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FUNDAMENTALS TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE

LESSON 4. FOUR (4) I's OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION: Information

Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to;
1. Discuss the role of information in criminal investigation;
2. Recite the different methods of gathering information;
3. Comprehend the do's and don'ts of gathering information.

1. LESSON DISCUSSION

Tools of Criminal Investigation

In criminal investigation, we have the so-called three tools or sometimes called as the I's of criminal investigation
to include: Information, Interview and Interrogation and Instrumentation.

A. Information - It is the knowledge or facts which the investigator had gathered or acquired from persons or
documents, which are pertinent or relevant concerning the commission of the crime or criminal activities.

Information Classified As To Its Sources:

1. Regular Sources - Records, files from the government or non-government agencies, news items. The bulk of
application of this nature is news items. Included also is news or TV broadcast, intercepted radio, telephone
messages and stored computer area.
2. Cultivated Sources - Information furnished by informants or informers.
3. Grapevines sources - When the information is disclosed by the underworld characters such as prisoners or ex-
convicts.

Methods used in Acquiring Information

1. Elicitation
It is a system or plan whereby information of intelligence value is obtained through the process of direct
intercommunication in which one or more of the parties to the common are unaware of the specific purpose of the
conversation. The three phases arte determination of the mission, selection of the subject, and accomplishment of the
mission. Elicitation is the gaining of information through direct communications and where one or more of the involved
parties is not aware of the specific purpose of the conversation.

Two Devises in the conduct of elicitation

a. Approach -process of setting people to start talking
Types of approach
 Flattery - people are susceptible to praise so use this weakness as a way of approaching the subject for
elicitation. The source under this approach is considered as an authority on a particular topic.
Variants:
 Teacher-Pupil Approach - the subject is treated as an authority and then solicits his view point and opinion on a
subject matter.
 Kindred Soul Approach - the subject is place in a pedestal having some specialized quality, then flatter him/her
by showing enough concern for his/her welfare to pay special attention to his enjoyment.
  Good Samaritan Approach - is the sincere and valid offer of help and assistance to the subject.
 Partial - Disagreement Approach - seeks to produce talking by the word "I'm sure if I fully agree". The partial
disagreement with the subject.

 Provocative Approach - discovers a wide range of conventional gambits. Designed to induce the source to
defend a position, state a creed, or correct a wrong impression.
 Teaser Bait Approach - the elicitor accumulates the sources of knowledge about the particular subject to tempt
the subject to give his/her views. Make the source believe that you know more than he/she about a topic.
 Manhattan from Missouri Approach - the elicitor adopts an unbelievable attitude above anything. He questions
all statements and oppositions.
 Joe Blow Approach - is "I know the answer to everything approach". The elicitor adopts the attitude of being
approachable of any field. The elicitor will purposely disagree with the source to induce anger.
 National Pride Approach - natural propensity of all persons to defend their country and its policies.

 Probe - to keep the people taking incessantly. This is an attempt to obtain more information after the subject
gives a vague, incomplete general response. It is used with an approach in order to sustain a conversation.

Types of Probe

 Completion: By inserting bits of factual information on a particular topic, the source may be influenced to
confirm and further expand on the topic.
 Clarity : A request for additional information where the source's response is unclear. For example, "I agree, but
what do you mean by.......?"
 Hypothetical: Can be associated with a thought or idea expressed by the source. Many an people who might not
make a comment concerning an actual event may express opinion on a hypothetical situation.
 High Pressure Probe: it serves to pin down a subject in a specific area or it may be used to point out
contradictions in what the subject has said.

Purposes of Elicitation
 To acquire info which is unbelievable through other channel.
 To obtain info which although unclassified and not publicity
 To provide source of info
 To assist various individuals

Guidelines to Conducting Elicitation:

 Begin with a topic of mutual interest.
 LISTEN to the source and be PATIENT
 Gradually steer the topics to the areas of interest.
 Use approaches and probes when the opportunity arises.
 Exploit the topic until it begins to deteriorate.
 Switch to an innocent subject before departing or terminating the interview.
 Leave an opening for future access.
 Record information when security considerations allow.
 Do not take notes in the presence of the source.
 Try to remember all the pertinent information discussed.

