Over-All Photographs

 Goal is to get as much information in one picture as possible

 They should be taken before anything in the scene is moved or disturbed
 They record the scene as it was found
 They serve as a point of reference for mid-range and close-up photos taken later
 Image should be composed to view the scene all at once, rather
than focusing attention on one particular aspect of it
Methods for Taking Over-All Photos
EXTERIOR CRIME SCENE PHOTOS
• Move away from the scene and photograph it from a distance
• Take photos all way around perimeter
• Include business names and signs
• Photograph nearby street signs, cross streets
• If scene is in a large open area, try to find nearby recognizable landmarks such as
hills, trees, power poles

First lens of choice is 50mm

 It most closely represents what the eye actually sees
 If you need a broader view, switch to a 28mm or 35mm lens
 Remember – a wide-angle lens will distort the image
INTERIOR CRIME SCENE PHOTOS
• Use of 50mm lens is always preferable, but inside, a wide-angle lens may be necessary
• Flash set to automatic usually works well indoors

 Step inside the door and photograph the room in overlapping segments
 Then repeat process from each corner of room, taking a series of overlapping photos
 Turn camera sideways for indoor overall photos
 This will allow for an image with a ceiling-to-floor view
MEDIUM VIEW
• They are taken in manner which portrays the scene from approximately 10 to 20
feet of distance from the subject matter.
• In order that the viewer be permitted to associate the crime scene with separate
areas of the scene photographed, these areas should contain sufficient detail to
permit the viewer this association.
• They are taken in manner which portrays the scene from approximately 10 to 20 feet of
distance from the subject matter.
• In order that the viewer be permitted to associate the crime scene with separate areas of
the scene photographed, these areas should contain sufficient detail to permit the viewer
this association.
• Medium or mid-range photographs help in establishing locations of evidence within the
scene
• They focus the attention of the viewer on an object, but the camera is far enough away to
see other objects in the room
CLOSE-UP VIEW
• Normally taken approximately 5 feet or less from the subject matter.
 • The attention is directed to objects which could not effectively be seen on the
long-range and mid-range photographs
• Take necessary extreme close-up shot of the subject to show the extent of damage.
• Close-up photographs define and give details to a specific item of evidence
• A good example of a close-up photograph would be hair clinging to a table edge or a
bullet graze in a wall
• It is not always necessary to take close-up photos
• For example: if there are 5 cartridge casings in a group on the ground, all of same make
and caliber, a close-up of each one has little value
Close-Up Camera Set-Up
 Use macro (close-up) lens or 50mm lens
 In extreme close-ups, depth of field is less than 6mm (¼ inch) so you should use
the smallest f-stop possible
 Use of automatic setting improves chances of proper exposure
 Be aware of where your flash is pointing; if possible, use off-camera flash to direct
flash onto subject
 Close-up with camera-mounted flash can result in flash parallax
 Close-up with flash off camera results in good illumination of subject.

Systematic Approach
 As you progress from over-all to mid-range to close-up photographs, try to move
through the scene systematically and logically
 Try to finish one room before you start the next
Guidelines for Crime Scene Photography
 Do not take photographs of anything you do not want the world to see
 In general, the majority of photographs should be taken while standing in upright position
with camera at eye level
 However, if you need to get down to take a picture, do it
 The crime scene and any evidence within the scene should be photographed before
anything is moved or disturbed
 If a shot is important, take two or more
 Vary your aperture and shutter speeds to try different exposures
 Trying different exposures is called bracketing
Use of Evidence Markers
 After over-all and mid-range photographs have been taken, items to be
collected as evidence should be identified with the use of evidence
markers and photographed again with markers in place
 The number or letter assigned should be unique to the item
PHOTO LOG/NOTE
• If possible, an assistant should follow the photographer and record a written log of
photographs taken
• Accomplish photographers note
Use of Scales
It is essential to put a scale next to

