LESSON 13
Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger and
Specific Functions, Responsibilities and Procedures:
The following are the functions and responsibilities of the
different players during the crime scene investigation as well
as procedures to be observed:
1. First Responder:
One of the most important aspects of securing the crime scene
is to preserve the scene with minimal contamination and
disturbance of physical evidence. The initial response to an
incident should be expeditious and methodical.
The initial responding officer(s), upon arrival, shall assess the
scene and treat the incident as a crime scene. They shall
promptly, yet cautiously, approach and enter the crime scene,
remaining observant of any persons, vehicles, events, potential
evidence, and environmental conditions.
a. The first Police Officers to arrive at the crime scene are the
FRs who were dispatched by the local police station/unit
concerned after receipt of incident/flash/alarm report;
b. Immediately, the FR shall conduct a 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 the injured and their medical
evacuation 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 the dying declaration of severely injured
person/s, if any. The FR shall make the initial assessment on
whether a crime has actually been committed and shall
conduct the preliminary interview of witnesses to determine
what and how the crime was committed;
e. If and when there is a suspect present in the area, the first
responder shall arrest, detain and remove the suspect from the
area; and
f. The FR, upon the arrival of IOC, shall turn-over the crime
scene to the duty investigator/ IOC after the former has briefed
the investigator of the situation. The FR shall prepare and
submit the CSI Form “1” – First Responders Report to the IOC
and be prepared to assist the IOC in the investigation.
Protocol: Duties of the First Responder
a. Proceed to the crime scene to validate the information
received;
b. Record the exact time of arrival and all pertinent data
regarding the incident in his issued pocket notebook and notify
the TOC;
c. Cordon off the area and secure the crime scene with a
police line or whatever available material like ropes, straws or
human as barricade to preserve its integrity;
d.
call for back up if necessary;
e. Identify possible witnesses and conduct preliminary
interview and ensure their availability for the incoming
investigator-on-case;
f. Arrest the suspect/s if around or in instances wherein the
suspect/s is fleeing, make appropriate notification for dragnet
operations;
g. Prepare to take the “Dying Declaration” of severely injured
persons with the following requisites:
h. Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital using
emergency services;
i. Account for the killed, wounded and arrested persons for
proper disposition;
j. Conduct initial investigation; and
k. Brief the investigator-on-case upon arrival and turn over the
crime scene.
2. Investigator-on-Case (IOC) /Duty Investigator:
a. Upon arrival at the crime scene, the IOC shall request for a
briefing from the FR and make a quick assessment of the
crime;
b. 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;
c. Based on the assessment, if the IOC determines that 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 the CSI;
d. The IOC may by himself if the situation so demands,
conduct CSI if, there is no Provincial Crime Laboratory
Office/Regional 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:
e. The Police Station Operation Center, upon directive of the
COP, shall make the request for the SOCO team through the
Provincial/City Operations Center;
f. It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial/City Operation
Center to facilitate the request for the SOCO team;
g. 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; and
h. 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:
a. The SOCO Team shall not join any operations conducted by
the local police or accompany the FRs or the IOC in going to
the crime scene. They will only respond upon request through
the Operation Center and after the IOC has already made
proper assessment of the crime scene;
b. Upon receipt of the Request for Conduct of SOCO, the
SOCO team shall then conduct the scene of the crime
operations which include among others the narrative
description of the crime scene, photography, videography,
crime scene search, crime scene sketch, crime scene location
sketch, physical evidence recording and collection, and other
procedures necessary.
c. 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 the return of SOCO Team and the conclusion of the
CSI;
d. After the termination of the SOCO, the SOCO Team leader
shall brief the IOC on the initial results and thereafter conduct
the final crime scene survey together with the IOC; and
e. 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.
LESSON 14
DOCUMENTATION
Procedures on making a sketch:
A sketch of a crime scene is required when spatial
relationships or proportional measurements are needed. Use
spatial relationships to relate evidence to other objects. Use
proportional measurements to calculate such things as bullet
trajectory angles or to reconstruct accident details.
The rough sketch is the first sketch drawn at the scene;
multiple rough sketches may be required depending on the
crime. The sketch includes a scene outline with the location of
objects and evidence clearly marked. A finished sketch is
derived from the rough sketch.
Draw the rough sketch before anything is moved or destroyed,
and after photographs are taken. Do not alter the scene.
a. To establish admissibility, the investigator must have
personal observation of the data in question. In other words,
the sketch must be sponsored or verified.
b. REMINDER: Sketches are not a substitute for notes or
photos;they are but a supplement to them.
c. Write down all measurements.
d. Fill in all the details on your rough sketch at the scene. Final
sketch may be prepared at the office.
e. Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the
final sketch.
f. Indicate the North direction with an arrow.
