds; the type of weapon/instrument used that caused the
wound/injury; characteristics of wound and healing periods of
wounds; changes in the body of the dead person; poisoning and the
characteristics/changes of the human body due to poison; types,
degrees or characteristics of burned, scald, frostbite; other related
and relevant forms of injury

Types and classification of open and closed wounds, including defense wounds,
gunshot wounds, sexual assault/rape related wounds

Closed Wound – No breach of continuity of the skin or mucous membrane.

 Superficial – When the wound is just underneath the layer of the skin or mucous
membrane.
a.1 Petechiae – Is s circumcised extravasation of the blood in the subcutaneous or
underneath the mucous membrane.
a.2 Contusion – Is the effusion of blood into the tissues underneath the skin on account
of the rupture of the blood vessels as a result of the application of blunt force or
violence.
=SIZE OF CUNTUSION GREATER THAN THE SIZE OF THE OBJECT.
=LOCATION OF THE CONTUSION IS NIOT ALWAYS THE SITE OF THE
APPLICATION OF THE FORCE.

Open Wound
a. Abrasion (Scratch, graze, impression mark, friction mark)

-It is an injury characterized by the removal of the superficial epithelial layer of

the skin cause by a rub friction against a hard rough object.
-Contusion with abrasion = forcible contact before friction occurs.
-The shape and the raw surfaces exudes blood and lymph which later dries and
forms a protective covering as Scab or Crust.

Types of abrasion
 1. Scratch – caused by sharp pointed objects which slides across the skin, like
pin, thorn or fingernail.
2. Graze – usually caused by forcible contact with rough, hard objects resulting
to irregular removal of skin surface.
3. Impact or imprint abrasion – those whose pattern and location provides
objective evidence to show cause, nature of the wounding instrument and the
manner of assault or death.
4. Pressure of friction abrasion – caused by pressure accompanied by the
movement usually observed in hanging or strangulation.

b. Incised Wound (cut,slice,slash)

-produced by sharp object

-or sharp-linear edge of the instrument like a knife, razor, bolo, glass, etc.

Defense wounds

Are the result of a person’s instinctive reaction of self-protection. It may be found on the
hand in the effort of the victim to grasp the wounding instrument or by raising the hand
to protect the vital parts of the body.  Absence of defense wound does not eliminate the
possibility that the victim made some form of defense.

Common External Injuries Sustained by the Victim from Homicidal Attack

a.    Contusion – an injury in the substance of the skin, discoloration of the surface due to
extravasation of blood.  This is due to the application of a blunt instrument.
b. Hematoma – this is the extravasation of blood in the newly formed cavity.
c. Abrasion – an open wound characterized by the removal of the epithelial layer of
the skin brought about by the friction against hard, rough object.
d. Incised wound – produced by forcible contact on the body by sharp edge
instrument.
e. Stab wound – produced by the forcible application and penetration of a sharp
instrument.
f. Punctured wound – penetration of a sharp pointed weapon
g. Lacerated wound – tearing of the skin due to forcible contact of a blunt
instrument.

Evidence to Show the Fatal Effects of the Wound

1.    Amount of hemorrhage
2.    Size of the injury sustained
3.    Organs and parts of the body involved
4.    Mechanical effects on vital organs
 Gunshot Wounds

All gunshot wounds result from the entry of a projectile into the body, and the frequent
presence of undispersed explosive gases. The relative size and appearance of the
wound will be affected by the distance from which the weapon was discharged.
Generally, the closer the discharged to the skin, the greater the damage. This damage
is due to explosive gases which precede the projectile at close range. In some
investigations involving firearms, a determination of whether the death was a homicidal,
suicide or accidental is difficult. In making such determination, the distance of the
discharge is of great importance. Majority of suicidal and accidental gunshot cases,
arm’s length discharges are involved. Accordingly, if the wound indicates discharge
beyond the victim’s length, homicide is indicated.
            The location of the wound may also serve to rule out suicide. If the wound is
located in an area of the body that is relatively inaccessible to the victim, homicide is
indicated. It is also unusual for a suicide wound to be inflicted in an area other than the
head of chest. However,there have been a number of suicide cases involving wounds in
extremities. The presence or absence of a “suicide note” is a poor indicator of suicide or
homicide.