 Bullet graze
 Fingerprint
 Bloodstain
 Shoe print or tire track
 It is best to place two scales at a right angle to each other around the object
 Focus on the object, not the scale
 Camera should be placed at 90° to scale and impression
 This way image will have minimum amount of distortion
 Pens, coins and paper clips should not be used as scales
 Fill picture frame with item and scale
Problem Photographs
 To avoid glare while shooting toward reflective surface, angle flash away from
camera
 Red-eye occurs from shooting flash directly into retina of eye
 Most cameras have red-eye reduction setting
 When using off-camera flash, make sure flash is not blocked by intermediate object, such
as door jam
CRIME SCENE
CRIME SCENE is said to be a "treasure island" in criminal investigation. It is because several
pieces of evidence are mostly found in the crime scene, which are very relevant for the
solution of the crime.
CS is the venue or place where essential ingredients of the criminal act took place. It includes
the setting of the crime and also the adjoining places of entry and exit of both offender
and victim.
TYPES OF CRIME SCENE
 AS TO LOCATION
1.INDOOR CRIME SCENE
this crime scene entails that the offneder committed the crime in an enclosed place.
2. OUTDOOR CRIME SCENE this crime scene is located in an open area. It could be inside the
vehicle, airship and vessel.
3. CONTINUING CRIME SCENE this crime scene has a mixed location from indoor to outdoor or
vice-versa or the continuing outdoor alone or from one place to another of the same
jurisdiction, or from one place crossing to another area of jurisdiction.
 AS TO TIME OF COMMISSION
1. DAYTIME CRIME SCENE refers to a crime scene committed from sunrise to sunset
2.NIGHT-TIME CRIME SCENE refers to a crime committed from sunset to sunrise
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (CSI)
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION refers to a comprehensive inquiry of a crime scene by conducting
systematic procedure of various investigative methodologies which involves recovery of
 physical evidence and testimonial evidence for the purpose of identifying the witnesses,
and arrest of perpetrators for prosecution.
It technically commence upon the arrival of the First Responder and conclude with the lifting on
the security cordon and release of the crime scene by the Investigator on Case.
PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN CRIME SCENE INCIDENT IS
REPORTED
1. THE MEANS OF REPORT- either by personal appearance, phone or any other means.
2. THE TIME OF REPORT- exact time of report, the hour and minute should be recorded.
3. RECEIVER OF THE REPORT- identity of the one who received the report.
4. TIME OF DISPATCH- time when the desk officer dispatches the investigator should also be
recorded, the means of the investigator and the means of transportation.
WHAT ARE SCOPE OF THE CRIME SCENE
1. Primary focal points
2. Avenues of entry and exit
3. Secondary scenes
THE SOCO TEAM AND ITS SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. TEAM LEADER the one who directs the processing of the crime scene
2. ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER the one who implements or executes
3. PHOTOGRAPHER the one who takes photographs of all pieces of evidence that are relevant
to the crime committed
4. SKETCHER the one who makes sketches of the immediate, background and inside the scene
of the crime
5. MASTER NOTE TAKER one who writes down in short hand all observations at the crime
scene.
6. EVIDENCE MAN the one who is in charge in the collection, preservation and tagging of the
articles of evidence found at the crime scene.
7. MEASURER one who makes all relevant measurements of the scene.
8. SECURITY they are tasked to protect the crime scene before, during and immediately after
release of the crime scene.
9. DRIVER any personnel assigned to operate mobile car during response.

EQUIPMENT USED IN CRIME SCENE RESPONDING

1. SEARCHING TOOLS
Ex. flashlights, magnifier, etc.
2. SKETCHING INSTRUMENTS
a. measuring devices- compass, ruler, etc.
b. recording material- chalk, clipboard, etc.
c. collection of evidence- cutting fliers, knife, dropper, forceps, fingerprint equipment, etc.
3. PRESERVING MATERIALS
a. container- bottles, envelopes, test tube, etc.
b. label and seal- gummed labes, sealing wax, grease pencil, etc.
CONTAMINATION CONTROL
Once the crime scene team is confident of the scene scope, the team should act to further
isolate the crime scene. Initial perimeters are often a single barrier leaving little if any
buffer between the crime scene and the on-lookers.
SINGLE BARRIER PERIMETER
A single barrier is fine for initial purposes. It does not provide sufficient buffer for long term
scene effort.
MULTI-LEVEL CONTAINMENT
1. INNER SCENE- the actual crime scene, where only authorized investigators and crime scene
technicians operate.
2. WORKING AREA- an area surrounding the inner scene, where other support police may enter,
and equipment is staged and evidence is brought to.
3. OUTER AREA- it is everything on the outside of the second barrier, where on-lookers, media
and others may gather
CRIME SCENE TEAM APPROACH
1. BY AREA -single group of investigators is responsible for all activity in the scene.
2. BY FUNCTION -specific groups are formed to handle different scene processing aspects. Ex.
photo team, sketch team, latent team
MANAGING THE CRIME SCENE
1. Crime scene teams have to mann properly.
2. Different stages of the processing methodology demand different levels of minimum
manning.
3. Photography requires two individual such as one who operates the camera and the other
maintains the photo log and assists the first one.
4. Sketch team requires three indivduals such as the measurer, annotates the sketch and take
notes.
5. Evidence collection team requires two individuals such one who physically collects the items
and the other maintains the evidence log.
6. Search team is a matter of circumstance, but always require a minimum of two individuals.
No two people perceive in the same way, so two sets of eyes prevent items from being
overlooked.
INITIAL STEPS DURING CRIME SCENE RESPONSE
1. Record the date, arrival time and weather condition
2. If an injured person is in the scene, arrange for medical attention, identification and removal.
The scene should not be disturbed only to the extent necessary to have medical aid to the
injured or to have a doctor examined a deceased victim. Each alteration should be
accurately recorded.
3. If the offender is at the scene, apprehend him/her.
4. If the scene is not fully protected, ensure its protection by using other policemen or other
responsible person to keep witnesses, suspects, and victims who are present from
disturbing the scene.
5. Determine and record the names of those persons at the scene who may be witnesses, and
separate them. These persons shall be removed from the immediate area of the scene as
soon as practicable.
6. Conduct preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects and victims to determine in general
the extent of the incident.

