CCDC_SY.

22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

PREPARED BY: JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

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 CHAPTER 1
Learning Objectives:
Understand the basic concepts of Criminal Investigation (CI)
Enumerate principles applied
Differentiate types of Reasoning used in CI
Familiarize the phases of CI
Understand the concept of Crime Scene, its general made up, its components and how to treat
crime scene.

Criminal Investigation

A. Its Concepts:

The word investigate is derived from the Latin word “vestigare”

meaning “to track or to trace.” When a person commits an act which is not
in conformity with the accepted norm of conduct of society, it is
investigated. In this investigation, the process is to find facts and the
investigator is a fact-finder. He proceeds by identifying the offender, locating
and arresting him and simultaneously gathering the evidence to convict him
in court.

Criminal investigation requires the investigators the effectiveness,

knowledge, investigative technique and the experiences about investigative
methods, procedures, rules and policies to include the five (5) “W’s” and one
(1) “H”, they are: what offense has been committed? Where was the offense
committed? Who committed the offense? When was the offense committed?
Why was the offense committed? and; How was the offense committed?

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B. Definition

It is an art and a science of identifying, collecting, preserving and

evaluating information for the purpose of bringing a criminal offender to
justice without which relevant highly significant evidence may be overlooked
and improperly or inefficiently gathered, and incorrect conclusions may be
drawn.

C. Basic Elements of the Investigative Process

1. Recognition: the investigating officer must recognize information
relating to a crime as such.
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 2. Collection: relevant information must also be collected by the
investigator.
3. Preservation: the information must be preserved to ensure its
physical and legal integrity.
4. Evaluation: the information must be evaluated by the investigator
to determine its worth in prosecuting the suspect. Analyze the value
of physical evidences presented.

D. Principles of Investigation
1. No two crimes are alike.
2. Most crimes are solved by guesswork and luck.
3. The law provides element as to what happened.
4. The M.O provides clues as to who did it.
5. Criminals always make mistakes.
6. Evidence is always present.
7. People always lie to you.
8. Learn to work with others.
9. Know when to give up.
10. Public opinion is important.
11. You can never receive much training.
12. There’s never enough time.
13. The proper ethics is to put behind bars, but not by any means.
14. Document everything.
15. Establish credibility in court.

Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

There is one paramount result in which the investigator is constantly striving
and that is positive identification of victim, perpetrator and witness.

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Identification, absolute and complete, is often the crowning achievement of
his work.
A deductive reasoning is one you decide is the answer of the case,
and which you then attempt to prove with a collection of facts. To put it in
another way, you “jump at a conclusion” and then undertake to show that
your guess was right.
Inductive reasoning collects all the facts available first and allows
them to determine the judgment. After you carefully examine all the details
of a case you will be compelled to come to some conclusion regarding them.

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 Bear in mind that what is deductive is the handling of the case will
come from the investigator, and what is inductive will be provided for the
investigator by the culprit.

PHASES/STAGES OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

In proving the guilt of the accused in court, the fact of the existence of
the crime must be established; the defendant must be identified and
associated with the crime scene; competent and credible witnesses must be
available; and the physical evidence must be appropriately identified. The
proof of guilt will depend on the establishment of the essential elements of
the crime.

In most cases, crimes are initiated by a citizen calling the police to

report the crime or a police patrol unit responding to evidence that a crime is
in progress.

Aims and Objectives:

a. Identify the criminal by

 confession
 eyewitness
 circumstantial evidence
b. trace and locate the guilty suspect
c. prove by evidence the guilt of the suspect/s

THE THREE PHASES OF INVESTIGATION

1. Preliminary Investigation
It is the first exposure of criminal offense to the investigative effort. It
cannot be emphasized too strongly that this step is vital to the success of
the investigation. It serves as the foundation of the case, therefore, it must CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
be a proper foundation otherwise the entire investigation is on jeopardy.
The first police representative on the scene will usually be uniformed
patrolmen. His duties are to provide aid to the victim, to secure the crime
scene for later investigation and to begin documenting the facts of the
crime.

The initial incident report usually contains the basic fact of the crime,
the identity of the victim, a description of the suspect, and the identity and

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location of any potential witnesses, as well as a description of the crime
scene and pertinent statements by witnesses or by victim.

