BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University

Pablo Borbon Campus
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
BS CRIMINOLOGY PROGRAM

Dr. Rhona A. Alog, PhD, MSCJ, CSP, Rcrim

Instructor
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Module 1 in CDI 101

Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence

Course Description:
The course covers the concepts and principles of Criminal Investigation including the
modern technique in Crime Detection and Investigation. This also includes modern techniques
in processing the crime scene involving murder, homicide, rape, robbery, etc. It also aims to
study the concepts and general principles of arrest, searches and seizure, and the rights of the
accused during custodial investigation.
It also focuses on a comparative study of military and police intelligence functions and
operations, types of police intelligence, phases of police intelligence cycle, modus operandi
(MO) and order battle intelligence, regulation system for the identification of criminals and other
threats to national security.

Introduction:
Crime takes place in almost any form everywhere and affects everyone in some way.
When victims are assaulted or when perpetrators are apprehended, these individuals suffer
together with their families and loved ones. When violent occur in communities, residents feel
the threat of danger. When crimes affect business, owners raise the prices of goods and
services, thereby passing the cost of their losses to the costumers. High crime rate affects
public safety and the country’s economy.
It is the responsibility of the police to investigate criminal activities in order to solve the
crime, give justice to the victims, and restore peace and order. To effectively accomplish this, a
police officer must be brave, patient, dedicated, objective, inquisitive and imaginative. He or she
must be results-oriented and able to embrace change, tough assignments and new challenges.
Criminal investigation is a complex and sophisticated field. It involves a variety of
methods such as questioning witnesses and possible suspect, searching the crime scene for
physical evidence, using Forensic science and modern technology to evaluate evidence,
sharing information with other law enforcement agencies, and/or enlisting the aid of information
or general public in on-going investigations. It combines art and science, and involves probing
several different fields at once.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

LESSON 1

NATURE AND CONCEPT OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students must be able to

1. Describe the origins of criminal investigation during the Industrial Revolution;

2. Explain how science and technology began to influence crime detection detention during
the nineteenth century; and

3. Enumerate individuals who made specific contribution to the development in the field of
forensic science.

Origins of Criminal Investigation

The roots of criminal investigation can be traced back to the early times in Asia and the
Middle East, where government agents used torture and other means to identify criminals.
During England’s Industrial Revolution, populations of peasants from countryside
trooped to larger towns and cities, resulting in increasing number of crime. Law enforcement
official were forced to recruit thief catchers [some of which were mercenaries themselves] to aid
in locating criminal. In 18th century England, for example, Jonathan Wild operated
simultaneously as a law enforcer for London’s authorities and as a criminal in its underworld.
While operating a brothel for thieves and cut-throats and receiving stolen property, he served as
an undercover operative acting as a middleman who restored lost property (Osterburg & Ward,
2010).
The earliest police force in England was first established in 1253 and lasted until
1829.These constables who worked only at night were first known as the “Watch of England,”
then later as the “Old Charleys.” In the 1750’s, the novelist Henry Fielding was appointed as
Chief Magistrate. He subsequently appointed parish constables who became successful thief
takers and later became known in the 1750’s as the “Bow Street Hunters”. It was the first well
known investigative body in England (Lyman, 2011).
The Bow Street Runners offered a more coordinated and structured approach to
policing, although their methods of investigation and detention remained similar to those of the
craft practiced by the entrepreneurial thief-taker. They used a suspect centered method of
detection, which involved the rapid pursuit and arrest of suspects with the help of witnesses and
informants. To this day, the use of informants remains central to detective work. Henry Fielding
also introduced new approaches investigation such as proactive raids and newspaper
advertisements to encourage victims of robbery to come forward and identify the suspects in
custody. A criminal records office was also established containing details of the activities of the
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Runners. The use of such proactive strategies and the compilation and storage of intelligence
reflect the Runners’ scientific approaches to investigation (Tong, Bryant, & Horvath,2009).
In 1829, Sir Robert Peel founded London Metropolitan Police Department as the world’s
first paid and full-time police force. They replaced the old constables and Bow Street Runners
who had
Ultimately gained a reputation for incompetency and inefficiency. These officers were
dubbed as Bobbies and were required to meet rigid standards of professionalism, including
minimum weight and height requirements and standards of literacy and character [Lyman,
2011]. The prevention of crime was its primary task. However, the substantial increase in public
service detectives was marked with suspicions of incompetence and corruption. For long time
since then, the challenge for the police has consistently involved corruption and the reluctance
to put premium on education and training (Tong, Bryant & Horvarth ,2009).
By the nineteenth century, technology in crime detection began to flourish with the
creation of a personal identification system by Alphonse Bertillon. In the mid 1840’s, the study of
fingerprint patterns became a popular means to identify suspects in crime (Lyman, 2011).In
1892 England ,Sir Francis Galton published fingerprints ,a landmark book that led to the
identification of criminal based on fingerprint evidence found at the crime scene. Other scientific
developments were applied to the examination of physical evidences, including the use of
comparison microscopes, blood stain analysis and firearms identification .This led to the
establishment of the first police laboratory by Edmond Locard in 1910 in Lyon, France. The
expansion of crime laboratories in other large cities were slow, but was later coupled with the
creation of university programs in criminalists (Osterburg & Ward, 2010).
By this time, police departments have become formally organized, and the use of
informants in criminal investigation has been supplemented by the interrogations and other
methods to secure confessions. The term “third degree” has thus been employed to
characterize the then widely used extraction of confessions accompanied by brute force.
Eventually, however, third degree interrogations were banned by the United States Supreme
Court in the 1890’s on the ground that it violated the Eight Amendment of the US Constitution
disallowing excessive bails, excessive fines as well as tortures. Moreover, the potential offered
by the application of the science to the examination of physical evidence also contributed to the
decreasing popularity od third degree interrogations (Osterburg & Ward ,2010).
One significant development in the field of criminal investigation in the United States in
the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1924. Today, the FBI is one of
many federal investigate agencies that has made great strides in professionalizing the field of
criminal investigation (Lyman ,2011).
History and Development of Forensic Science
The study of criminal investigation involves fundamental understanding of forensic
science, which can be broadly defined as the application of science to law. This section touches
on the development of the field.
The Scottish physician and writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle popularized scientific crime-
detection methods through his fictional character ‘Sherlock Holmes’. As early as 1887, when the
first Sherlock Holmes novel A Study in Scarlet was published, Doyle has the uncanny ability to
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

describe scientific methos of detection, such as forensic serology, years before they were
actually discovered and implemented. Doyle also applied other detection methods such as
fingerprinting, firearms identification and questioned document examination long before their
value was first organized and accepted by real-life criminal investigators, thereby exciting the
imagination of an emerging generation of forensic specialists.
Although increased awareness can be attributed to those who recognized forensic
techniques and principles in literary works of fiction and television shows, the field of forensic
science primarily owes its origins to those who actually developed its principle and technique.
Below is the list of individuals who made specific contributions to make the field a coherent
discipline that could be practically applied to the criminal justice system (Saferstein, 2011)
Mathieu Orfila (1787-1853)

• Father of forensic toxicology

• Published the first scientific treatise on the detection of poisons an their effects on
animals in 1814, thereby establishing forensic toxicology as a legitimate scientific
endeavour
Alphonse Bertillon (1853-1914)