NOTE: Those present within the immediate area of the scene should only be the minimum
number needed to assist the investigator. It may be necessary to request other policemen
or officials present to refrain from examining or disturbing objects of the scene
CRIME SCENE INTEGRITY THREATS
1. ADDITION OF MATERIAL -Ex. shoe prints, fingerprints, fibers and hairs, cigarette butts, etc.
2. DESTRUCTION OF MATERIAL -Ex. trampled dust prints in the avenues of approach, bloodstain
on the victims clothing, loss of evidence on the perimeter of the scene, loss of hair and
fibers on the body, etc.
3. MOVEMENT OF MATERIAL -Ex. weapons moved away from suicide victims, light sturned on
or doors and windows opened, staging actions by relatives, etc.
CRIME SCENE PROCESSING METHODOLOGY
1. INITIAL NOTIFICATION
a. Who contacted?
b. What were they told of?
c. How did that individual come to know the info?
2. COORDINATION, ASSESSMENT AND TEAM CALL OUT
a. Is this my jurisdiction?
b. How complex is the scene?
c. What are needed?
d. Who are needed here?
3. CONDUCT INITIAL OBSERVATIONS conduct initial scan of the scene, specifically look for the
central theme items, victims, fragile evidence, avenues of entry or exit, secondary scenes.
Act on fragile evidence immediately, take action before it is lost.

4. DEAL WITH THE DECEASED

Check apparent deceased victims for signs of life. Identify anyone who may have already
examined victims. Coordinate the ME for examination.
5. PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENE
Once "life-saving" or death verifying is complete, the scene is stable, with no further
reason to violate or alter it. Photograph the scene as it is, with both still and video.
6. DOCUMENT OVERALL OBSERVATIONS
An in-depth observation and description of the scene. Requires a walk-through, but
without altering anything since sketching and mapping have not been completed.
7. SKETCH THE SCENE
Create a rough sketch of the scene that includes room and openings with dimension;
furniture with dimensions; evidence items, with fixing measurements and support the
actual sketch with written notes of measurements.
8. CONDUCT A FIRST RE-CHECK
Up to this point all obvious evidence and scene features have been noted, photographed
and sketched.Visually re-check the scene to ensure that no items or critical observations
were overlooked.
9.RELEASE THE BODY
Release the body from the scene to appropriate authorities. As it is moved examine the
body, being sure to: document all surfaces before post incident bleeding occurs;check the
body with an ALS for easily dislodged hairs, fibers or other trace evidence;preserve fragile
evidence by bagging exposed hands or feet.
10.COLLECT THE EVIDENCE
Collect all evidence items that were already located and documented. Examine each item
for additional trace evidence.
11.CONDUCT A SECOND CHECK
All known evidence has been safely containerized and removed from the scene. Second
recheck involves far more intrusive actions including: Checking surfaces with the ALS;
fingerprinting walls and other scene surfaces; and exploratory searches and movement of
furniture.
12. CONDUCT A THIRD CHECK
Verify all areas of scene which were perhaps overlooked. Conduct rechecks until these are
negative. This is a good time to review checklist. Conduct extremely intrusive actions like
chemical enhancement of floors, bullet trajectory analysis.
13. CHECK BEYOND THE SCENE
Check the scene perimeter and outlying areas to ensure that no secondary scenes were
overlooked. Good time to follow blood trails, if present, using botrh visual and chemical
techniques.
14. CONDUCT AN ON-SITE DEBRIEFING
Before releasing the scene, spend a few moments with the entire team reviewing and
discussing the actions taken. Make sure that no assignments were forgotten or overlooked by
the team. Check individual documentation to ensure everyone is clear on directions and other
scene aspects
15. RELEASE THE SCENE
Release the scene to an appropriate individual. This can only be done after you are
confident that all activities are complete. The only way back is with an additional search
warant. Remember, if you are unsure, it only takes manpower to hold a scene.
16. PROCESS AND PACKAGE ALL EVIDENCE
On-scene collection may require temporary evidence for the long term as soon as
practical, which may include drying of bloody objects. Check evidence vouchers against
scene documentation.
17. CONDUCT A FORMAL DEBRIEFING
 The debriefing should involve all available parties including the Investigator, initial
responding officer, investigators and crime scene technicians. Revisit basic information and
action taken. This briefing helps eliminate investigative "red hearings" and focus
investigative efforts.(WPD Investigator's Handbook, 2006.)
CRIME SCENE RESPONDER'S SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS, IOC/SOCO RESPONSIBILITIES
AND PROCEDURES
1. FIRST RESPONDER/S (FRs)
a.The first police officers to arrive at the crime scene are the FRs who are dispatched by
the local police stations concerned after receipt of incident report.

