SOCO PROCEDURES:

1. Preparation Prior to the Conduct of SOCO

1. Ensure the availability of packaging and collection materials necessary

for typical search circumstance.
2. Prepare the preliminary format for the paperwork needed to document
the conduct of the search.
3. Discuss upcoming search with the involved personnel.
4. Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at scene, if
practicable.
5. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel. Be prepared for
probable impediments which maybe poised by weather or terrain. Ensure
that basic crime scene search equipments are functional. These should
consist of the communication, lighting, first aid, and security equipments.
6. Ensure that all SOCO Team elements tasked to enter the crime
scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective gears as maybe
necessary.
7. Assess the personnel assignments normally required to successfully
process a crime scene and ensure that such assignments are in keeping
with
the training, experience, attitude, and aptitude of each individual.

2. Crime Scene Approach

1. Be alert for discarded evidence.

2. Make pertinent notes about the condition of the Crime Scene based on
the systematic observation & scene assessment.
3. Establish frame-of-mind to take control of scene regardless of
circumstance observed on arrival.
4. Consider personnel safety.

3. Preliminary Crime Scene Survey.

1. The survey is an organizational stage to a planned search.

2. A cautious walk-through of the scene must be accomplished by the
Team Leader.
3. The SOCO Team Leader provides and ensures the operational focus
of the Team.
4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques that should
provide answers to the 5 W’s & 1H.
5. Organize methods and procedures needed to recognize special
problem areas.
6. Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
7. Make an extensive narrative notes on the physical and
environmental conditions of the crime scene based on the exact
locations of items found thereat and condition of the crime scene as
 received from the investigator on case.

4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence

1. This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene and becomes detailed

in preliminary survey stage.
2. Based on preliminary survey, establish evidence types most likely to
be encountered.
3. Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is sufficient for task
at hand.
4. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the great variety of possible
evidence.
5. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress
eventually to possible out-of-view locations.
6. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved
inadvertently.
7. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears
 intentionally contrived.

5. Narrative description of the Crime Scene

1. The narrative is a running, general terms description of the

condition of the crime scene.
2. Photography supplements narrative description of the crime
scene.
3. Do not permit narrative effort to degenerate into a sporadic and
unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence.

6. Crime Scene Photography / Videography

1. Begin photographing the crime scene as soon as possible.

2. Document the photographic effort with a photograph
log.
3. Ensure that a progression of overall, medium and close-up views of
the scene is established.
4. Photograph evidence in place before its collection and packaging.
5. Photograph items, places etc., to corroborate the statement of
witnesses, victims, suspects.
6. Take photographs from eye level, when feasible, to represent
scene as would be observed by normal view.
Prior to lifting latent fingerprints,
7. photographs
Should be taken.

7. Sketch of Crime Scene

1. The diagram establishes permanent records of items conditions

and distance/size relationships – diagram supplement photographs.
2. Number designations on sketch should be coordinated with same
number designations on evidence log.
3. The sketch should contain sufficient measurements and details to
be used as a model for drawn to scale diagram, or indicate a
disclaimer if not drawn to scale.

8. Detailed Crime Scene Search

1. Conduct search in a general manner and work to the specifics

regarding evidence items.
2. Photograph all items before collection and enter
notation in photographic log.
3. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch.
Do not handle evidence excessively after
4. recovery.
5. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.

9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection

1. Tag and photograph evidence in place before collection.
2. Methodically record the recovered evidence. Mark
evidence (mark item itself whenever feasible)
3. Place identifying marks in evidence containers.

10. Final Crime Scene Survey

1. Discuss search jointly with all personnel for completeness.

 2. Double-check documentation to detect
inadvertent errors.
3. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before
departing
the scene.
4. Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered.
5. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult access
areas have not been overlooked in detailed search.

11. Turn-Over/Release of Crime Scene to Investigator-On-Case

1. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided.

2. Release the scene with the notion that there is only

one chance to perform the job correctly and completely.
3. Release is accomplished only after completion of the
final survey and proper documentation