g. Draw the final sketch to scale.
h. Indicate the PLACE in the sketch as well as the person who
drew it.
Use KEY-capital letters of the alphabet for listing down more or
less normal parts or accessories of the place, and numbers for
items of evidence.
i. Indicate the position, location and relationship of objects.
Four (4) Techniques used to obtain accurate measurements for
the sketch
1.Triangulation Method -The triangulation method utilizes two
fixed permanent objects within the crime scene.
Measurements are taken from each fixed point to each piece
of evidence.
2.Rectangular Coordinate Method The rectangular - coordinate
method is used when measuring the distance to an object from
two mutually perpendicular objects, such as walls that meet at
a 90-degree angle.
3.Polar Coordinate Method -The polar coordinate method is
more appropriate for an outdoor scene in which only a single
fixed or reference point is present, Measure both the distance
and direction (angle) an object is from a known reference
point. The angle can be with either a large protractor or an
optical device such as a transit or a compass. The protractor
technique with a 360-degree protractor is useful for underwater
scenes.
4.Transecting Baseline Coordinate Method- The transecting
baseline coordinate method is used to measure items of
evidence when there are numerous objects in the crime scene
and other measuring techniques will not work. This is
accomplished by laying a tape measure down so that it
crosses the entire room or area to be measured. This first tape
measure becomes the baseline for all other measurements in
the crime scene. Measurements are then made
perpendicularly from this tape by laying another tape measure
at a 90-degree angle to the first tape and measuring out to the
evidence.
Categories of Sketches:
There are four categories of sketches:
1.Perspective - A perspective sketch contains a vanishing point
and depicts objects of evidence as they would appear to the
eye with reference to relative distance and depth.
2.Projection-A projection sketch usually contains only one
viewpoint and depicts objects on one plane. The overview
sketch (of the horizontal plane) is the most common type of
sketch and is usually done from a bird's eye view; it shows the
floor plan. Less common is the elevation sketch (of the vertical
plane), which shows a side view typically of landscapes or
buildings.
3.Schematic- The schematic sketch is used when it is
desirable to represent a sequence of events such as following
the trajectory of a bullet through a crime scene location.
4.Detailed - The detailed sketch is used when describing a
small area that is not easily incorporated into the overall
drawing due to the scale chosen for the rough or finished scale
drawing. This is especially useful for large crime scenes.
LESSON 15
Procedures on taking photographs:
Photography
Common crime scene investigation photography is an
important part of the documentation of a crime scene.
Photographs are typically taken based upon the perspective of
the camera to the target.
1. Overall
2. Midrange
3. Close-up
Overall photos of the scene are taken to show the approach to
the
area, street signs, and street light locations in relation to
actual scene, street addresses and identifying objects at
scene. Pictures should also be taken of every room in
house, even if their relationship to the crime scene is
readily apparent.
1.Overall Photographs
Take overall photographs of the area surrounding the scene
from its perimeter, from multiple locations and angles. Include
exteriors of buildings, cars, both sides of entries and exits, and
bystanders.
While taking photographs of a scene, record related
information in notes.
It is critical to use a systematic approach to note taking while
taking photographs to maintain a record of your activities and
the order and location of pictures as they are taken.
Note-taking should occur throughout the photography session.
Finish note-taking at the scene. Include the time that
photographing began and was completed in the notes.
2.Midrange Photographs
Midrange photographs transition the viewer from an “outsider
looking in” perspective, to a more involved perspective. Items
of evidence and their spatial relationships are shown. Typically,
this is done by depicting a single item in relation to a fixed
object in the scene. Done correctly, this technique shows
proper context, perspective, and scale. It will also show the
precise position of each piece of evidence.
Take midrange photographs before and after placing placards
or rulers. It is important to take photographs that establish the
relationships of objects or reference points in the scene.
Take close-up photographs immediately after taking the
midrange photograph, when appropriate.
It may be appropriate to follow midrange photographs of a
scene with close-up pictures of the same scene when showing
a scene before, during, and after placard/ruler placements,
near views of human injuries or vehicle accident damage.
Take pictures of the scene before and after placing the
placards and rulers, and after removing the placards and
rulers.
Photographing the Deceased
Before the body of a deceased person is moved, it should be
photographed.
3.Close-up Photographs
Carefully place the ruler and camera perpendicular to each
other and relative to the impression.
Close-up photographs are deliberate depictions of individual
items of evidence. They must show all sides of the item and
clearly show any markings, defects, or other identifying
features
When the photograph needs to be accurately scaled:
· The ruler must be on the same plane as the impression.
the
· The camera lens must be perpendicular (90 degrees) to
the
the subject.
the
not · Use a level and tripod to position the camera accurately.
Take multiple shots with the light or flash at different angles,
such as O degrees, 15 degrees, 45 degrees, etc., to achieve
the best possible photographs.
Collection of Evidence
Fundamental Principle: The collection of evidence must be
prioritized to prevent loss, destruction, or contamination. The