b. Immediately, the FR shall conduct preliminary evaluation of the crime scene. This
evaluation should include the scope of the incident, emergency services required, scene
safety concerns, administration of life saving measures and establishment of security and
control of the scene.
c. The FR is mandated to save and preserve life by giving the necessary first aid measures to
injured and medical evacuations as necessary. The FR shall likewise secure and preserve
the crime scene by cordoning the area to prevent unauthorized entry of persons.
d. The FR shall take dying declaration of severely injured persons if any.
e. The FR , upon arrival of the IOC shall turn-over the crime scene. The FR shall prepare and
submit CSI Form 1"First Responders Report" to the IOC.
2. INVESTIGATOR-ON-CASE/DUTY INVESTIGATOR

• Upon arrival at the crime scene, the OIC shall request for a briefing from the FR
and make quick assessment of crime.
• At this stage, the IOC shall assume full responsibility over the crime scene and
shall conduct a thorough assessment of the scene and inquiry into incident. If
necessary the IOC may conduct crime scene search outside the area where the
incident happened employing any of the various search methods.
• Based on the assessment, if the IOC determines that a SOCO team is required, he shall
report the matter to his COP and request for a SOCO, otherwise the IOC shall proceed
with the CSI without the SOCO team and shall utilize CSI Form 4 "SOCO Report Forms
in the conduct of CSI.
• The IOC may by himself if the situation so demand, conduct CSI if, there is no
Provincial Crime Laboratory Office in the province. The IOC must, however, ensure that
the correct procedures in the collection of evidence are observed to ensure the
admissibility of the evidence.
• The police station operation center, upon directive of the COP, shall make the request for
the SOCO team through the Provincial/City Operation Center.
• It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial/City Operations Center.
• Upon the arrival of the SOCO team, the IOC shall accomplish the CSI Form 2 "Request
for the conduct of SOCO" and submit the same to the SOCO team leader. The SOCO
team shall not enter the crime scene unless the IOC makes the official written request
wherein he assures the SOCO team of his presence and support.
 • The IOC shall brief the SOCO team upon their arrival at the crime scene and shall jointly
conduct the preliminary crime scene survey.
3. SOCO TEAM
• The SOCO Team shall not join any operation conducted by the local police or
accompany FRs or the IOC in going to the crime scene. They will only respond upon
request through the Operations Center and after the IOC has already made proper
assessment of the crime scene.
• Upon request of the SOCO, the SOCO team shall then conduct the scene of the
crime operations which include among other narrative description of the crime
scene.
• In case the SOCO team needs to temporarily suspend the processing, the Chief of
Police shall be primarily responsible and accountable for securing the crime scene
and ensuring its integrity until the return of SOCO team.
• After the termination of the SOCO, the SOCO team shall brief the IOC on the initial
result and thereafter conduct the final crime scene survey together with the IOC.
• The SOCO team shall accomplish the CSI Form 4 "SOCO Report Forms" and furnish
the IOC of copies of the same before leaving the crime scene.
4. RELEASE OF CRIME SCENE
• The IOC shall decide on the lifting of the security cordon and the release of the
crime scene upon consultation with the SOCO team leader.
• The IOC shall accomplish the CSI Form 6 "IOC Investigator's CSI Form" before the
cordon shall be lifted.
• The IOC shall ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided by the SOCO
team and shall only lift the security cordon and release the crime scene ony after
completion of the documentation process.
• The IOC or the COP shall turn-over the crime scene to the owner of the property or
where the crime scene is a public place, to any local person in authority.