The Acronym below summarizes many of the Duties Expected at a

Preliminary Investigation

P – roceed to scene promptly and safely

R – ender assistance to injured
E – ffect arrest of the criminals
L – ocate and identify witnesses
I – nterview complainant and witnesses
M – aintain integrity of crime scene and protect evidence
I – nterrogate suspects as necessary
N – ote conditions, events and remarks
A – rrange for evidence collection or collect it yourself
R – eport the entire incident fully and accurately
Y – ield responsibility to follow-up investigator or superior officer
2. In – Depth Investigation
It follows up initial lead steaming from the preliminary investigation.
Department order specifying the maximum inquiry period; arrival of
plainclothes detective on the scene where investigative methods employed
are standards. Involves a longer time span. It begins with a general
examination of all facts, leads and other types of information secured during
the preliminary investigation and attempt to answer the following:
a. Was the crime scene processed in a proper manner?
b. If a suspect was arrested, was the arrest legally competent?
c. Are the physical evidence secured, which should examined by
the crime lab and what specific examinations should be
requested?
d. Are the identifying data concerning victims and witness correct?
e. Has preliminary officers has been contacted in regard to leads of
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areas of inquiry not found in the formal preliminary report.

In – depth investigation is the reexamining of the preliminary investigation,

revisiting the crime scene, further process the crime scene, interviewing of
existing and new victims and witnesses, processing of documents, gathering
of facts and evidence, and application of criminalistics.

3. Concluding Investigation

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 The direct outgrowth of the previous two stages. The investigating
officer works closely with the prosecuting attorney. Criminal case should be
prepared for trial in different manner.

a. Prepare the records of the case;

b. Review the suspect’s arrest to the certain legality;
c. Review all suspect’s statement and admission or confession as to
their validity and admissibility;
d. Review of the manner in which evidence were secured/obtained;
e. Review and compile field notes, criminal investigative reports
and other documentation that may be used during the trial;
f. Review all information secured by the use of informants, and
make decisions about the possibility of their use in court;
g. Review the prosecutor’s strategy and the nature of the
detective’s testimony to be used during the trial;
h. Arrange for all necessary expert-witness testimony.

THE CRIME SCENE

When a crime occurs, there are three primary sources of physical

evidence available to the crime scene investigation officer.

The crime scene is dynamic, rapidly changing situation. The first officer
to arrive at the scene of a crime must be concerned with the myriad of
details.

A crime scene is a physical location where a suspect either commits an

illegal act or leaves physical evidence of such an act. The crime scene is the
place which much physical evidence is obtained.

The entire purpose of crime scene investigation is to tile the suspect to

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either the victim or the crime scene, and to reconstruct the events of the
crime.

1. Basic Components of Crime Scene

a. Suspect arrival at the scene
b. Place of entry
c. Movement of suspect from point of entry
d. Suspect contact with the victim
e. Place of exit

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 2. Physical Evidence
Kinds of Physical Evidence
a. Corpus Delicti evidence
b. Associative evidence
c. Trace evidence

Characteristics of Physical Evidence

a. Physical evidence are factual.
b. Physical evidence does not forget.
c. Physical evidence are not confused by the excitement of the
moment.
d. Physical evidence cannot perjure – only its interpretation can go
wrong

When will evidence value diminish?

a. When human fails to find it.
b. When human fails to study it.
c. When human fails to understand it.

Crime Requiring Crime Scene Search

Not all criminal acts produce usable physical evidence, or justify the
time and expense of a full search because of its lack of vigorous or
exceptional physical activity in their commission. There is no contact of the
criminal with his surroundings.

However, serious crimes which leaves a high probability of generating

retrievable physical evidence should be processed, such as:

a. Homicide
b. Assault

CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

c. Sexual Assault
d. Robbery
e. Carnapping
f. Arson

Steps to be followed upon Arrival at any Crime Scene:

1. Record the date, time of arrival, and whether conditions.
2. If an injured person is on the scene, arrange for medical attention,
identification and removal. The scene should be disturbed only to the
extent necessary to have medical aid rendered to the injured or to

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 have a doctor examine a deceased victim. Each alteration should be
accurately recorded.
3. If the offender is at the scene, apprehend him.
4. If the scene is not fully protected, ensure its protection by using other
policemen or other responsible persons to keep witnesses, suspects
and victim/s who are present from disturbing the scene.
5. Determine and record the names of those persons at the scene who
may be witness, and separate them. These persons should be
removed from the immediate areas of the scene as soon as
practicable.
6. Conduct preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects and victim/s to
determine in general the extent of the incident or crime.
7. Note the names of all persons officially present. Those present within
the immediate area of the scene should be only the minimum number
needed to assist the investigator.

