CHAPTER 3

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

AND RECONSTRUCTION
Lesson 3.1. - Procedures in Criminal Investigation
As a general rule, all crime scene investigation must be done by
the police station who has the territorial jurisdiction of the crime
incident unless otherwise specified by higher authorities to be
investigated by some other units or agencies and must be recorded
in the official police blotter. Territorial jurisdiction – means that
the crime incident happened within the area or place that a certain
police station holds or covers. Police Station moreover refers to
the office of the local police that has a jurisdiction within the area
and exercises control over the community and persons movement
by enforcing the laws necessary for the
maintenance of peace and order. The same is responsible in providing
immediate response to the community as the need arises.

Also, crime incident differs from crime scene such that Crime Scene -
refers to the place where crime took place and where physical evidence can be
found while crime incident - refers to the occurrence of a certain crime.
In the process of investigation, crime scene must be preserved as it
contains the essential ingredients surrounding the commission of the
crime. On the other hand, crime incident be established as it will guide
investigators in filing the proper charge.
 In what way are police officers be notified in the event that a crime
happened?

In the event that a crime happened, it reaches the attention of the police
through;
1. a concerned citizen who witnessed the crime incident
2. An accidental discovery of some citizen; and
3. the action itself of the police officer in patrol

Those who are in patrol are commonly regarded as the first responder as
they are those who are employed in the community with the end purpose of
crime prevention. As part of of their duties first responders must do the
following;
 1. Proceed to the crime scene and validate information regarding
crime incident.
2. Record all relevant facts and the time of arrival at the crime
scene;
3. Cordon the area, meaning isolate the place so that
unauthorized persons cannot enter the scene or the suspect cannot
destroy the evidence.

4. Identify possible witness and do the preliminary interview if

feasible;
5. Arrest suspect/s if they are around or recommend for the conduct of
dragnet operation which pertains to an operation conducted to seal off
possible exits of the suspect/s;
6. Be ready to take dying declaration of injured person. A dying declaration is a
statement made by a person who is under the impending death in which such
declaration is related to the facts in which the person is competent to testify;

7. Evacuate wounded person and/or account killed, wounded or arrested

person;
8. Conduct initial investigation and briefing of investigator on case (IOC)
upon his arrival at the scene; and
9. Conduct initial survey of all possible evidence at the crime scene which
must be signed by him, the SOCO, and by the investigator.
 After such procedure, the investigation team will take full control of
the crime scene which includes the conduct of crime scene search,
generating sketches as weal as the taking of photograph, lifting of
fingerprints, marking and tagging as well as the collection of physical
evidence and the like.

Investigating team refer to the group of police personnel charged

with the investigation and processing of the crime scene which
includes but not limited to the search, collection, marking, tagging,
preservation and transfer of evidence.
 Further, investigating team is composed of the following:
1. The team leader
2. Investigator
3. Photographer
4. Evidence custodian, and
5. Artist
Upon the take over of the investigating team, they ensure that the
investigative procedures are followed such as;
1. Record the date and time of arrival as well as all other important details
in the crime scene.
2. Photograph and video of the crime scene.
3. Arrest of suspect/s if their identity is apparent; and
4. Separate possible witness to get their individual accounts.
 Further, whatever the situation in the crime scene might be, it must be
noted that the paramount concern of the investigating team should be the
preservation of human life. Investigator or any of the investigating team must
be aware to know what task should be given priority on the conduct of
investigation.

Lesson 3.2: Crime Scene Processing

It is true that the investigating team must give priority to the human
life, nevertheless, they must exhaust whatever means to secure and
preserve the crime scene for it contains all the necessary ingredients for
the prosecution of the case. As such, they must reconsider the necessary
steps in order to collect all available evidence and maintain the integrity
of the crime scene by remembering “MAC” rule
Which simply stand for:
1. Mutilate – do not remove anything from the crime scene;
2. Alter – do not change anything in the crime scene; and
3. Contaminate - do not add anything to the crime scene.