investigator(s) in charge and team members shall determine
the order in which evidence is collected.
Procedure: The team member(s) should:
a. Identify roles of the team members (e.g., scribe, collector,
packager, etc.)
b. Conduct a careful and methodical evaluation considering all
physical evidence possibilities (e.g., biological fluids, latent
prints, trace evidence).
c. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and
proceed to out-of-view locations.
d. Select a systematic search pattern for evidence collection
based on the size and location of the scene(s).
e. Select a progression of processing/collection methods so
that initial techniques do not compromise subsequent
processing/collection methods.
f. Continually assess environmental and other factors that may
affect the evidence.
g. Be aware of multiple scenes (e.g., victims, suspects,
vehicles, locations). Processing one scene at a time to avoids
cross contaminating these various scenes)
h. Recognize other methods that are available to locate,
technically document, and collect evidence (e.g., alternate light
source enhancement, blood pattern documentation, projectile
trajectory analysis).
Remember: Be reminded that prioritization provides for the
timely and methodical preservation and collection of evidence.
4. Release of the Crime Scene
a. 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 and he shall be responsible in ensuring
that all pieces of potential evidence were collected by the
SOCO Team as any re-entry into crime scene after its release
to the owner will require a Search Warrant issued by the Court.
b. The IOC shall accomplish the CSI Form “6” –
IOC/Investigator’s CSI Form before the cordon shall be lifted;
c. 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 only after completion of
the documentation process;
d. 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;
e. The IOC as well as the SOCO Team shall completely fill-up
the forms specified in this SOP. The IOC shall accomplish and
submit the Investigator’s Report with all the required
attachments to the COP within two (2) working days from the
date of incidence (See Annex H); and
f. The CSI report shall be the first entry in the Case Folder for
the investigation of the incident.
Procedure in the Release of Crime Scene
a. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been made;
b. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final
survey and proper documentation of evidence, witness/es,
victim/s and suspect/s; and
c. If the crime scene is within a private property, the same must
be released to the lawful owner witnessed by any barangay
official. In case of government facility, it should be released to
the administrator.
LESSON 16
Special Types of Wound
Patterned Wound - wound produced by the shape of the
instrument or object reflected in the body. e.g. imprint of the
radiator on the chest, tire marks on the body.
Defense Wound - produced by person's instinctive reaction for
self protection. e.g. contusion in the forearm produced by
parring the blow, incised wound.
Legal Classification of Physical Injuries
1. Mutilation - The intuitional act of cutting or looping any part
or parts of the living body.
2. Slight Physical Injury - It is the physical injury wherein the
victim is incapacitated for work or requires medical attendance
for a period from one to nine days.
3. Less Serious Physical Injury- A physical injury wherein the
offended party is incapacitated for work or require medical
attendance for 10 days or more but not more than 30 days.
4. Serious Physical Injury - It is an injury wherein the victim
becomes ill or incapacitated for the performance of his usual
work for more than 90 days, the injury caused deformity, loss
of any member of his body and loss the use thereof.
Deformity- Permanent disfigurement of the body producing
physical ugliness. e.g. loss of an ear, scars in the face.
Incapacity - The inability of the injured person to perform his
work where he is habitually engaged.
F. As to the types of wound
1. Closed Wound - When there is no break in the continuity of
the skin or mucous membrane.
 Petechiae-minute pin-point circumscribed
extravasations of blood underneath the skin or
mucous membrane, e.g. subpleural petechiae
hemorrhage, insect bite, tardieu spots
pinhead size like mosquito bites.
 Contusion or Bruise Wound -in the skin and
subcutaneous tissues characterized by swelling and
discoloration of tissues because of extravasation of
blood."Pasa" - Effusion of blood into the tissues
underneath the skin on account of the rupture of the
blood vessels as a result of the application of blunt
force. Contusion is red or purple when fresh, after 4-5
days it becomes green and after 7-10 days it
becomes yellow and gradually disappears at 14th
day.
 Hematoma -Large extravasation in a newly formed
cavity secondary to trauma characterized by swelling,
discoloration of tissues and effusion of blood
underneath the tissues.(blood cyst, bukol)- Effusion
ofblood in the newly formed cavity.
 Musculo Skeletal Injuries -e.g. sprain, dislocation,
strain, fracture.
Sprain - partial or incomplete disruption in the continuity of
muscle or ligaments.
Dislocation-displacement of the articular surface of the bones.
Fracture - it is a break or solution in the continuity of the bone
tissues.
 Internal Hemorrhage-Rupture of bloodvessels
causing hemorrhage
 Cerebral Concussion- jarring or stunning of the brain
follows a blow in the head.
2. Open Wound -There is breach of the continents of the skin,
e.g. abrasion, incised wound, stab wound, punctured wound,
lacerated wound and shrapnel wounds.
1. Abrasion ("Gasgas,Scratch,grazeFriction Mark)
Characterized by removal of the superficial layer of the skin
brought about by friction against a hard rough object.
Forms of Abrasion
a. Linear Abrasion - There is single line which may be curve or
straight.
b. Multi-Linear Abrasion - several lines of injury which are
parallel to one another.
c. Confluent Abrasion - the lines of injury are arranged in
haphazardly manner.
d. Multiple Abrasions - abrasion in the body surface located in
different parts of the body.