The Initial Responding Officers should:

a. Establish boundaries of the scene, starting at the focal point and
extending outward to include:
 Where the crime occurred
 Potential points and paths of exits and entry of suspects and
witnesses
 Places where the victim/evidence may have been moved

b. Set up physical barriers or use existing boundaries.

c. Document the entry/exit of all people entering and leaving the scene,
once boundaries have been established.
d. Control the flow of personnel and animals entering and leaving the
scene to maintain integrity of the scene.

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e. Effect measure to preserve/protect evidence that may be lost or
compromised.
f. Document the original location of the victim or objects that you
observed being moved.
g. Consider search seizure issues to determine necessity of obtaining
consent to search and or obtaining search warrant.

REFERENCES

Fish,J.T., Stout, R.N., & Wallace, E.W.(2011) Practical Crime Scene

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 Investigation for Hot Zones.Boca Raton, FL: Taylor and
Francis Group, LLC.

Gardner, R.M. (2005) Practical Crimes Scene Processing and

Investigation. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press LLC.

Hess, K.M., & Orthman, C.H. (2010). Criminal Investigation (9th ed.)
New York: Delmar, Cengage Learning.

Lyman, M.D. (2011) Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science
(6th ed.) New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Philippine National Police. (2010). PNP Operational Procedures.

Quezon City: Philippine National Police

CHAPTER 2
Learning Objectives:
Familiarize the different Investigation Activities
Familiarize the different method of crime scene search and crime scene sketches
Understand the concepts and value of field notes in CI
Recognize the Role of Photography in CI, its stages and process of taking photos on CS

INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES

1. Supervision CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

All searches at the crime scene require a supervisor in-charge of processing

the scene:

a. Senior Officer
In some smaller agencies, the highest – ranking officer at the scene is
generally in-charge.

b. Case Officer

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Most agencies permit the officer who will be heading the investigation to
take charge of the crime scene.
c. Technician
Where the agency utilizes a full team of evidence technicians, the officer in-
charge of the team normally supervises the crime scene search.

2. Photography
Photographs are typically made of the general crime scene and of each
item of evidence as it is found. Normally, the officer performing these tasks
will be the first to enter the scene, so that he can accurately record the site
as it was found. The search process should never begin until these initial
photographs have been taken.

3. Sketching
Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos, they are but
supplement to them. Usually a rough sketch of the crime scene and the
position of various items of evidence also made. Even when photos were
taken, a sketch is frequently necessary to overcome the two dimensional
nature of photographs. Besides, in sketching the exact measurements are
indicated.

4. Protection of Evidence
Certain specified investigators should be in charge of insuring that all
evidence at the scene is properly tagged, preserved and transported to the
crime laboratory. Assigning these tasks to a specific person prevents gaps in
the legal chain of custody as well assuring that all evidence reaches the
laboratory in usable conditions.

5. Application of Technical Skills CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

A need may also exist for persons who have specialized skills in the
collection of evidence. Those most likely to be needed are persons skilled in:

 Fingerprint
 Serology
 Casting and molding of impressions
 Ballistics

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 6. Searching
The crime scene must be properly searched. The number of
persons needed to search a particular site depends upon the size and
degree of thoroughness required.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH

Generally, the sooner the crime scene is thoroughly searched for

physical evidence, the better the chance of finding it intact and in its most
useful state. The value of physical evidence is measured by its usefulness in
proving that a crime was committed to demonstrate the suspect’s mode of
operation and to identify and convict the criminal.

In all cases of apparent homicide or suicide, neither the body nor its
surroundings are to be touched by anyone until the medical examiner and
crime scene specialists have done their work. After that, the investigating
officer will sketch the scene, take photographs, and take notes on what is
done and observed. Only when these tasks are completed will a search for
evidence begin.

The investigating officer should look the scene over for several angles,
to grasp the whole scene, and then formulate a plan for searching the scene.
A proper approach prevents fouling any evidence and trooping through the
area haphazardly may trample.

The number of searchers and the characteristics of the crime scene

must determine the choice of specific patterns by which the scene is to be
thoroughly searched.

a. Strip Method – start along one side of the crime scene and
walk in straight line across the area to be searched, then return CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
to the original side you started from and again walk across the
search area but slightly above the previous line of search.