2. Casing
Casing is the term use in the police organization while reconnaissance is used in military terms. Casing or
reconnaissance is the surveillance of the building place or area to determine its suitability for Intel use or its vulnerability
in operations. The visual inspection of an area, installation or building to determine its stability for operational activities.

General Principles in Casing

  Know the best route to tale get there
 Know how to conduct yourself without attracting attention
 Know what security hazards are in the area and how can they avoided or minimized
 Know the best route to extricate from the area

Types of Casing
 Exterior Casing - it is the observation of the whole area, building or installation, possible exits and approaches,
types of vicinity that may be possibly of help to any intelligence or counter-intelligence operation.
 Interior Casing - it is the close observation of the layout of the building. Included are items which are of
intelligence and counter-intelligence value.

Method of Casing

 Personal Reconnaissance - the most effective method and will produced the most info since you know just what
you're looking for.
 Map Reconnaissance - it may not sufficient but it can produce a certain amount of usable information.
 Research - much info can be acquired through research
 Prior Information - your unit and of the unit will have file report that they may you with info provide
 Hearsay -info usually gained by the person operating in the area and performing casing job.

Information desired in Casing

 Area condition and habit
 Active Opposition
 Disposal Plan
 Escape and Evasion

Guidelines in the conduct of Casing

 To gain contact as soon as possible and maintain continuously
 Maneuver freely inconformity with operation (dry run)
 To fight only when necessary
 To report all items of info
 To develop the situation

Basic Procedures in the conduct of Casing

 Preparation of general location map
 Sketch of the adjoining establishment and prominent features
 Specific sketch or floor plan of main target
 Detailed features of inner portion of target and its description
 Photograph of the casing target (from general to specific points)

3..Surveillance is a form of clandestine investigation which consists of keeping persons, place or other targets under
physical observation in order to obtain evidence or information pertinent to an investigation. Surveillance of person is
called Tailing or Shadowing. Surveillance of place is called Casing or Reconnaissance, and Surveillance of other things,
events, and activities is called Roping.

General Objectives and Purposes

 To confirm or deny allegations
 To identify persons involved in certain activities
 Provides background info for undercover assignment
 Develop leads to vital information
 To obtain needs upon which to conduct additional investigation
 To check on source of information
  Locate addresses, or places frequented by subject as well as his associates
 To obtained detailed information about the nature, scope of subject' activities
 To secure basis for securing search warrant
 To provide protection

Consideration in Surveillance Planning

 Pre-Surveillance Conference - a conference held among the team members of the police intelligence unit before
surveillance is conducted.
 Surveillance Plan - a plan established the as required according to type of personnel, and the general and
specific instructions for surveillance.
 Area Target Study - refers to the area of operation of surveillance activities.
 Surveillant -a person who conducts surveillance with includes only observations.
 Stakeout or Plant- is the observation of places or areas from a fixed point.
 Liaison Program - the assignment of trained intelligence personnel to other agencies in order to obtain
information of police intelligence value. (Agencies like the press, credit agencies, labor unions, telephone
companies)
 Safe house is a place, building, enclosed mobile, or an apartment, where police undercover men meet for
debriefing or reporting purposes
 Decoy - a cover supporting the surveillant who can become a convoy whenever surveillant is burned.
 Contact - any persons whom the subject picks or deals with while he is under observation and identifies the
observer.
 Tailing or Shadowing - it is the observation of a person's movement.
 Undercover man - it refers to a person trained to observe and penetrate certain organization suspected of illegal
activities and later reports the observation and information's that proper operational action can be made
 Drop - any person is a convenient, secure and unsuspecting place where police undercover men meet his action
agent for debriefing or reporting purposes.
 Convoy - an accomplice or associate of the subject used to avoid or elude surveillant
 Made - when subject under surveillance becomes aware that he is under observation and identifies the
observer.
 Lost - when the surveillant does not know the whereabouts of his subject or the subject had eluded the
surveillance.

Types of Surveillance
 According to Intensity and Sensitivity
 Discreet - subject person to be watch is unaware that he is under observation
 Close - subject is aware that he is under observation varied on each occasions.