Determination whether the wound is suicidal, homicidal, or accidental

A. Evidence to prove that gunshot wound is suicidal:

1.     The fire is usually in contact or near contact, as shown by the presence of burning,
singeing and tattooing of the area around the gunshot wound.
2.     The presence of usually but one gunshot wound.  In most cases, after a shot,
especially at the head, the victim can no longer voluntarily act to inflict another shot.
3.     Portions of the body involved are those accessible to the hand of the victim utilized in
committing suicide, he will not think of the difficult way of ending his life unless he has
the intention of deceiving the investigators.
4.     History of despondency, family problem which may cause him to commit suicide.

B.    Evidence to show that the wound is accidental:

1. Usually there is but one shot.
2. There is no special area of the body involved
3. Testimony of the witnesses

C.   Evidence to show that the wound is homicidal:

1. The site or sites of the wound of entrance has no point of election.
2. The fire is made when the victim is usually some distance away from the
assailant
3. Signs of struggle/ defense wound maybe present in the victim.
4. There maybe disturbance of the surrounding on the account of the previous
struggle.
5. Wounding firearm is usually not found at the scene of the crime
6. Testimony of the witnesses

The type of weapon/instrument used that caused the wound/injury

1. CONTUSION – blunt
2. INCISED WOUND – sharp-edge instrument
3. LACERATED WOUND - blunt
4. PUNCTURED WOUND – sharp pointed
5. ABRASION – body surface is rubbed on hard surface
6. GSW – the diameter of the wound of entrance may approximate the caliber of the
wounding instrument.

Characteristics of wound and healing periods of wounds

CHARACTERISTICS OF WOUND – ABRASION, HEMATOMA, LACERATION AND

ETC.

1. POWER OF THE HUMAN TISSUE TO GENERATE – replace the destroyed

tissue by newly formed similar tissue.

TIME OF HEALING IS DEPENDENT ON:

.1.1. Vascularity
.1.2. Age of person
.1.3. Degree of rest or immobilization
.1.4. Nature of the injury

2. ABERRATED HEALING PROCESS:

.1.1. Formation of exuberant granulation or proud flesh

.1.2. Keloid formation
.1.3. Stricture
.1.4. Fistula or sinus formation
Crisscross, D.(2008). Legal Medicine.Scribd company. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/crisbertc/legal-medicine-presentation

Changes in the body of the dead person

Determination of Time of Death (Death Estimates)
             A determination of the time of death should be attempted in all homicide
investigations.  This fact is significant because of its investigative importance in
corroborating or disputing alibis, or in establishing the victim’s movements prior to
death. Determining death is not an exact science.

POST-MORTEM CHANGES

1.    POST-MORTEM LIVIDITY (Livor Mortis)– Discoloration of the body after

death; setting of blood in the dependent portions of the body following death).
It is a reddish purple to purple coloration in dependent areas of the body due to
accumulation of blood in the small vessels of the dependent areas secondary to
gravity.  This pooling of blood begins immediately after death and becomes fixed in
approximately 8-12 hours.  The investigator can press on the skin in the dependent
regions and if the skin blanches, death has probably occurred less than 12 hours.  This
becomes fixed after a while and can tell if the body has been moved. This is not a
reliable indicator of time of death. This is a better indicator of whether the body has
been moved since death.

The Color of Lividity may Indicate the Cause of Death:

1.  Carbon monoxide poisoning/ cyanide – cherry red to pinkish color
2.  Asphyxia – dark lividity
3.  Phosphorous poisoning – dark brown

TYPES OF LIVIDITY
1.    Hypostatic – Blood is still in fluid form inside blood vessel; change as position of the
body changes.  Blood remains fluid in the blood vessel for 6- 8 hours.

2.    Diffusion– Coagulated inside blood vessel; Change in position will not change its
location.

Importance of Post-Mortem Lividity

1.    It is a sign of death
2.    It enables the investigator to estimate the time of death
3.    It determines the position of the body after death
4.    It may indicate the cause and manner of death

Characteristics of Post-Mortem Lividity

1.    It occurs in the most extensive areas of the most dependent portion of the body.
2.    It involves the superficial layer of the skin, lungs, intestines, kidneys, and brain.
3.    Color is uniform in the tissues.
4.    It is not elevated from the skin, lungs, intestines, kidneys and brain.
5.    There is no injury to the tissues.
6.    The color may appear and disappear in the tissues by shifting the position of the body
in the earlier stages of death.