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b. Double Strip Search Method – the double strip search is a
modification of the strip search method. Here the rectangle is
traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to the side.

c. Zone or Sector Method – this method divides the scene into

equal zone. One searcher is normally assigned to each sector
with responsibility for all that occur in the scene.

CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

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 d. Wheel Method - The searchers gather at the center of the
scene and move out in these spool-like directions. The obvious
drawbacks in this method are the possibility of ruining evidence
when gathering at the center and every increasing distance
between the searchers as the investigators move onward.

e. Spiral Method –usually begins from the outer perimeter of the

scene, moving inward in a constricting circular fashion.

f. Grid Method – is very useful for large crime scenes that must
be searched for small items of evidence in an extremely
thorough fashion. The entire search area is crisscrossed by one
or more investigators so that all areas are actually crossed
several times.

THE CRIME SCENE SKETCH

The crime scene sketch is a simple line drawing that indicates the
position of the body in relation to fixed and significant objects in the scene.
It supplements both the written reports and the crime scene photographs. CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
Photographs, because of camera perspective and distortion, this will always
depict the exact location in which objects are situated or the relation of one
object to another. The crime scene sketch is an excellent visual aid which
allows for the removal of unnecessary details and the inclusion of significant
material. Practically speaking, the crime scene sketch can become one of the
most useful tools of the investigator.

The Sketch

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 A drawing of the crime scene is the simplest and most effective way to
present measurement and to identify those items that the investigator
seems significant, including the location of the victim’s body, the location of
any physical or trace evidence, the position of the weapon, the objects which
may be significant to the overall scene. In addition, the drawing permits the
deletion of irrelevant or distracting items which appear in photographs.
Considering that “photograph and sketch are interdependent with each other
as an evidence in court presentation.”

In addition, in creating a diagram which is specific and selective, the

crime scene sketch can be used to:

a. Refresh the memory of the investigator.

b. Refresh the memory of the witness/es.
c. Refresh the memory of the cooperative suspect to assist in
detailing his or her actions at the scene.
d. Develop a clearer understanding of what happened and
determine the relative livelihood of various possibilities. For
instance, people may be requested to trace their particular
movements on copies of the original sketch.
e. Explain to a jury or witness the specifics of a case that may be
otherwise be too complex or confusing.

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 Choosing the Best Method

1. Coordinate Method – the coordinate method employs the practice of

measuring an object from two fixed points of reference. Once such
procedure is the baseline technique, in which a line is drawn between
two known points. The baseline could also be a wall or a
mathematically derived point along a designated area where exact
measurements can be determined.

2. Triangulation Method – the triangulation method is a bird’s eye view

of the scene, utilizing fixed objects from which to measure. This is
particularly useful for sketching outdoor crime scenes where there are
no easily identifiable points of reference. In this procedure, two or
more widely separated point of reference are required. The item of
interest is then located by measuring along a straight line from the
reference points.

3. Cross – Projection Sketch –this is a method for making a sketch of CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
the crime inside of a room. It is done by drawing the walls as if they
were folded down flat on the floor. This method is very good where
there are bullet holes or blood stains on the wall or ceiling.

FIELD NOTES

Field notes have many benefits for both the officers and the
department. Most notes will result from interviews, but there are other uses
as well. For examples, notes may be the most important step in

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documenting a crime scene initially. An investigator’s field notes are his or
her most personal and readily available record of the crime scene search. It
is difficult, if not impossible, to recommend a particular form of field note
taking, as most officers usually adopt their own style. However, one
objective of this process remains clear: the notes taken at a crime scene
must adequately reflect the condition and state of the location at the time of
the crime scene search.

Essential Topics of Information in Note Taking Process

1. Dates, Time and Location – exact time or arrival at the crime scene,
location of the scene lighting, weather condition, names of other
officers and other officers present at the scene.
2. Description of Victim –this information should include all
identification of the victim, including name, age, social security
number, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, and so on. In addition,
clothing should be noted as to style and color of garment. Special
attention should be given to extemporaneous identifiers such as
complexion, tattoos and scars.
3. Wounds on the Victim –notes regarding the type and location of
wounds should be documented carefully. It is important to emphasize
descriptions of the wound, and if tis a bruise, its color should be noted.
4. Overall Description of the Crime Scene – investigators must note
anything unusual at the crime scene. This includes items damaged or
in disarray, items that seem misplaced or that don’t seem to belong in
the scene, open doors or windows, and so on.
5. Notes on Photographs taken on the Scene – for every photograph
taken of the scene, the F-stop, shutter speed, distance and direction of
the photo should be logged in an officer’s notes. Also included the time
and location of each photographs.
6. Type and Location of each Piece of Evidence – an investigator CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
should be careful to document adequately the location of each piece of
evidence found at the crime scene. This includes its description,
location, the time it was discovered and by whom, the type of
container in which it was place, how the container was scaled and
marked, and the disposition of the item after it was collected.
7. Absence of Items – this notation includes the documentation of
items not at the crime scene that probably should be, such as certain