Continuous observation must be maintained at all times. Avoid losing the subject even at the risk of detection or
exposure.
 Loose – applied frequently or infrequently, period of observation varied on each occasion. Observation
of the subject is not continuous. Better drop the tail rather than risk detection or exposure.
 According to Methods
 Stationary – This is observation of place usually a bookie stall, a gambling joint, a residence where illegal
activities are going on (Fixed Position).
 Moving – surveillance follow the subject from one place to place another to contain continuous watch of
his activities.
- Foot surveillance – subject followed on foot
- Motorized – car, motorcycle, bicycle
- Aerial – airplane, drones, helicopter
- Water surveillance - watercraft
 Technical - this is surveillance by the use of communications and electronic hardware's, gadgets, system
and equipment. The use of electronic or bugging devices in the gathering of information.
Consideration in the Selection of Personnel
 Inconspicuous physical character
 Ability to remain unnoticed
 Resourcefulness
 Patience and physical stamina
 Keep sensory perception and good memory
 Driving ability
 Personal courage
 Area knowledge
 Security consciousness
 Administrative and logistic: Communication and control

Some Do's and Don'ts in Surveillance

 Do not make abrupt or unnatural movements
 Do not make use of disguise that will attract attention
 Never stare at the subject
 Do not attempt to appear to innocent when assisted by the subject
 Never speak to another surveillant unless absolutely necessary to accomplish the mission
 Plan ahead and be aware on changes of action
 Take down notes safely Make use of street furniture (telephone booth, sidewalk, vendors, waiting shades) Don't
drink while working undercover
 Don't take a woman on an undercover assignments and don't claim to be a "big shot"
 Don't spend money too much

The Place of Surveillance

Careful survey of surrounding area should be made. The character of the neighborhood, the residents and
transients should be noted. The observation point should be selected. The following may be considered:
 Using a room in a nearby house or business establishment and remaining undercover.
 Remaining outdoors and posing who would normally conduct his business in such an area, i.e., laborer,
carpenter street vendor, etc.

Special Equipment (Technical Support)

 Camera with telephoto lens
 Moving picture camera
 Binoculars
 Tape recording apparatus
 Wire taping device
 Other instrument-miniaturized one-way radio

Methods available to employ in surveillance

 Ordinarily, the methods are surveillance of place, tailing or shadowing (1-2-3 man shadow), undercover
investigation,
 Special methods include: wire-tapping, concealed microphones, tape recorder, television, electric gadgets

Essential Requirements and Appearance in surveillance

In the actual process of operation, the agent is advised to be of general appearance, has no noticeable
peculiarities in appearance. Agent should not wear inconspicuous jewelry or clothing, nothing about him to attract
attention. He must have perseverance and able to wait for hours. Alertness, resourcefulness, and being versatile and
quick-witted are his weapons.
Basic Operations in Surveillance
 Study the Subject
 Knowledge of the area and terrain
 Subversive Organization
 Cover Story

Factors considered in Fixed Surveillance

 Determine base of operation
 Maintain a thorough, cautious reconnaissance of the area
 Obtain necessary equipment
 Assignments of specific duties to each member of the team
 Prepare alternative course of action
 Provide for relief teams
 Arrange for communication signal
 Arrange for inconspicuous arrival and departure of equipment as well as personnel of the base of operation

Counter Surveillance - the conduct of operation is coupled with counter intelligence measures such as:
 window shopping
 use of convoys and decoys,
 stopping immediately on blind corners,
 getting out immediately on public conveyances,
 retracing, entering mobile housing

Observation and Description

Observation a complete and accurate observation by an individual of his surroundings encompasses the use of
all major sense to register and recognized it’s operational or intelligence.

Description - the actual and factual reporting of one's observation of the reported sensory experience recounted by
another.

Psychological Processes for accurate observation

 Attention - becoming aware of an existence of fact.
 Perception - understanding the fact of awareness.
 Report- identifying the name in owns mind and some fact which have been perceived, narrated and identified.

Psychologists estimate that approximately:

 85% of your knowledge is gathered though sight
 13% of your hearing
 2% through the three senses.

II. A. REFERENCE
 Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation Manual (2011)
 Villaluz, J.et.al. (2014) Special Crime Investigation. Wiseman's Book Trading, Inc.

B. SUGGESTED READINGS
Future Criminologist (2017) Criminal Investigation and Detection. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2XVSnPN on August 14,
2020 s