2.    POST MORTEM RIGIDITY (Rigor Mortis)

 Stiffening of the body which occurs 2-6 hours after death and is characterized by
hardening of the muscles; the chemical reaction that causes rigidity in the muscle
groups or stiffening of the body after death due to the disappearance of Adenosine
Triphosphate (ATP) from the muscle.
            -  Rigor mortis disappears with decomposition.
            - Cold and/or freezing will delay the onset of rigor mortis as well as prolong
its presence
            - Involves all muscles the same time at the same rate.It appears first in the
smallermuscles such as the jaw and then gradually spread to upper and lower
extremities.
            -  Instantaneous rigidity can also be found following ingestion of cyanide and
strychnine poison.
            Rigor Mortis has duration of 24 to 48 hours in the Philippines and other tropical
countries and 36 to 48 hours during summer in the same.

3.    ALGOR MORTIS(Cooling of the body)

            The body cools following death at approximately 1.5 degrees F per hour, under
normal conditions and assuming the body’s temperature at death is 98.6 degrees F (37
degrees C).

Factors Affecting AlgorMortis:

1.    Illness
2.    Clothes
3.    Obesity
4.    Room temperature

4. ONSET AND STAGE OF DECOMPOSITION

      Decomposition is the action of bacteria on the dead body. The onset of
decomposition is 1 to 2 days after death and then finally the dead body becomes
skeletal remains in months considering the factors that influence the rate of putrefaction.

5.  LIFE CYCLE OF FLIES

            The eggs of ova laid by the flies on the dead body will hatch to form maggots
within 24 hours. The maggots will feed vigorously on the damaged dead body, then
transform into pupal stage and finally into adult flies within a few days.       

6.  CHANGES IN THE BLOOD

            The blood remains fluid in the body after death after 6-8 hours. After which it
gradually clotted or coagulated in a slow process until 12 hours wherein the lividity is
already fully developed.

7.  CHANGES IN STOMACH

      It usually takes three to four hours for the stomach to empty its contents after
meals.
Atom, B.(2017).Special Crime Investigation. blogspot.com. Retrieved from
https://futurerc.blogspot.com

Poisoning and the characteristics

What is poisoning?
Poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. Many different types of poison
exist. Poisonous substances can be products you have in your house. Medicines that
aren’t taken as directed can be harmful. There are several ways you can be exposed to
poison. You could breathe it in, swallow it, or absorb it through your skin. Poisoning can
be an accident or a planned action.

CHARACTERISTICS of poisoning include:

Poisons in the Eye

Eye membranes absorb chemicals quickly. This can lead to eye damage within minutes.

Flood the eye with lukewarm (never hot) water poured from a large glass two or three

inches from the eye. Continue for 15 minutes. Blink the eye as much as possible during

the flooding. Do not force the eyelid open and do not allow the eyes to be rubbed.

If lukewarm water is not available, rinse the eye quickly using a gentle stream from a

hose for at least 15 minutes.

Poisons on the Skin

If poisons come in contact with the skin, they must be removed as quickly as possible.

Remove contaminated clothing and flood the skin area with water for 10 minutes. Then

gently wash the skin area with soap and water and rinse. Later, destroy contaminated

clothing.
For a chemical skin burn, rinse the area with lots of water, remove the clothes and cover

with a soft, clean cloth. Do not apply grease or ointments.

Inhaled Poisons

Inhaled poisons are very serious because of the damage that can be done to the lungs

and other tissues of the body. Minimize your risk of exposure, and immediately get the

person to fresh air. Loosen the victim’s clothing. Send someone for help as quickly as

possible. If the victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration and continue it until the

victim is breathing or help arrives. Open the doors and windows so no one else will be

poisoned by the fumes.

Swallowed Poisons

Many different poisons can be swallowed. Look into the victim’s mouth and remove all

tablets, powder, or any material that may be present. Examine the mouth for cuts,

burns, swelling, unusual coloring or odor. Rinse and wipe out the mouth with a cloth. If

the person is awake and able to swallow, give one-half glassful of water.

Changes of the human body due to poison

Mild Poisoning

Headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, restlessness, perspiration, nausea, diarrhea,

loss of appetite, loss of weight, thirst, moodiness, soreness in joints, skin irritation, eye

irritation.
Moderate Poisoning

Severe nausea, severe diarrhea, excessive saliva, stomach cramps, excessive

perspiration, trembling, no muscle coordination and muscle twitches, extreme

weakness, mental confusion, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, cough, rapid pulse,

flushed or yellow skin, weepy eyes.

Severe Poisonings

Fever, intense thirst, increased rate of breathing, uncontrollable muscle twitches,

pinpoint pupils, convulsions, inability to breathe, unconsciousness.