Also, the investigating team must remember that nothing should be

touched, altered or removed unless everything is photographed, noted
measured, and indicated in the sketch as these are the golden rule in the
processing of crime scene. They should also take into consideration those
transient evidence or fragile evidence. Transient evidence – are those
evidence which when not collected at appropriate time may diminish or loss its
value such as urine, blood, semen, etc. On the other hand, fragile evidence are
those evidence which may be broken if collected inattentively.
Methods of Search
Crime is unique with respect to one another which means that the search
for an individual object should be based on the physical characteristics of the
scene in order to collect all possible evidences present in the area. Therefore,
investigating team should be careful in selecting the best method of search that
will correspond to the present crime scene.
Further, Method of Search is defined as the systematic procedure
employed by the investigating team in order to recognize, collect and preserve
the evidence or any object/s found in the crime scene that has a logical
connection to the case.
In the conduct of crime scene search, the following methods maybe
employed based on the physical characteristics of the place such as strip
method, double strip method, spiral search
method, zone search method and wheel search method.
1. Strip search method is done through following a straight path on an area.
Upon reaching the end, the searcher turns and follows again a straight path
but parallel to the first path he takes. This process continues until the search
of the entire area is done. See Figure 1.
The strip search method:
2. Double Strip Method – is almost similar with strip method. As the term
suggests, ”double” meaning after the entire area is done searching using
strip method, the searcher will again start another process but this time at
the other side at right angles from where you started. See Figure 2.
3. Spiral Method is done when the area to be searched is circular in nature.
The searcher may start either from the center or outside although commonly
searcher usually starts from the outside following a circular shape until they
finish searching the entire area. See Figure 3.
4. Wheel Method is also applicable in circular areas similar to the spiral
method. However, the searcher starts in the center and is best applied
when there are plenty searchers. From the center they allow a straight
path toward outside unlike in radial that they follow a circular pattern. See
Figure 4.
5. Zone Method is best applicable in crime scene covering a wide range. In
this method, the crime scene is divided into four (4) quadrants and the
searcher may select what type of search should be done in each quadrant.
It could either be strip, double strip, radial, wheel or zone method. See
figure 5.
5. Zone Method is best applicable in crime scene covering a wide range. In
this method, the crime scene is divided into four (4) quadrants and the
searcher may select what type of search should be done in each quadrant. It
could either be strip, double strip, radial, wheel or zone method. See figure 5
Marking, Tagging and Collection of Evidence
After the search of an evidence, collection follows. However, any object/s
found must be property marked, tagged, photographed, measured, and
indicated in the sketch before its actual collection.
Marking of Evidence refers to the process of identifying and recognizing any
objects in the crime scene by way of placing the letter symbol or num -ber.
Tagging of evidence – is the process of labeling the physical evidence by
way of placing the appropriate evidenced tag containing description of the
item, the date and initial of the collecting officer .
Collection of evidence - refers io the actual gathering ang lifting of evidence
from the crime scene to the custody of the appropriate office.
Photographing the Crime Scene

In processing the crime scene, investigating team must consider the

proper taking of photographs and the making of sketch. Photographs should
depict the actual scenario of the crime scene and portray the proper placement
of the individual evidence. Moreover, all individual evidences must be shown
in the sketch with precise measurement. All these procedures must be written
in the investigator’s notebook. An investigator’s notebook refers to the pad
of paper such as work pad, tickler, or notepad and the like which us used to
remember the details regarding the commission of the crime and in any
manner aids the investigator in refreshing his memory to recall matters related
to the case under investigation.
 In taking of photograph, investigating team must consider the following
angle/views to properly appreciate the crime scene such as:

1. General View – these are taken outside of the crime scene purposely to
show location , direction and the place of crime incident;
2. Medium View - these shots are taken to show the different divisions of
the crime scene as this view will allow investigators to clearly see the
nature of the crime committed.
3. Close-up view – these shots are done to individual evidence to show
what constitutes the crime and how it was committed.
 Further, gradual shots of an individual evidence maybe taken from a standard
position in order to show the relationship of one evidence to another or how individual
evidence is close or far from one another.

Technically, this is referred to as progressive photography which includes

shots taken in long range, midrange, and/or close range distance.
the following guidelines also in line with taking photographs must be
noted by the investigating team such as:
1. Take overall photos of the scene which includes street signs, area,
streetlights location near the crime scene, and any identifying objects;
2. Pictures of every room must be taken though they are not apparently
connected to the crime scene.
3. Photograph must be taken from at least 2 opposite corners but 4
corners are better.
 4. If possible, take photos from above or ceiling to avoid the possibility of
missing any evidence; and
5. Keep a photo log during crime scene processing.