• Father of criminal identification ;devised the first scientific system of personal

identification
• 1879 – Began to develop the science of anthropometry , a systematic procedure taking
a series of body measurements as a means of distinguishing one individual from another
;this system was considered the most accurate method but was eventually replaced by
fingerprinting in the early 1900s
Francis Galton (1822-1911)

• Undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints and developed a methodology of

classifying them for filing
• 1892 – Published the book Finger Prints , which contained the first statistical proof
supporting the uniqueness of his method of personal identification
• Continued to describe the basic principles that form the present system of identification
by fingerprint
Leone Lattes (1887-1954)

• In 1915 , he devised a relatively simple procedure for determining the blood group of a
dried bloodstain , a technique immediately applied to criminal investigations and often
used by forensic scientists to this day
Calvin Goddard (1891-1955)

• To determine whether or not a particular gun has been fired, a bullet requires
comparison of the bullet that has been test fired from the subject’s weapon. Calvin
Goddard, a U.S. Army colonel, refined the techniques of such an examination by using
the comparison microscope as an indispensable tool of the modern firearms examiner.
Abert S. Osborn (1858-1946)
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

• Developed the fundamental principles of document examination

• Responsible for the acceptance of documents as scientific evidence by the courts
• 1910 – Authored the first significant text in the field entitled Questioned Documents ,
which is still considered a primary reference for document examiners
Hans Gross (1847-1915)

• In 1893, he published Handbuch fur Untersuchungsrichterals System ker Kriminalistik

(later published in English under the title Criminal Investigaton ); the first treatise
describing the application of scientific disciplines to the field of criminal
investigations;detailed the assistance that investigators could expect from the fields of
microscopy ,chemistry ,physics , mineralogy , zoology, botany , anthropometry and
fingerprinting
• The Founder of Criminalistics and widely regarded as the father of criminal investigation
Edmond Locard (1877-1966)

• In 1910, he started the first police laboratory with only two attic rooms ,two assistants
and two instruments , a microscope and a rudimentary spectrometer
• Strongly believed the every criminal can be connected to a crime by dust particles
carried from the crime scene , and hence formulated the basic principle in forensic
science known as “Locard’s Exchange Principle,” which states that whenever two
objects come into contact with one another , there is exchange of materials between
them
• Research works and accomplishment later became known throughout the world by
forensic scientists and criminal investigators , and served as an impetus for the
formation of police laboratories in Vienna , Berlin , Sweden Finland , and Holland
(modern day Netherlands)
References:

Galero-Muftuoglu, E. (2017). Fundamentals of criminal investigation (2nd ed).

ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated.

Negosa, H. J., & Cano, G. J.(2019). Fundamentals of criminal investigation and

intelligence Rex Bookstore, Incorporated.

Exercise 1:
1. Draw a concept map to depict the development of criminal investigation

2. How did improvement in science and technology influenced crime detection and
investigation?
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

LESSON 2

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF INVESTIGATION

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, the students must be able to
1. Define investigation;
2. Enumerate the six cardinal points of investigation;
3. Identify the three tools of investigation;
4. Analyze the Crime Scene Processing;
5. Discuss the recording tools in criminal investigation; and
6. Internalize the protocol to be observed when conducting an investigation.

What is Investigation?
Investigation is a process of inquiring, eliciting, soliciting and getting information in order
to establish the truth.
By its definition, we can now define Criminal Investigation as the collection of facts in
order to accomplish the three-fold aim, namely: to identify the guilty party; locate and apprehend
the suspects; and provide evidence of their guilt.
Criminal Investigation is considered a reconstructive process because it uses the logical
process of deductive reasoning in which a conclusion follows from specific facts.
The investigative process involves the gathering and evaluation of information and
evidence in order to understand the connection between the crime, its victim and perpetrator
and the pieces of evidence.
To do the connection, the investigator must establish the ancient and unchangeable
cardinal points of investigation;

1. What specific offense has been committed? This refers to the specific violation of
criminal law.
2. When was the offense committed? The time and date of the commission of the
offense must be established.
3. Where was the offense committed? This refers to place or location of the commission
of the offense.
4. Who committed the offense? This refers to the identity of the person or group of
persons who committed the offense.
5. Why was it committed? This refers to the motive of the commission of the offense.
6. How was it committed? This refers to the means and manner in which the offense was
committed.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

These cardinal points of investigation are anchored on the theory of crime, which
involves the following three interdependent factors namely:
• Motive is the reason which pushes a person to commit an act with definite result
in mind.
• Opportunity refers to the chance or occasion to commit the crime.
• Means is the capability of a person to commit a crime with the available tools.
Note: The absence of the one would not result into a crime.

Investigation as ART and SCIENCE

Criminal Investigation can be considered both an art and science. It is considered a
science because as gatherer of facts, the detective must develop hypotheses and draw
conclusions based on the available information. The investigative process involves a
comprehensive activity involving information collection, crime scene management, investigative
interviewing, informant handling, offender profiling, the application of logic, the exorcise of
sound reasoning, and other scientific approaches [Sennewald & Tsukayama, 2006].
There is also an art in criminal investigation, especially evident experienced detectives
who demonstrate brilliant insight and intuition, and do not rely on theories merely on taught in
classrooms and books. The art in detective work involves intuition and instinct regarding
problem solving. It can be seen in the detectives’ ability to separate the false to the genuine and
identify effective and creative lines of inquiry. An investigator practices the art of detective work
by reading the behavior, motivation and strategies of those who commit or witness a crime.
Beyond academic degrees, specialized training or book learning, it means being able to “read
the street” (Tong, Bryant, & and Horvarth, 2009).
Objectives of Criminal Investigation
The true objective of criminal investigation is the conviction of the participants and the
ending criminal activity (Kilfeather, 2011) However, due to changing nature of activities, this goal
becomes more complex. The objectives of criminal investigation are more clearly enumerated
below (Kilfeather, 2011).

1. To detect crime
2. To locate and identify suspects in crimes
3. To arrest suspects in crimes
4. To recover stolen property
5. To prepare sound criminal cases for prosecution

These objectives are based on the premise that perpetrators make mistakes when
committing crimes, thus leaving some type of evidence of who they are. Due to carelessness,
panic, underestimation of police capabilities, emotional or mental instability or the influence of
drugs or alcohol may result in criminals leaving evidence that could connect them with the crime
scene. For example, a burglar might leave a pen, paper or broken glass; a murderer might leave
or a gun along with the fingerprints and clothing fibers; or a rapist might leave skin tissue,
semen, or blood. Less visible such fingerprints, small particles of glass or dirt, a faint footprint,
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

body hairs or clothing fiber are called trace evidence (Lyman,2011; and Hess & Orthmann
2010).
There are also instances when little or no evidence exists, making the investigation seen
unsolvable. A careful burglar may have worn gloves to keep himself from leaving fingerprints;
hard rain may have compromised physical evidence in an open crime scene; fingerprints may
have been found but cannot be matched with prints on file; or no informants or witnesses can
provide leads. Such cases can be recognized as unsolvable, but only after all leads have been
exhausted. A successful investigation is therefore one in which (Hess & Orthmann, 2010)

• A logical sequence is followed.

• All physical evidence is legally obtained.
• All witnesses are effectively interviewed.
• All suspects are legally and effectively interrogated.
• All leads are thoroughly developed.
• All details of the case are accurately and completely recorded and reported.