• The IOC as well as the SOCO team shall completely fill-out the forms specified in this
SOP. The IOC shall accomplish and submit the investigators report with all the required
attachments to the COP within 2 working days from the date of incidence.
• The CSI report shall be the first entry in the Case folder for the investigation of the
incident.
STANDARD CSI FORMS
• CSI FORM 1 - "First Responder's Report Form" to be accomplished by the FR, and
should be signed by the witness.
• CSI FORM 2 - "Request for the Conduct of SOCO" to be accomplished by the IOC
and submitted to the SOCO team leader at the crime scene.
• CSI FORM 3 - "Turn-Over of Collected Evidence from IOC to SOCO Team" to be
accomplished by the IOC to properly turn over to the SOCO team evidence
custodian
• CSI FORM 4 - "SOCO Report Forms 1-4" a copy of the said reports shall be provided to
the IOC within 24hrs after the release of the crime scene. The IOC may also use the
forms in the absence of SOCO team.
• CSI FORM 5 - "Release of the Crime Scene" shall be accomplished by the IOC and
witnessed by the SOCO team leader and conformed by the owner of the property. A copy
of the crime release shall be provided to the owner.
• CSI FORM 6 - "IOC Investigator's CSI Form" shall be accomplished by the IOC at the
On-Scene-Command Post prior to the lifting of security cordon.
THE CRIME SCENE SEARCH PATTERNS
  STRIP METHOD (Single type pattern movement)
 DOUBLE STRIP METHOD (Double type pattern movement)
 SPIRAL METHOD (clock-wise or counter-clockwise movement)
 ZONE METHOD (quadrant movement)
 WHEEL OR RADIAL METHOD (applied in a circular or oval areas)
CRIME SCENE SKETCHING & ITS TYPES
• SKETCH is graphic representationof the crime scene. With complete measurements
of the relative distances of relevant objects and conditions obtaining therein.

TYPES
 ROUGH SKETCH - made by the investigator at the crime scene which is full of
important details. Used as the basis for finished sketch.
 FINISHED SKETCH - a sketch with a scale of proportion and drawn by a draftsman.
Both rough and finished are for courtroom presentation.
THE CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION
 PHYSICAL RECONSTRUCTION reconstructing the crime based on the physical
appearance of the crime scene mainly focused on the pieces of physical evidence
and accounts of witnesses and suspects.
 MENTAL RECONSTRUCTION
based on the physical reconstruction, some conclusions could be formulated
taking into account all available pieces of evidence.
ISSUANCE/RELEASE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
• A written request addressed to the Director,Crime Laboratory is required from the
investigating units having jurisdiction over the case prior to the release/issuance of
photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the approved request, photographs and other photgraphic evidence
should be released within minimum period of one day.
• Likewise, requests for court presentation should be attended without delay.
• Photographer subpoenaed by court should personally print the negatives as soon as
possible and prepare the materials, photo log and crime scene sketch for court
presentation.
MUG SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY
•MUG SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY a photography applied in police work, particularly in
documenting individual physical characteristics for purposes of recognizing
individual's identity and peculiarity.
TAKING MUG SHOTS
• For taking of mug shots of suspect, photograph the subject in front of the height
scale without footwear to determine his/her exact height.
• Let the subject hold the case verifier.
• Mug shots should be done in six different angles with the case number displayed at
each shot.
MUG-SHOT ANGLES
• Front View - Whole Body
• Front View - Half Body
 • Right Side View
• Left Side View
• Quarter Right View
• Quarter Left View
The Police Rouges Gallery and the Composite Criminal Illustration
• Rouges Gallery - police record of photographs of wanted criminals, convicted
persons, escapees, suspects and other criminal law violators.
Composite Criminal Illustration - the compilation of facial features.