The effects of poisoning depend on the substance, amount, and type of contact. Your

age, weight, and state of health also affect your symptoms.

 Nausea and/or vomiting

 Diarrhea

 Rash

 Redness or sores around the mouth

 Dry mouth

 Drooling or foaming at the mouth

 Trouble breathing

 Dilated pupils (bigger than normal) or constricted pupils (smaller than normal)

 Confusion

 Fainting

 Shaking or seizures
Rich, R. (2021). Poisoning. familydoctor.org. Retrieved from

https://familydoctor.org/condition/poisoning/

Johnson, S. (2009). Symptoms and first aid of poisoning. University of Maine

Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://nasdonline.org/974/d000817/symptoms-
and-first-aid-for-poisonings.html

Types, degrees or characteristics of burned, scald, frostbite

Burns are a type of painful wound caused by thermal, electrical, chemical, or

electromagnetic energy. Smoking and open flame are the leading causes of burn injury
for older adults. Scalding is the leading cause of burn injury for children. Both infants
and the older adults are at the greatest risk for burn injury.

Some burns are minor injuries you can treat at home. Others cause lasting damage to
your skin, muscles, and bones and require long-term medical care.

What are the different types of burns?

There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, or electrical
contact.

Friction burns. When a hard object rubs off some of your skin, you have what’s called
a friction burn. It’s both an abrasion (scrape) and a heat burn. These are common in
motorcycle and bike accidents. Carpet burn is another type of friction burn.

Cold burns. Also called “frostbite,” cold burns cause damage to your skin by freezing it.
You can get frostbite by being outside in freezing temperatures. It can also happen
when your skin comes into direct contact with something very cold for a prolonged
period of time.

Thermal burns. Touching a very hot object raises the temperature of your skin to the
point that your skin cells start dying. Very hot metals, scalding liquids, and flames all
cause thermal burns. Steam can, too.
Radiation burns.Sunburn is a type of radiation burn. Other sources of radiation, like X-
rays or radiation therapy to treat cancer, can also cause these.

Chemical burns. Strong acids, solvents or detergents that touch your skin can cause it
to burn.

Electrical burns. If you come into contact with an electrical current, you can get this
type of burn.

What are the degrees or characteristics of burns?

Burns are classified as first-, second-, third-degree and fourth degree depending on how
deep and severely they penetrate the skin's surface.

First-degree. These burns only affect the outer layer of your skin. A mild sunburn’s one
example. Your skin may be red and painful, but you won’t have any blisters. Long-term
damage is rare.
Second-degree. If you have this type of burn, the outer layer of your skin as well the
dermis – the layer underneath – has been damaged. Your skin will be bright red, swollen,
and may look shiny and wet. You’ll see blisters, and the burn will hurt to the touch.

 If you have a superficial second-degree burn, only part of your dermis is

damaged. You probably won’t have scarring.
 A deep partial thickness burn is more severe. It may leave a scar or cause a
permanent change in the color of your skin.

Third-degree. Sometimes called a “full thickness burn,” this type of injury destroys two full
layers of your skin. Instead of turning red, it may appear black, brown, white or yellow. It
won’t hurt because this type of burn damages nerve endings.
Fourth-degree. This is the deepest and most severe of burns. They’re potentially life-
threatening. These burns destroy all layers of your skin, as well as your bones, muscles,
and tendons.
Sometimes, the degree of burn you have will change. This can happen if your damaged
skin keeps spreading and the injury becomes deeper.
Burns can lead to many complications, including infection and bone and joint problems. 

The effects of burns

A severe burn can be a seriously devastating injury -- not only physically but
emotionally. It can affect not only the burn victim, but the entire family. Persons with
 severe burns may be left with a loss of certain physical abilities, including loss of
limb(s), disfigurement, loss of mobility, scarring, and recurrent infections because the
burned skin has decreased ability to fight infection. In addition, severe burns can
penetrate deep skin layers, causing muscle or tissue damage that may affect every
system of the body.

Burns can also cause emotional problems such as depression, nightmares, or

flashbacks from the traumatizing event. The loss of a friend or family member and
possessions in the fire may add grief to the emotional impact of a burn.

Dersarkessian, C.(2021). What Are the Types and Degrees of Burns?.WebMD.

Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/types-degrees-burns#:~:text=Doctors
%20group%20burns%20into%20different,more%20severe%20the%20burn%20is.