The Phases of Investigation

In relation to the above objectives of criminal investigation, the PNP Criminal
Investigation Manual Enumerates the following phases in gathering all facts:
1) to identify the guilty party;

a. confession- admission of the suspect on the offense committed; an excellent

means of identification; It may come in judicial, extra-judicial, involuntary and voluntary
types
b. eyewitnesses-made by several objectives persons who are familiar with the
appearance of the suspect who personally witnessed the commission of the offense and
who have personal knowledge of what happened
c. circumstantial evidence-established directly by proving other facts or
circumstances from which either alone or in connection with other facts,the identity of the
perpetrator may be established
d. associate evidence-links a suspect with a crime
2) to locate the guilty party;

a. physical evidence
b. records
c. family
d. affiliates
3) provide evidence of his guilt;

a. competency of the investigator

b. scientific investigation
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

The Golden Hour in Crime Investigation

“The Golden Hour” in crime investigation refers to the first 72 hours of a murder or
kidnapping\abduction investigation (PNP, 2011). Action undertaken at this period deal with the
initial response to a crime scene and the initial investigation undertaken, including the conduct
of interviews and profiling. It is the most crucial time for the investigator to collect vital evidence
and information.
The actions of the police in solving the crime in this critical time mostly cited as one of
the weaknesses within the investigative process which is prone to error mostly in the response
in term of crime scene and evidence protection and evidence collection.
Who is an investigator?
A public safety officer tasked to conduct investigation of all criminal cases defined under
the Revised Penal Code and Special Laws which are criminal in nature. He is a well-trained,
disciplined and experienced professional in the field of criminal investigation duties and
responsibilities.
Responsibilities of Criminal Investigator
1. Determine whether the crime has been committed or not.
2. Decide if the crime was committed within the investigator’s jurisdiction
3. Discover all facts pertaining to the complaint;
a) Gather and preserve physical evidence
b) Develop and follow up all clues/info
4. Recover stolen property (if against property)
5. Identify the perpetrator or eliminate a suspect as the perpetrator.
The Essential Qualities of an Effective Criminal Investigator
1. Team Player-Effective investigators are good team players. They are willing to share
information, knowledge, and experience. They take the initiative to keep the other teams
informed of the development of their case.

2. Communication Skill-An investigator must be thoroughly skilled both in oral and written
communication in order to obtain all information from a witness or obtain a confession
from a suspect.

3. Street Knowledge – A criminal investigator should be knowledgeable of the environment

and demographic profile of his environment as this is a source of information which is a
material tool for an effective investigative planning.

4. Observation Skills – A criminal investigator will often see things in different light than the
ordinary person. Drawing on training and experience, the investigators will frequently
notice clues that would not be noticeable to just anyone
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

5. Self-Discipline- A high degree of self-discipline guides the investigator’s behavior to

ensure that only legally acceptable and ethical methods of investigation are utilized to
solve cases.

6. Reasoning Ability- the investigator must have the ability to draw a conclusion on the
suspects and their modus operandi based on evidence discovered in the course of an
investigation.

7. Stability under Pressure- an investigator should be able to handle pressure from his
superiors, victims and their families, the media and other anti-organized crime
community watch groups.

8. Organizational Abilities- the nature of investigative work demands that the investigator
possesses and practices some form of organization of information. This information
includes written reports, witness statements, photographs, past MO’s, crime reports and
crime analysis information.

9. Persistence- a good investigator is persistent and does not readily accept an answer that
does not fit the facts.

10. Investigative Ethics- An investigator must always perform his/her job in a professional
and ethical manner. The integrity and honesty of the investigator is often the key for
victim and witness’s cooperation.

11. Legal Knowledge- an effective investigator must have a thorough knowledge of criminal
law and a familiarity of civil law. Also, the investigator must have an extensive
knowledge on rules on evidence, which includes but is not limited to preservation,
marking, tagging, packaging and other requirements as to how the evidence will be
admitted in court during prosecution.

12. Good Understanding of Human Nature- in relation to having good observation skills, an
investigator must be cognizant of his own personal bias and emotions which could affect
the investigation and signs of lying from suspects, witnesses and victims.

Basic and Necessary Investigative Equipment of the Investigator

A diligent investigator should ensure availability of basic equipment and supplies before
going out of the police station to conduct the investigation. These may include but are not
limited to the following:
1. Recording Instruments
a. Camera
b. Voice recorder
c. Video camera
d. Measuring device
e. Crime scene template
f. Evidence tags
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

g. Evidence makers
h. Other electronic recording gadgets

2. Personal protective equipment

a. Hand protection
b. Eye Protection
c. Foot Protection
d. Respiratory Protection
e. Head Protection

3. Preservation materials

a. Police line
b. Evidence containers (evidence bags, boxes, glass jars, bottles canister,
tubes, vial, etc.)

4. Fingerprint kit
5. General crime scene kit
6. Evidence collection kit
7. Documentations and investigative forms
8. Investigator’s checklists and form

Standard Methods of Recording Investigative Data

• Photographs
• Sketching crime scenes
• Written notes (what have you seen or observed)
• Developing and lifting fingerprints found at the crime scene
• Gathering physical evidence
• Plaster cast
• Tape recording of sounds
• Video tape recording of object
• Written statements of victims or witnesses

The Investigator’s Notebook

Considering the mass of information and the number of cases that the investigators are
handling, it is very possible, that they might forget some details. Many of the details associated
with the investigation, while not essential to the report, might become points of interest to the
court when the case is brought to trial. Experienced investigators use a notebook or tickler to
record the relevant details of the case. During trial, the court allows investigators to consult their
notes to refresh their memory.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

The data of investigation should be recorded in a complete, accurate, and legible fashion
so that in the event that another investigator is required to assume responsibility for the
investigation, the investigator can make intelligent use of the notebook.

Protocols in Investigation
In including an investigation, certain standards must be followed to ensure successful
prosecution of cases. These consist of standard operating procedures, protocols, and legal
requirements of the law the must be observed on handling criminal cases, which may result to
unsuccessful investigation if undermined. The following are the PNP’s protocols which are to
observed when conducting an investigation (PNP, 2011)

1. Jurisdictional investigation by the territorial unit concerned

The police station which was territorial jurisdiction of the area where the crime
incident was committed shall undertake the necessary investigation and processing of
the crime scene, unless otherwise directed by higher authorities for a certain case to be
investigated by other units/ agencies.

2. Official Police Blotter

As a general rule, all crime incidents must be recorded in the official police
blotter, which is an 18”x12” hard-bound log book that contains the daily register of all
crime incident reports, official summary of arrests and other significant event reported in
a police station. The duty police officer shall record the nature of the incident, detailing
the “five W’s, and one H” and inform his superior officer regarding the incident

3. Investigation team and equipment

All investigators in any police unit must be a graduate of the prescribed
investigation course with a rank of at least Police Officer 2 or Police Corporal. The
investigation team is composed of the team leader, investigator, recorder, photographer,
evidence custodian, and composite illustrator/artist.

4. Duties of the First Responder

To be discussed in the following lessons

5. Duties and responsibilities of the investigating officers

To be discussed in the following lessons

6. Investigation of Suspects
Protocols regarding the investigation of suspects involve procedures from arrest
to booking procedures.