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 articles of clothing missing from the deceased or certain home
furnishing absent from the scene.
8. All measurements that made.
9. After the Officer has made his report, he should keep a copy of
his notes permanently in some safe place. Although the criminal
may be convicted by the courts and sent to prison, there is always a
chance that civil action or an appeal will be taken. The officer may
have to refresh his recollection many years later.

Importance of Note Taking

a. It forces the investigators to commit their observation in writing.

b. It enables them to keep detailed record of everything they see and do.

Rules on Note Taking

a. Notes should be taken in chronological order.

b. It should detail each step and every action the officer makes.
c. Notes should be complete and thorough.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE

Photography is the first means by which the crime scene is processed

and in many ways, the most important. Proper photographs provide a
permanent record of how the scene appeared after the offense was
discovered. Additionally, the photographs support the investigator’s
testimony during a trial. It is vital that crime scene photographs be taken
before any items are moved or altered. If physical evidence is moved before
being photographed, the pictures may not stand up as evidence. This is due
to the legal objection that the photographs do not represent the scene in its

CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE

true state.

Crime scene photographs are generally taken in a coordinated series.

Very general pictures are taken first, with more specific ones following. For
example, the photographs of a gas station armed robbery are long range
pictures of the entire building. These are followed by views of the room in
which the robbery actually took place. The final photos are close-up views of
single items of physical evidence located in the room.

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 In photographing small items found at the crime scene, a
measurement marker should be used. Each photograph taken at the crime
scene must be fully identified. Very few things can be more embarrassing to
the investigator than being unable to identify photographs during courtroom
testimony.

Identification Data of Photographs includes the following:

1. Data to identify the subject of the photograph – often crime

scene photographs contain many extraneous items of little significance
to the investigation.
2. Data to identify the location of the photograph – the address and
detailed location of the room within the building are items frequently
listed.
3. Data to identify the photographer – name, police agency, badge or
identification number.
4. The case number, if known at eh time of the marking – the case
number may be automatically assigned when the call is dispatched or
assigned at a later date.
5. The time the photograph was taken – the investigator must take
care in marking this item, for crimes occur with more frequency during
the early morning hours, when dates have recently changed.
6. Data to describe whether condition, photographic equipment,
shutter speeds, film type and developing and printing
techniques – many defense attorneys ask highly technical questions,
with the intent of discrediting the officer’s competence.

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3 Stages of Photographing a Crime

1. General Views
The general photograph is a sweeping view of the crime scene area
(overall scene of the neighborhood, including angles from all streets leading
to the crime scene). It demonstrates what the scene looks like in its own
environment.

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 2. Medium Range Views
As we move in closer to the subject of the crime scene additional
photographs should be taken. These photos should be taken at a distance no
greater than 20 feet away from the subject or item being photographed. The
intent of medium photo is to depict specific items or objects in the crime
scene.
These shots show key pieces of evidence in context, so the photo includes
not only the evidence but also its location in a room and its distance from
other pieces of evidence.

3. Close up Views
Moving from the broad to the specific, the last phase in photographing
the crime scene is the close up. These photos are taken at a distance of less
than five feet and should focus on small segments of a larger surface or on
specific objects in the scene.
Examples are bullet holes in the walls, weapons, blood splatter stains,
latent fingerprints and so on. As with the medium – range photo, these
photographs should include some identifiable item from the medium range
photos to link object/s being photographed with the general crime scene.

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Any picture an officer takes may wind up in court. It will be safe to

keep this in mind. Simple rules can make pictures acceptable to most
judges.

Rule 1: Do not Disturb the Scene

This is the cardinal rule of crime scene photography. Both later

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investigators and judges need to see the scene as it was then when the
police arrived.