Sketching the Crime Scene

In line with sketch, the artist should be able to draw and portray the crime
scene. The same must remember the elements of the sketch which includes
the following;
1. Title – this includes the basic information regarding the case
such as the nature or the crime incident, and the
location of the crime.
2. Measurement – this pertains to the dimension and the
distance of the relative object.
3. Essential items – these refers to the physical pieces of
evidence found at the crime scene.
4. Legend - this refers to the use of words or numbers to represent an item
in the rime scene.
5. Compass direction – refers to the North direction from where the
sketch was drawn.
6. Scale proportion – is the representation of the sketch to the actual size
of the scene.
In addition the artist must also prepare a rough sketch and finished
sketch. Rough Sketch is drawn by the artist at the crime scene
containing all the necessary details regarding the crime. Finished sketch
on the hand is drawn by the artist for Court presentation and is commonly
done in the office. Remember to keep the rough sketch after the
preparation of the finished sketch.
 Sketcher must take note also the type of sketch that should be drawn such
as:
1. Floor plan or birds eye view - a type of ketch drawn from
above;
2. Elevation sketch – a type of ketch drawn to show the given side of
an area.
3. Exploded view - a type of sketch drawn to show the
relationship or order of the whole parts; and
4. Cross-projection sketch – a type of sketch wherein the
ceiling and/or walls are flattened all out in the ground.
In drawing a crime scene, floor plan or birds eye view sketch is
commonly used. However, in cases where some evidence was placed in the
walls or ceiling (Example: Dress was thrown
And hang on the ceiling fan) cross projectionn is better.
Additional guidelines on drawing the sketch includes the following:
1. Indicate the nature of the crime and the place of incident as well as the
name of the person who prepared and draw it. For better understanding
use of capital letters and numbers are highly suggested such that:
a. Capital letters – for basic parts or accessories of the
place.
b. Numbers – for individual evidence
2. Indicate the position, location and how objects relate to the
other.
3. Use standard symbol while sketching.
 4. Use arrow to show the direction and stairways; and
5. Be consistent with the units of measurements such as
centimeter, inches, yard, meters, feet, etc.

To aid the investigation in measuring individual evidence with respect to

any other object/s in the crime scene, the following methods should be
considered and must be used based on the physical characteristics of the
crime scene.
1. Rectangular method – find fix post at a right angle to serve
as the base;
2. Triangular method – find two fix points to the evidence tyjat must
be plotted or located.
Evaluation, Preservation, and Releasing of Evidence
Evaluation of Evidence – refers to the process of assessing the
significance of individual evidence that should be subjected for further
examination such as transmittal of firearm for crime laboratory for ballistics
examination or transmittal of electronic devices such as cellphones or laptops
to Anti-Cybercrime
Group (ACG) for digital examination.
Preservation of evidence refers to the measures employed in order to
maintain, protect, and safeguard the original state of physical evidence from the
time it was collected up until the time that it will been released to appropriate
personnel. It must be noted that t is the primary responsibility of the
investigator to preserve evidence until it will be transferred to the hands of the
evidence custodian.
Take note that evidence custodian – is the person who take charge with the
responsibility and control in handling and disposal of evidence.

Releasing Evidence on the other hand refers to the discharge of individual

evidence upon the order of the court and/or prosecutor.

Chain of custody and Transmittal to Crime Laboratory:

Chain of custody in every crime investigation should be maintained at all cost as
any inconsistencies in the handling of evidence may result to the incompetency of
the same resulting to its admissibility during court presentation. Chain of custody
again is defined as the transfer of evidence from one person who holds supervision
or care of such evidence to another person from the time it was gathered at the crime
scene up to the time it will be presented in Court. It includes the list of all
personnel who handled the evidence from collection until court presentation.
As part of the procedure, all physical and/or seized evidences must be in the
custody of the investigator unless a laboratory technician is needed thereby he
will transmit the evidence to the evidence custodian only and must be placed in
the evidence room for safekeeping. Safekeeping – simply refers to the security
or protection of physical evidence.