7. Taking sworn statements of suspects

The execution of a suspects “waiver” as stipulated in Art.125 of the RPC shall
always be done in the presence of his chosen counsel or any independent counsel.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

8. Taking sworn statements of the witnesses

The sworn statement or affidavit of the complainants and witnesses must be
taken immediately by the investigator-on-case. The affidavit of arrest of arresting officer
must be taken not later than 24 hours. In inquest cases, the investigator-on-case and the
arresting officers shall observe Art. 125 of the RPC.

9. Preparation of reports and filing of charges

The investigator on case shall submit the spot report (w/in 24 hours), progress
report, after-operation report, final report (after the case has been filed before the court),
and accomplishment report.

10. Procedure in the release of crime scene

Appropriate inventory must be made prior to the release of a crime scene.
Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey and proper
documentation of evidence, witnesses, victims, and suspects. If the crime scene is w/in
a private property, it must be released to the lawful owner witnessed by the barangay
officials. If it is w/in a government facility it shall be released to the administrator.
11. Follow up of a case
The investigator on case should conduct series of police operations to identify
and apprehend suspects.

12. Preparation of case investigation plan

The conduct of police operation involving sensational or high profile cases and
heinous crimes must be covered by a Case Investigation Plan (CIPLAN).

13. Attendance of court duties

The investigator on case and arresting officers shall endeavour to ensure their
attendance during court hearings while heads of units shall supervise and ensure the
attendance of witnesses.

14. Uniform of the Investigator

The prescribed uniform should be worn by investigators when conducting
investigation so as to identify them as PNP personnel.
References:

Galero-Muftuoglu, E. (2017). Fundamentals of criminal investigation (2nd ed).

ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated.

Negosa, H. J., & Cano, G. J.(2019). Fundamentals of criminal investigation and

intelligence Rex Bookstore, Incorporated.

Exercise 2:
1. Is criminal investigation an art or a science?
2. Enumerate and explain the crime triangle.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

3. What are the three-fold aim of criminal investigation also known as the phases of
criminal investigation?
4. What are the essential qualities of an investigator?
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

LESSON 3
APPROACHES AND TOOLS IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson the students are expected to:
1. Discuss the relevance of approaches in investigation
2. Identify and appreciate the essence of tools in criminal investigation

Approaches in Criminal Investigation

1. Inductive approach
This approach in investigation follows a sequence from specific to general such
as the investigators will look first at the pieces of evidence before concluding as to what
crime is committed.

2. Deductive approach
This approach in the investigation is contrary to the former as this starts from
general to specific such as that investigators will first start looking at the body of the
crime before proceeding to the individual evidence as to how the crime was committed.
Tools in Criminal Investigation
1. Information- this refers to the data gathered by an investigator from either regular or
cultivated or grapevine sources including the victims themselves. It may also come from
the following:

• Public Records
• Private Records
• Modus Operandi Files
• Arrest Records
• Rogue Gallery
METHODS USED IN ACQUIRING INFORMATION
1. ELICITATION - Obtain information through the process of direct communication. One
or more of the parties to the communication is/are unaware of the specific purpose of the
conversation.
2. CASING -It literally means putting a thing or place in a case
3. SURVEILLANCE -consist of keeping persons, place or other targets under physical
observation
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

4. OBSERVATION AND DESCRIPTIONS - Observation is the complete and accurate

awareness by an individual of his surroundings. Description is the factual reporting of what is
observed.
5. CLANDESTINE OPERATION – A secret action undertaken in behalf of the
government or other friendly forces.
6. COVER AND UNDERCOVER
a. Cover – any device utilized conceals the true nature of its acts and/or existence from
the observer.
b. Undercover Assignment- An investigation technique in which an agent conceals his
official identity to obtain information
7. INFORMANT AND INFORMER
a. Informant - any person who gives information to the police authorities relative to a
crime.
b. The Informer is a person who provides information to the police on a regular basis.
They are either paid regularly or in a case-to-case basis, or none at all.
2. Interview- this refers to the skillful questioning of suspects and witnesses believed to
possess knowledge that is of official interest to the investigator.
Cognitive Interview conduct of interview upon willing and cooperative witnesses, to
narrate their accounts without interruption.
Question and Answer interview style whereby after each question by the investigator,
the interviewee is required to answer.
The Golden Rule in Interview “Never conduct or let anyone conduct an interview if the
interviewer has not gone to the crime scene.”
Qualities of a Good Interviewer
1. Rapport
2. Forceful Personality
3. Knowledge of Human Behavior
4. Conversational Tone of Voice
5. Acting Qualities
6. Humility
Interview Format (IRONIC)
1. Identity
a. The investigator should identify himself to the witness by name, rank and
agency.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

2. Rapport
3. Opening Statement
4. Narration
Allowing the witness to present in a narrative form without injecting questions.
5.Inquiry
After the witness has told the story, the investigator can make clarifying inquiries.
6. Conclusion
The interview should be concluded when the witness has nothing pertinent to offer.
Reasons Why Witnesses Refuse to Talk or Testify
1. Fear of Reprisal
2. Great Inconvenience
3. Hatred Against the Police
4. Bias of the Witness
5. Avoidance of Publicity
6. Family Restriction

Stages of Handling the Interview

• Preparation – investigator should review the facts in order that he would be

ready for the questioning.
• Approach – investigator must carefully select his kind of approach.
• Warming Up –clear the atmosphere, promote a conducive ground for cordiality,
respect and trust for each other.
• Cognitive Interview
Rules in Questioning a Person Involved in a Crime
1. Ask Question at a Time
2. Avoid Implied Answers
3. Questions should be clearly stated
4. Saving Faces
5. Yes and No Answers are not Allowed
Types of Witnesses According To Their Attitude
1. Know-nothing Type
2. Disinterested Type
3. The Drunken Type
4. Talkative Type
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

5. Honest Witnesses
6. Timid Witnesses
7. Witnesses who refuse to answer
INTERROGATION
A. Definition of Terms
1. Interrogation is the vigorous and confrontational questioning of a reluctant suspect
about his participation in a crime.
2. Custodial Interrogation or Investigation is the investigation conducted by the
investigator on the suspect who is under police custody.
3. Debriefing is the interrogation of a friendly interrogee who has information at the
direction of or under the control of friendly unintelligence service.
4. Interrogation Report is an oral or written statement of information by the questioning of
an interrogee.
5. Interrogator is a person who does the questioning.
6. Interrogee refers to any person subjected to the interrogation process.
7. Screening is the initial examination of an interrogee to determine the extent of his
knowledge.
8. Source refers to any person who for any reason submits information of intelligence
interest usually on a voluntary basis.
9. Suspect refers to any person believed to be associated with prohibited activity.
10. Witness refers to any person who has directs knowledge of facts concerning an
event or activity.
B. Forms of Interrogation
1. Direct – the subject is aware but he may not learn the true objectives of the
interrogation
2. Indirect – the subject is unaware.
3. Instrumentation- the use of Forensic Technology in the examination of physical evidence.

• It is sometimes called Criminalistics.