Types of Abrasion

a. Scratches - abrasion brought about by the stroke of sharp

pointed instrument over the skin.
b. Grazes - due to forcible contact with a rough, hard object
resulting to irregular removal of the skin surface.
c. Impact or Imprint Abrasion - an abrasion due to contact with
a rough, object in which the structural form of the object is
reflected over the skin.
d. Pressure or Friction Abrasion -an abrasion due to pressure
applied and with accompany movement over the skin.

2. Incised wound (Cut, Slash, "Hiwa") - an open wound

produce by forcible contact with sharp edged instrument
characterized by gaping of the wound with smooth edges and
causing profuse bleeding, e.g. knife, razor, broken glasses,
metal sheet. The incised wound may be suicidal, homicidal,
accidental depending upon the location, direction and
presence or absence of hesitation cuts.

When the wounding instrument is fairly large and hearing, like

bolo, samurai, axe, saber the wound produced is chopped or
alike wounds.

3. Lacerated Wound (Tear, "Putok") - wound produced by blunt

instrument characterized by ill-defined or irregular edges, e.g.
blow by piece of wood, lead pipe, stone, butt of a firearm, fist
blow.

4. Punctured Wound- an openwound produced by round

bodied and pointed open wound instrument characterized by
small opening, e.g. ice picks, nails, thorns, hooks, screw
drivers and barbecue sticks.

5. Stabbed Wound-wound produced by sharp pointed and

sharp edged instrument. The edges of the wound are clean-
cut, smooth and distinct.

• Penetrating Stab Wound-involves solid interval organs.

• Perforating Stab Wound - involves hallow interval organs.