Some courts have held that a scene is disturbed by the addition of

even such simple things as measuring scales and labels. Leave them out of
your first series of pictures.

As far as possible, plan your pictures before you shoot. Make sure to
cover the whole scene before it is touched or altered in anyway. After the
scene has been photographed in its original state, you may shoot a second

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series of pictures with many changes. You can add measuring scales,
removed obstacles blocking the view or do anything else which will make the
scene clearer. If you are working with a partner, take pictures of him moving
objects or adding them to the scene. This will show the judge exactly what
was done and why.

Rule 2: Get a Complete Series of Pictures

You must move around the scene to see everything. So must the
camera. Generally speaking, each important object in the scene should
appear in at least three pictures an overview; a mid-range shot; a close-up.

The overview should cover the entire scene to bring out the
relationship between the objects. The mid-range shot shows and important
objects and its immediate surroundings. Finally, each close-up shows a key
detail clearly.

All these pictures are important. A close-up alone does not indicate
where the object was located; an overview alone does not bring out all items
sharply enough to permit a detailed examination.

Rule 3: Pay Attention to Camera Angles

Relationships of size and distance may be destroyed by the wrong

viewpoint. Examine the scene in the view finder. This shows the scene as
your camera will see it.

Ask yourself questions such as:

 Does this picture reveal the true position of the witness to the crime?
 Do the skid marks seem longer or shorter in the viewfinder than they
are in real life? CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
 How large is the lead pipe used as weapon?

Shoot most pictures with the camera at eye level. This is the height from
which people normally see things and that make it easier to judge
perspective.

Rule 4: Record All Data

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 You will often want to stress key details in a picture. If you do that by
marking on the print itself, a defense lawyer may accuse you of altering it.
For this reason, it is wise to do the marking on a transparent overlay which
can be removed to show the untouched print.

Another way to avoid possible objections is to label the negatives from

which your prints were made and take them with you in court.

Admissibility of Photograph

1. The photograph must be relevant to the case.

2. The photograph should not incite prejudice of sympathy.
3. The photograph should be free from distortion.
4. The photograph should be properly identified.

The proper identity would include not only the identification of the photo as
being taken at the scene, but with what the equipment used. All the details
of the processing should also be included.

Conduct of Search and Recording of Activities at the Crime Scene

1. Assess the situation before conducting an actual search to determine
the number, kind and view of the photographs to be made and plan of
the sketch.
2. Immediately designate a “headquarters” or the area where you could
stay in which there are no possible evidence that may accidentally
disturbed or altered.
3. After assessing the situation, adopt appropriate search plan by using
any of the following methods; strip method, spiral method, zone
method and wheel method.
4. Use an appropriate instrument or equipment to collect the evidence,
and place them in a container with proper label or tag.
5. Do not touch or move any evidence once it is located until it has been CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
identified, measured, recorded and photographed.
6. Consider all objects or items found inside or within the crime as
significant and take appropriate documentation and recording.
7. Photograph the crime scene by making a series of overlapping shots
from the parameter inward to obtain maximum information on how the
crime was committed.
8. Take the following photographs at the crime scene:

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  Overall Photographs – done clockwise until at least four general
views has been taken.
 Photograph of the Victim – a set of picture showing the
relationship of the cadaver over surroundings including injuries it
sustained.
 Photograph of the Evidence – weapons, blood stains, hair, paper,
and other evidence must be photograph before removal.
 Photograph of vicinity or environment.
 Take note of the essentials photographic data.
9. Prepare a rough sketch of the crime scene indicating the actual
measurement of things but need not to be drawn to scale and
proportion observed.
10. Make the following sketches:
 Sketch from Locality – provides a picture of the scene of the
crime and its vicinity including neighboring buildings and roads
leading to the crime scene.
 Sketch of the Grounds – pictures of the scene of the crime with
nearest physical surroundings such as a house with its garden,
floor plan and other.
 Sketch of Details – immediately scene only like the room where
the actual crime is committed.

REFERENCES:
Lyman, M.D. (2011) Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science
(6th ed.) New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Philippine National Police. (2010). PNP Operational Procedures.

Quezon City: Philippine National Police
CCDC_SY.22-23 JESSE ANGWAY ARCE
Tong, S., Bryant, R.P., & Horvart, MA (2009) Understanding
Criminal Investigation

Hazelwood, R.R., & Burgess, A.W., eds., (2010) Practical Crime

Scene Sketch and Photography

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