• It is the process of applying instruments or tools of the police sciences in criminal
investigation and detection.
• This is the use of the Police Laboratory in the examination of physical evidences.
The different divisions of forensic science include:
1. POLYGRAPHY OR LIE DETECTION TEST – focused in detecting deception.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

2. POLICE PHOTOGRAPHY – division of forensic science focused in providing pictorial record

of the crime scene.
3. FORENSIC CHEMISTRY. It involves the use of the science of chemistry in the examination
of fibers, hairs, powder burns, blood, stain, paints, poisonous substances and other matters in
their relevance to the investigation.
4. FORENSIC MEDICINE – used to determine the cause of death as one of the elements of
corpus delicti and it could also approximate the time of death and other pertinent and relevant
matters in the investigation.
5. FORENSIC BALLISTICS or FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION. This is the science of firearms
identification.
6. DACTYLOSCOPY or PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION. This is otherwise known as the science
of fingerprint identification.
7. QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS EXAMINATION - establish if there is alteration,
superimposition, or erasures, either mutually or chemically of a document.
8. FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY. The remove of dentures are of paramount importance in the
identification of unknown bodies especially when other means of identification is lost.
9. FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY. This is a very recent science in the field of criminal investigation
and detection.
10. FORENSIC COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY. This is the age of advanced information
technology.
Modern discoveries of instrumentation
1. DNA (DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID) -DNA Fingerprinting is considered to be the ultimate
identification test in the conduct of criminal investigation. It provides 100 percent positive
identification of a suspect whose blood, semen and/or other DNA-bearing body tissues of fluids
were found at the crime scene or with the victim.
2. Hair Examination. The roots of the hair when examined under this new technology will
determine the presence of drugs taken by the person two years prior to the said examination.
3. Automated fingerprint identification system. A questioned fingerprint is feed into the AFIS
machine which will automatically search the files of fingerprints and renders report in matters of
seconds.
4. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS). This is for the effective identification on the
location of criminals and objects thru modern and special gadgets. It points out the exact
location of the subject or the person who committed the crime.

References:
Belmont, CA: Warsdworth/Thomson Learning
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Bermas, D.S. (2004). Handbook on criminal investigation in the Philippines: fundamental and
special crime. Manila: Central Book Store
Dempsey, J.S. (2003). Introduction to investigtions.
Galero-Muftuoglu, E. (2017). Fundamentals of criminal investigation (2nd ed).
ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated.

Negosa, H. J., & Cano, G. J.(2019). Fundamentals of criminal investigation and intelligence Rex
Bookstore, Incorporated.

Soriano, W.J. (2008). Fundamentals of criminal investigation: principles and procedures. QC:
Great Books Publication
Tradio, C.M. (2003). Handbook of criminal investigation with criminal evidence. Manila: Central
Professional Books.

Exercise 3:
1. Enumerate the tools in criminal investigation and define each.
2. Watch the video in the link provided by the instructor. Analyze the ways on how
the investigators gathered information, manner of conducting interview and
interrogations and lastly the instrumentations used.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Lesson 4
Crime Scene Investigation, Processing and Documentation
Introduction:
This lesson will provide the students with basic information regarding crime
scene investigation and the processes and documentation involved therein.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:
1. define crime scene investigation;
2. identify the methods in crime scene processing;
3. Enumerate and explain the steps in crime scene investigation; and
4. Explain the importance of establishing the chain of custody in handling physical
evidence.

According to Florendo, (2012), scene processing is the term applied to the

series of steps taken to investigate a crime scene. Although the methods and
techniques may differ between the experts involved, their goals are the same: to
reconstruct the exact circumstances of the crime through the identification of the
sequence of events and to gather physical evidence that can lead to the identification of
the perpetrators.
Crime investigation usually begins at the place where the crime was committed.
The area must be isolated and secured to prevent the destruction of crucial physical
evidence that can lead police to link the perpetrators to the victim.

First Police Officer on the Scene

▪ is responsible for preventing other non-essential police personnel and
civilians from entering the scene and often establishes a perimeter
around the crime scene with ropes or tapes.
▪ If witnesses are present, they are identified and remain outside the
perimeters of the crime scene while waiting for questioning by the
investigation team.
▪ If a death has occurred, a coroner, a crime scene technician, and
investigators are requested to the scene to assist the police.
Crime Scene Technician
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

▪ is an expert in finding and identifying physical evidence such as hairs,

fibers, empty bullet capsules, bloodstained objects, and body fluids which
may be found in carpets, on furniture, on walls, etc.
▪ The scene and each piece of evidence is carefully photographed and then
properly collected and conditioned to avoid contamination, to be later
analyzed at the crime laboratory.
▪ This expert also writes a thorough report of the scene and describes the
evidence found.
Investigator
▪ He interviews witness, gathers information from the police on the scene,
the crime scene technician, the coroner, pathologist, and other specialists
that are present.
▪ The investigator is also responsible for the management of information
given to the press, deciding what should or should not be initially disclosed
to the public to not endanger the success of the investigation.
▪ The investigator will discuss with prosecutor’s office the available
evidence and other information to determine the legal direction of the
investigation, since both are responsible for the entire investigative
process and for building a case when prosecuting persons charged with
the crime.
Medical Examiner
▪ Instructs the pathologist as to what physical evidence should be collected
from the corpse and determines how the victim was killed and what
caused the death.
▪ He is also the liaison person between the crime scene technician, the
pathologist, and the investigators, providing useful information that can
either identify the murderer or yield important leads.
Pathologist
▪ He collects physical evidence from the body, such as chemical or metallic
residues, body fluids, hairs, or skin residues under the nails. DNA content
from such organic samples may be compared against CODIX (the
Combined DNA Index System) to verify whether it belongs to a known
criminal, or it can be compared to other samples collected from specific
suspects.

For investigative purposes, the area of a crime scene is always larger than
the actual site or room where the crime occurred. Therefore, the first officer on
scene must be trained to identify and isolate the primary and secondary areas of the
scene. If a body was found indoors, for example, the crime scene primary area is the
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

room where it was found. The secondary crime scene perimeter is the remainder of the
house or building, along with all the doors, windows, and corridors that give access to
the primary area, including front and back yards. The secondary areas may contain
important evidence of a fight, footwear prints, fingerprints, broken windows or doors, tire
prints, or blood stains.
In cases when a highly probable suspect is known:
O The suspect’s car or house may also be treated as a secondary crime
scene area even when it is not located in the proximity of where the crime
was committed.
O All physical evidence identified in both areas may help in the
reconstruction of the chain of events of the criminal act.

Forensic Anthropologist
❖ His services are requested when highly decomposed or charred human remains
are found, when difficulty in gathering physical evidence is experienced, or when
the identification of the victim or the cause of death is not apparent.
o A series of physical changes with soil and interactions with soil bacteria,
insects, and animals takes place when humans are buried, especially in
mass graves.
o In these cases, the anthropological analysis of hair, bones, and soft
tissues (if available) may reveal race, gender, stature, approximate age, at
the time of death, and often, the cause of death.
o The conduct of evidence gathering in these cases is a different procedure,
usually familiar to most crime scene technicians and involves
archaeological techniques, soil analysis, identified of buried debris,
recognition of buried marks of hands or footwear, and animal evidence.
❖ Forensic anthropologists are often consulted for “cold case” investigations
when human remains are unexpectedly found. These scenes should also begin
with securing of the scene by the police in case a determination is later made
that a crime was committed. At least 10 yards around the spot where the
remains are (or are believed to be buried) should be isolated.
o The anthropological gathering of evidence will take at least a full day, and
when the remains are buried, two days. Only after this phase is completed
can the remains removed from the site. Forensic anthropology technique
may supply not only relevant physical evidence but also contextual
information about the circumstances of the death through the three
dimensional mapping and analysis of the scene, the location, and
interrelationship of physical evidence scattered around the remains, depth
of the grave, or pit and geological characteristics of the soil.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Procedures in Criminal Investigation