Hopkins, J.(2022). Burns And Wounds. hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved from

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/burns

Other common types of injuries include:

 Animal bites
 Bruises
 Burns
 Dislocations
 Electrical injuries
 Fractures (broken bones)
 Sprains and strains

2.3 Evidence, testimony, and documents required to prepare and

processes in filing of cases for each specific crimes falling under
Crime Against persons under the Revised Penal Code and relevant
Special Penal Laws

Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence

1. Accomplish search based on previous evaluation of evidence possibilities.

2. Conduct search in a general manner and work to the specifics regarding

evidence items.
 3. Use of specialized search patterns (e.g., grid, strip/lane, spiral) are
recommended when possible.

4. Photograph all items before collection and enter notations in photographic log
(remember — use scale when necessary).

5. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch

6. Complete evidence log with appropriate notations for each item of evidence.

7. Ensure that evidence or the container of evidence is initialed by investigator

collecting the evidence.

8. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.

9. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.

10. Do not guess on packaging requirements different types of evidence can

necessitate different containers.

11. Do not forget entrance and exit areas at scene for potential evidence.

12. Be sure to obtain appropriate "Known" standards (e.g., fiber sample from carpet).

13. Constantly check paperwork, packaging notations, and other pertinent recordings
of information for possible errors which may cause confusion or problems at a
later time.

14. Four basic premises:

o The best search options are typically the most difficult and time
consuming.
o You cannot "over-document" the physical evidence.
o There is only one chance to perform the job properly.
o There are two basic search approaches, in this order:

 A "cautious" search of visible areas, taking steps to avoid evidence

loss or contamination.
 After the "cautious" search, a vigorous search for hidden/concealed
areas.

Conduct Final Survey

 1. This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search.

2. Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.

3. Double check documentation to detect inadvertent errors.

4. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before departing scene.

5. Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered.

6. Make sure possible hiding places of difficult access areas have not been
overlooked in detailed search.

7. Critical issues: have you gone far enough in the search for evidence,
documented all essential things, and made no assumptions which may prove to
be incorrect in the future?

Release Crime Scene

1. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey.

2. At minimum, documentation should be made of :

o Time and date of release

o To whom released
o By whom released

3. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided as necessary, considering

legal requirements, to person to whom scene is released .

4. Once the scene has been formally released, reentry may require a warrant.

5. Only the person-in-charge should have the authority to release the scene. This
precept should be known and adhered to by all personnel.

6. Consider the need to have certain specialists serve the scene before it is
released (e.g., blood pattern analysts, medical examiner).

Procedures when arrest is made

1. Secure the person arrested (handcuff at the back);
2. Inform the arrested person on the cause of his arrest and his rights as provided for in
the Constitution;
3. Conduct thorough search for weapons and other illegal materials against the
suspect/s;
4. Use reasonable force in making arrest;
5. Confiscated evidence shall be properly documented andmarked;6. Bring the arrested
person to the Police Station for investigation.

Booking procedures of the Arrested Person/Suspect

1. The arrested suspect shall be fingerprinted, photographed and subjected to medical

examination to include liquor and drug tests.
2. Conduct record check.
Taking of Sworn Statements of Suspects
The execution of a suspect‟s “WAIVER” as stipulated in Art 125 of the RPC shall always
be done in the presence of his chosen counsel or any independent counsel.

Taking of Sworn Statement/s of the Witnesses

a. Sworn Statement or Affidavit of complainant/s and witness/s must be taken
immediately by the investigator-on-case.
b. Affidavit of Arrest of arresting officers must be taken immediately not later than 24
hours.
c. In Inquest cases, the investigator-on-case and the arresting officer/s shall observe
Art. 125 of the RPC.

Preparation of Reports and Filing of Charges

The Investigator-On-Case shall submit the following:

a. Spot Report within 24 hrs to HHQ;
b. Progress Report;
c. After Operation Report;
d. Final Report after the case is filed before the prosecutor‟soffice/court; and
e. Accomplishment Report.

Follow-up of Case
The investigator shall conduct police operation to identify and apprehend suspect/s
based on the results of the initial investigation conducted.

Attendance to Court Duties

The investigator-on-case and arresting officers shall endeavor to ensure their
attendance during court hearings while COPs/Heads of Units shall supervise and
ensure the attendance of witness/es.

Byrd, M. (2005). Organization and Procedures for Search Operations. Crime-Scene-

Investigator.net. Retrieved from https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/respon3.html
Alas-as, T. (2008). SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION. scribd.com. Retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/embeds/486608576/content?
start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_keykfo=key-fFexxf7r1bzEfWu3HKwf