In addition, the following should be noted in adherence to the standard

procedure in maintaining the chain of custody such as:
1. Proper recording of areas or location from which evidence was
gathered;
2. Proper marking of evidence for accurate; and
3. Completing the evidence submission form for laboratory
analysis.
 For proper documentation, an evidence log should be maintained.
Evidence Log – is any material upon which the writing or note taking is sone
to keep and maintain the record and disposal of evidence. This will guide
investigators as to who are the persons who handle and possess whatever
physical evidence are transmitted.

Lesson 3.3. Reconstructing the Crime

Crime scene reconstruction is one of the most difficult and tiring job of investigators
as this involves the process as to how perpetrators commits the crime. Crime scene
reconstruction is defined as the scientific ability of investigators to make useful
observations of physical evidence in the crime scene through a logical approach in theorizing
as to how the crime was committed. This also involves systematic methodology in
incorporating all available information fathered as well as the arrangement of physical
evidence in the crime scene to provide rational, reasonable, and acceptable explanation as to
how the crime was committed.
Lesson 3.3. Reconstructing the Crime
Crime scene reconstruction is one of the most difficult and tiring
job of investigators as this involves the process as to how perpetrators
commits the crime. Crime scene reconstruction is defined as the
scientific ability of investigators to make useful observations of physical
evidence in the crime scene through a logical approach in theorizing as to
how the crime was committed. This also involves systematic
methodology in incorporating all available information fathered as well
as the arrangement of physical evidence in the crime scene to provide
rational, reasonable, and acceptable explanation as to how the crime was
committed.
Lesson 3.3.1 - Reconstruction
To properly reconstruct the crime, the following stages should be observed
to arrive at a more convincing explanation as to how the crime was committed:
1. Appreciation – is the process of recognizing the potential physical
evidence that has or may have evidential value and separate it from
those items which are not significant in the progress of he
investigation.
2. Comparison - is the process of comparing groups of standards from
the one collected at the crime scene to establish its identity.
3. Individualization – this involves the process of establishing the
uniqueness of the physical evidence taken from the crime scene.
 4. Reconstruction – is the final stage undertaken in order to fully
reconstruct the crime considering all related factors such as crime scene
evaluation, laboratory results, individuality of physical evidence and
other independent information from various sources to provide better
understanding and explanation as to how the crime was committed.

It must also be noted however, that crime scene reconstruction is different

from crime scene reenactment and crime scene recreation.
Scene Crime Reenactment – is the process of reenacting and portraying the
crime incident based on their previous knowledge regarding the event by
having the offender, victim or witness to play such role.
Crime scene recreation – is the process of substituting all necessary items or
actions at the crime scene through the use of what is documented or with the
aid of investigators log.

Modus Operandi and Profiling of Suspect

One important means in order to aid the investigators in reconstructing the
crime is through the establishment of the perpetrator’s modus operandi.
Modus Operandi refers to the manner and methods employed or used as well
as the sequence of various actions taken by the perpetrator in committing the
crime. It is otherwise known as the method of operation.
On the other hand, profiling suspects can be very useful in determining
the identity of possible individual who may have committed the crime.
Profiling is defined as the psychological process of establishing the
characteristics of the most likely
individual who might have committed the crime based on the evaluation of
the crime scene and the placement of physical evidence.

In identifying suspects , rogues gallery can also be very helpful.

Rogues Gallery refers to the compilations of photographs of known
criminals. If someone had witnessed or seen the suspect’s face,
cartographic sketch can be done. Cartographic Sketch - refers to the
composite drawing of a suspect’s face done by an artist to assist police
investigators in establishing the identity of the person who might have
committed the crime.
Crime Scene Processing Equipment
Investigating team/and or crime laboratory must have the following basic
equipment when responding to area calling for crime scene processing. These
includes but not limited to the following:
1. Camera 6. First aid kit
2. Marker 7. Graph paper and pencil
3. Evidence Tag 8. Evidence tag
4. Evidence seal 9. Crime scene barricade
5. Measuring device 10. Protective box for basic
paraphernalia
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CHAPTER 4
Arrest and Detention