As a general rule, all crime investigation must be done by the police station who
has the territorial jurisdiction of the crime incident unless otherwise specified by higher
authorities to be investigated by some other unit or agencies and must be recorded in
the police blotter. Territorial jurisdiction means that the crime incident happened within
the area or place that a certain police station holds or covers. Police station moreover
refers to the office of local police that has a jurisdiction within the area and exercises
control over the community and prsons movement by enforcing the laws necessary for
the maintenance of peace and order. The same is responsible in providing immediate
response to the community as the need arises.
Also, crime incident differs from crime scene such that crime scene again refers
to the place where crime took place and where physical evidence can be found while
crime incident refers to the to the occurrence of a certain crime.
In the process of investigation, crime scene must be preserved as it contains the
essential ingredient surrounding the commission of the crime. On the other hand, crime
incident must be established as it will guide investigators in filing the proper charge.
In what way are police officer to be notified in the event that crime happened?
In the event that a crime happens, it reaches the attention of the police through:
1. a concerned citizen who witnessed the crime incident;
2. an accidental discovery of some citizen; or
3. the action itself of the police in patrol.
Those who are in patrol are commonly regarded as the first responder as they
are those who are employed in the community with the end purpose of crime
prevention.
As part of their duties, first responder must do the following:
1. Proceed to crime scene and validate information regarding crime incident ;
2. Record all relevant facts and the time of arrival at the crime scene;
3. Cordon the area, meaning isolate the place so that unauthorized persons
cannot enter the scene or the suspect cannot destroy the evidence;
4. Identify possible witness and do the preliminary interview if feasible;
5. Arrest suspect/s if they are around or recommend for the conduct of dragnet
operation which pertains to an operation conducted to seal off possible exits
of the suspect/s
6. Be ready to take dying declaration of injured person. A dying declaration is a
statement made by a person who is under the impending death in which such
declarations is related to the facts that in which the person is competent to
testify;
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

7. Evacuate wounded person and/or account killed, wounded or arrested

person;
8. Conduct initial investigation and briefing of investigators case (IOC) upon his
arrival at the crime scene; and
9. Conduct initial inventory of all possible evidence at the crime scene which
must be signed by him, the SOCO, and by the investigator.
After such procedure, the investigating team will take full control of the crime
scene which includes the conduct of the crime scene search, generating sketches as
well as the taking of the photograph, lifting of the fingerprints, marking and tagging as
the collection of physical evidence and like. Investigating team refers to the group of
police personnel charged with the investigation and processing of the crime scene
which includes but not limited to the search, collection, marking, tagging, preservation,
and transfer of evidence.
Further, investigating team is composed of the following:
1. The team leader;
2. Investigator;
3. Photographer;
4. Evidence custodian; and
5. Artist.
Upon the takeover of the investigating team, they ensure that the investigative
procedures are followed such as:
1. Record the date and time of arrival as well as all other important details in the
crime scene;
2. Photograph and video of the crime scene;
3. Arrest of suspect/s if their identity is apparent; and
4. Separate possible witness to get their individuals accounts.
Further, whatever the situation in the crime scene might be, it must be noted that
the paramount concern of the investigating team should be the preservation of human
life. Investigator or any of the investigating team must be aware to know what task
should be given priority in the conduct of the investigation.

Crime Scene Processing

It is true that the investigating team must give priority to the human life,
nevertheless, they must exhaust whatever means to secure and preserve the crime
scene for it contains all the necessary ingredients for the prosecution of the case. As
such, they must reconsider the necessary steps in order to collect all available evidence
and maintain the integrity of the crime scene by remembering “MAC” rule which simply
stand for:
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

1. Mutilate- meaning do not remove anything from the crime scene;

2. Alter- do not change anything in the crime scene; and
3. Contaminate- do not add anything to the crime scene.
Also, the investigating team must remember that nothing should be touched,
altered or removed unless everything is photographed, noted, measured and indicated
in the sketch as these are the golden rule in the processing of the crime scene. They
should also take into consideration those transient evidence or fragile evidence.
Transient evidence are those evidence which when not collected at appropriate time
may diminish or loss its value such as urine, blood, semen, etc. on the other hand,
fragile evidence are those evidence which may be broken if collected inattentively.
Methods of Search
Crime is unique with respect to one another which means that the search for an
individual object should be based on the physical characteristics of the scene in order to
collect all possible evidences present in the area. Therefore, investigating team should
be careful in selecting the best method of the search that will correspond to the present
crime scene.
Further, Method of Search is defined as systemic procedure employed by the
investigating team in order to recognize, collect, and preserve the evidence or any
object/s found in the crime scene that has a logical connection to the case.
In the conduct of the crime scene search, the following methods may be
employed base d on the physical characteristics of the place such as strip method,
double strip method, spiral search method, zone search method and wheel search
method.
Strip method is done though following a straight path in an area. Upon reaching
the end, the search turns and follows again a straight path but parallel to the path he
takes. This process continues until the search of the entire area is done.
Double strip method is almost similar to strip method. As the term suggest,
“double”, meaning after the entire area is done searching using strip method, the
searcher will start another process but this time at the other side at right angles from
where you started.
Spiral method is done when the area to be search is circular in nature. The
searcher may start either from the center or outside although commonly searcher
usually starts either from the outside following a circular shape until they finish
searching the area the entire area. See figure 3.
Wheel method is also applicable in circular areas similar to the spiral method.
However, the researcher starts in the center and is best applied when there are plenty
of researches. From the center, they follow a straight path forward outside unlike in
radial that they follow a circular pattern.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Zone method is best applicable in crime scene covering a wider range. In this
method, the crime scene is divided into four quadrants and the research may select
what type of search should be done in each quadrant. It could either be strip, double
strip, radial, wheel or zone method.

Marking, Tagging and Collection of Evidence

After the search of an evidence collection follows. However, any objects found
must be properly marked, tagged,
photographed, measured and indicated in the
sketch before its actual collection. Marking of
evidence refers to the process of identifying and
recognizing any objects in the crime scene by
way of placing the letter symbol or number.
Tagging of evidence is the process of labelling
the physical evidence by way of placing the
appropriate evidence tag containing the
description of the item, the date and the initial of
the collecting officer. Collection of evidence
refers to the actual gathering and lifting of
evidence from the crime scene to the custody to
the appropriate office.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Photographing the Crime Scene

In processing the crime scene, investigating team must consider the proper
taking of the photographs and the making of sketch. Photographs should depict the
actual scenario of the crime scene and portray the proper placement of the individual
evidence. Moreover, all individual evidences must be shown in the sketch with precise
measurement. All these procedures must be written in the investigator’s notebook. An
investigator’s notebook refers to the pad of paper such as work pad, tickler, or notepad
and the like which is used to remember the details regarding the commission of the
crime and in any manner aids the investigator in referring his memory to recall matters
related to the case under investigation.
In taking of photograph, investigating team must consider the following angle/views to
properly appreciate the crime scene such as:
1. General View- these are taken outside of the scene purposely to show location
direction, and the place of crime incidents;
2. Medium View- these shots are taken to show different divisions of crime scene
as this view will allow investigators to clearly see the nature of crime committed;
3. Closed-up View- these shots are done individual evidence to show what
constitutes the crime and how it was committed.

Further, gradual shots of individual evidence may be taken from a standard position
in order to show the relationship of one to another or how individual evidence is close or
far from one another. Technically, this is referred to as progressive photography which
include shots taken in long range, midrange, and/or close range distance.
The following guidelines also in the line with taking photographs must be noted by
the investigating team such as:
1. Take overall photos of the scene which include sign streets, areas, streetlights
location and any identifying objects;
2. Pictures of every room must be taken though they are not apparently connected
to the crime scene;
3. Photograph must be taken from at least 2 opposite corners but 4 corners is
better;
4. If possible, take photos from above or ceiling to avoid the possibility of missing
any device; and
5. Keep a photo log during crime scene processing.

Sketching the Crime Scene

 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

In line with sketch, the artist should be able to draw and portray the crime scene.
The same remember elements of the sketch which includes the following:
1. Title- this includes the basic information regarding the case such as the nature of
the crime the time and date of crime incident, and the local of the crime.
2. Measurement- this pertains to the dimension and the distance of the relative
object to the one another.
3. Essential items- these refers to the pieces of physical evidence found at the
crime scene.
4. Legend- this refers to the use of words and numbers to represent an item in the
crime scene.
5. Compass direction- refers to the north direction from when the sketch was drawn.
6. Scale of proportion- is the representation of the sketch to the actual size of the
scene.

In addition, the artist must also prepare a rough sketch and finished sketch. Rough
sketch is drawn by the artist at the crime scene containing all the necessary details
regarding the crime. Finished sketch on the other hand is drawn by the artist for court
presentation and is commonly done in the office. Remember to keep rough sketch even
after the preparation of the finished sketch.
Sketcher must take note also type of sketch that should be drawn such as:
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

1. Floor plan or bird eye view- a type of sketch drawn from the above;
2. Elevation sketch- a type sketch drawn to show the given side of an area;
3. Exploded view sketch- a type of sketch drawn to show the relationship or order of
the whole parts; and
4. Cross-projection sketch- a type of sketch wherein the ceiling and/or walls are
flattened all out in the ground.
In drawing a crime scene, floor plan or birds eye view sketch is commonly used.
However, in cases where some evidence was placed in the walls was placed in the
walls or the ceiling(example: Dress was thrown and hang on the ceiling fan) cross-
projection sketch is better.
Additional guidelines on drawing the sketch includes the following:
1. Indicate the nature of the crime and the place of incident as well as the name of
the person who prepare and drew it. For better understanding, use capital letters
and numbers are highly suggested such that;
a. Capital letters- for basic parts or accessories of the place
b. Numbers- for individual evidence
2. Indicate the position, location, and how objects relate to one another;
3. Use standard symbols while sketching;
4. Use arrow to show the direction and stairways; and
5. Be consistent with the units of measurement such as centimetre, inches, yard,
meters, feet, etc.
To aid the investigators in measuring individual evidence with respect to any
other objects in the crime scene, following methods should be considered and must be
used based on the physical characteristics of the crime scene:
1. Rectangular method- find fix post at a right angle to serve as the base;
2. Triangular method – find two fix points to the evidence that must be plotted or
located.
Release of the Crime Scene
Release of the crime scene is defined as the discharge of the crime scene from
the custody of the authorized law enforcement officer to the lawful occupant, owner, or
any person is charged with the responsibility and management of the place where the
crime happened.
In releasing the crime scene, the following should be observed:
1. All physical evidence must be properly marked, tagged and labelled;
2. Ensure that proper inventory of all items is done;
3. Error should not be entertained as there is only one chance to process the
crime scene; and
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

4. Release the crime scene only after final survey and proper documentation.
Final survey refers to the action taken by the investigating team to ensure that
all items have been gathered which includes the proper documentation of all
circumstances under which the physical evidence was collected.
Reconstructing the Crime
To properly reconstruct the crime, the following stages be observed to arrive at a
more convincing explanation as to how the crime was committed:

1. Appreciation – is the process of recognizing the potential physical evidence

that has or may have evidential value and separate it from those items which
are not significant in the progress of the investigation;

2. Comparison – is the process of comparing groups of standards from the one

collected at the crime scene to establish its identity;

3. Individualization – this involves the process of establishing the uniqueness of

the physical evidence taken from the scene; and

4. Reconstruction – is the final stage undertaken in order to fully reconstruct the

crime considering all related factors such as crime scene evaluation,
laboratory results, individuality of physical evidence and other independent
information from various sources to provide better understanding and
explanation as to how the crime was committed.

It must also be noted however, that crime scene reconstruction is different from
the crime scene re-enactment and crime scene recreation such that, crime scene re-
enactment is the process of re-enacting and portraying the crime incident based o their
previous knowledge regarding the event by having the offender, victim or witness to
play such role while crime scene recreation is the process of substituting all necessary
items or actions at the crime scene through the use of what is documented or with aid of
investigators log.

Modus Operandi and Profiling of Suspect

One important means in order to aid the investigators in reconstructing the crime
is through the establishment of the perpetrator’s modus operandi. Modus operandi
refers to the manner and methods employed or used as well as the sequence of various
actions taken by perpetrator in committing the crime. It is otherwise known as the
method of operation.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

On the other hand, profiling of suspects can be useful in determining the identity
of possible individual who may have committed the crime. Profiling is defined as the
psychological process of establishing the characteristics of the most likely individual
who might have committed the crime based on the evaluation of the crime scene and
placement of the physical evidence.

In identifying suspects, rogues gallery can also be very helpful. Rogues gallery
refers to the compilation of photographs of known criminals. If someone had witnessed
or seen the suspect’s face, cartographic sketch can be done. Cartographic sketch refers
to the composite drawing of a suspect’s face done by an artist to assist police
investigators in establishing the identity of the person who might have committed the
crime.

Crime Scene Processing Equipment

Investigating team and/or crime laboratory must have the following basic
equipment when responding to area calling for crime scene processing. These includes
but not limited to the following:
1. Camera 6. First aid kit
2. Marker 7. Graph paper and pencil
3. Evidence tag 8. Evidence bag
4. Evidence seal 9. Crime scene barricade
5. Measuring device 10. Protective box for basic paraphernalia

References:
Florendo, A. (2012). Fundamentals of criminal investigation. Wiseman’s Books
Trading Inc.
Negosa, H. J., & Cano, G. J.(2019). Fundamentals of criminal investigation and
intelligence Rex Bookstore, Incorporated.

Exercises:

1. You are a patrol officer who responded to a reported domestic violence. Upon
reaching the place where the alleged violence took place, you saw a wounded
man and a lifeless woman. As a first responder, what will you do?
2. How do you think are evidence collected?
3. How can chain of custody be established?
4. What are the consequences if the chain of custody is not established?
5. What is the significance of taking over-all photograph of the crime scene?
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

6. How are the collected pieces of evidence preserved?

 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

LESSON 5
Intelligence
Introduction:
This lesson provides for the introductory concepts of intelligence. Included in this
part are the discussions on scope of intelligence, counter-intelligence and the
intelligence cycle.

Lesson Objectives:
1. Explain the context of the intelligence;
2. Discuss the characteristics and scope of the intelligence; and
3. Apply the principle covered by intelligence.

Intelligence
In line with intention of successful criminal investigation, intelligence is a par one
requirement that needs to be satisfied and be given attention. Even in history,
intelligence plays an important role in the success of every war. In like manner, the
success of every war demonstrates and shows how information was gathered and
collected correctly and precisely.
In modern times, intelligence is used primarily to crack down organized crime,
defend from enemy attacks, and aid in the progress of either covert or overt operation.
Overt investigation simply means as operation conducted openly with covert
investigation in contrast is an operation conducted in clandestine manner. Clandestine
simply means as secret. Considering that intelligence is the backbone of police
operation, then no operation should be made without successful and accurate
intelligence.
In addition, it must be noted that intelligence is not only used in line with the
different police operation but also in improving political, economic, and sociological
advantage of the nation, part from that, take note, that the intelligence should process
the following characteristics as it serves its purpose. If not, any information gathered will
be hampered or might acquire false information, as whole, any operation or activity
might be jeopardized.
1. Intelligence and operation are interdependent
2. Intelligence is continuous
3. Intelligence must be useful
4. Intelligence must be available on time
5. Intelligence operations require imagination and foresight
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

6. Intelligence must be flexible

7. Intelligence requires continuous security measures.

Scope of Intelligence
• National intelligence- a network of information concerning national policy and
national security
• Police intelligence- information that are collected, analysed, collated, and
evaluated concerning criminal investigation, criminal syndicate, organized
crimes, and other police problems
o Strategic intelligence- type of intelligence that is long range in nature
and requires a longer period to materialize and be fully available
o Line intelligence- type of intelligence that is immediate in nature and can
be developed within a short period of time
▪ People
▪ Weather
▪ Enemy
▪ Terrain
• Military intelligence- information regarding military activities which is essential
to the different military operations
• Departmental intelligence- refers to the information needed by all department
agencies in the execution of government plans and programs.
• Criminal intelligence- knowledge essential in the prevention of crimes and the
investigation, arrest, and prosecution of criminal offenders.
• Internal security intelligence- information essential in the maintenance of
peace and order
• Public safety intelligence- knowledge essential in ensuring the protection of
lives and properties.

Counterintelligence
- It is a type of intelligence that is employed to protect the interest and
safeguard lives, property and important information against possible entry or
infiltration of enemy forces from being lost, destroyed or stolen.
- It is also the phase of intelligence covering the activity devoted in destroying
the effectiveness of hostile foreign activities and the protection of information
against the following:
o Espionage
o Subversion
o Sabotage
- It includes detection, prevention and neutralization of enemy activities
o Detection of clandestine operation of the enemy
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

o Prevention is avoiding enemy attacks or infiltration

o Neutralization is the suppression of enemy activities
- To sum up, counterintelligence is very significant to but not limited to the
following such that:
o Denying information to the enemy;
o Reducing the risk of a command
o Protecting vital information and property
o Increasing security forces
o Decreasing the enemy’s ability to create plans against the organization

Intelligence Cycle
The Intelligence Cycle is the process of developing raw information into finished
intelligence for policymakers to use in decision making and action. It involves planning,
collection, collation and dissemination of information to proper persons. This cycle is
important because it provides the necessary details in order to attain a mission. A
mission is the purpose why intelligence should be gathered and used for particular
undertaking. It is safe to say that the mission is the heart of the intelligence cycle.

Planning

Dissemination Mission Collection

Collation

Planning Phase
In planning for the collection of information, the following factors should be
considered such as:
1. Sources of information;
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

2. Operations of the command;

3. Characteristics of the enemy; and
4. Methods in gathering information.

Sources of information pertains to the individual or group, association or entity

which my possess possible information to which an individual desires to be gathered.
Operations of command is the manner how the collecting agency and even the agency
upon which data will be gathered acts or works for a particular purpose in order to
determine the needed preparation or security. Characteristics of the enemy refer to the
capabilities, power, influence, and connections of the enemy forces or upon any person
to whom the data to be collected shall be directed or used. Methods in gathering
information simply refer to different approaches as to how information shall be gathered
or collected. This will help intelligence officer to provide the necessary Essential
Elements of Information (EEI). These are information pertaining to the target area which
the commander feels he need before he can arrive with an accurate decision.

In addition, collecting agency refers to any organization, entity, association or

individual person that collects and gathers the information through an intelligence
officer. Target area refers to any individual, group, association or entity that subjected to
for operation or intelligence gathering.

Collection Phase

In intelligence cycle, collection refers to the information gathering done in

compliance with established procedure to avoid detection and penetrate successfully.

Take note that since the collection and gathering of data is a cycle, or information
gathered or collected to which the intelligence officer finds less value or no value at all
shall be recorded and, if possible, preserved as it may be used for the future
endeavours.

Collation Phase

In intelligence cycle, collation refers to the process involved in evaluating the accuracy
and reliability of the information collected. Reliability means judging the source of
information while accuracy simply means the level of truthfulness of the information
collected.

In collation stage, all collected information will undergo the following:

 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

1. Recording – refers to the systematic sorting of all documented information

and present them either in writing or some other forms of presentation so that
they can be analyzed and studied for future action.

2. Analysis – the collected information is divided into different components; and

isolate those that are relevant to the mission or those that has intelligence
value which includes looking into the source of information, truthfulness of the
information and who provides the information.

3. Evaluation – refers to the assessment of information done to determine the

reliability of the source and providing judgement in line with accuracy to
determine its truthfulness as well as its pertinence to the current situation.

Table 1. Reliability and Accuracy Table

RELIABILITY OF ACCURACY OF SOURCE OF
INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION
A – COMPLETE 1 - CONFIRMED by T - Direct Observation
RELIABLE other sources by Commander or Unit
B – USUALLY 2 – PROBABILITY U - Report by DPA or
RELAIBLE TRUE Resident Agent
C – FAIRLY RELIABLE 3 – POSSIBLY TRUE V – Report by PNP/AFP
Troops
D – NOT USUALLY 4 – DOUBTFULLY W – Interrogation of
RELIABLE TRUE Capture Enemy
E - UNRELIABLE 5 – IMPROBABLE X – Observation of
gov’t/civilian employee
Y – Member populace
F – RELIABILITY 6 – TRUTH cannot be
Z - Documentary
cannot be judged judged

4. Integration – is the combination of those isolated information from various

sources to produce new information necessary for the success of the mission.

5. Interpretation – is the process involved in providing meaning amd significance

of new information.

6. Synthesis – provide conclusion based on the new information generated in

relation to the current situation.
 Module in CDI 101 | Dr. Rhona Aguda Alog

Dissemination Phase

In Intelligence cycle, dissemination refers to the actions taken to transfer

processed information to appropriate persons. Extra care should be considered in
disseminating information and should be based on the “need to know principle”.
Meaning, information or those that had already intelligence value should only be
passed, handed and disseminated among persons who have the personality to know
or acquire the same.

References:
Florendo, A. (2012). Fundamentals of criminal investigation. Wiseman’s Books
Trading Inc.
Negosa, H. J., & Cano, G. J.(2019). Fundamentals of criminal investigation and
intelligence Rex Bookstore, Incorporated.

Exercises:
1. What is the connection between intelligence and information?
2. How does intelligence aid in the investigation and solution of crime?
3. In what areas or fields can intelligence be useful? Explain your answers
4. How can counterintelligence be helpful in police operations?
5. In your own perspective, is the process involved in the intelligence cycle perfect?
Why or why not?