Crime Scene Processing Requirements
1. Photographs of the Crime Scene
a. General View
b. Distance shot and close-up shot of latent print
c. Photographs of every object bearing latent prints
d. Photographs of every latent print before lifting
2. Sketch of the Crime Scene
a. Sketch of locality – it gives a picture of the scene of the crime and its
environment such as neighbouring buildings and road.
b. Sketch of grounds – pictures the nearest physical surroundings like floor plan of
the house.
c. Sketch of details – describe the immediate scene only
3. Identification of all objects taken from the crime scene and all latent prints lifted
thereat.
4. Lifting of Latent Prints
a. Two or more latent prints with their positions indicating to be belonging to one
hand should be lifted simultaneously
b. The position of the latent prints, relative to the object, should always be recorded.
Things that may not be done in the crime scene:
a. Do not lift without photographing
b. Do not lift on a small movable object
c. Do not remove objects without photographing
d. Do not powder the entire crime scene
e. Do not develop visible latent prints such as dust and oily print using brush and powder.
Crime Scene procedures
Upon arrival of the crime scene:
1. Check for injuries and summon the necessary aid
2. Secure the crime scene
3. Question all witnesses
4. Photograph the entire crime scene
5. Locate pertinent evidence BUT NOT COLLECTING IT YET
6. Begin the search for fingerprints
7. Prepare the crime scene sketch and
8. Collect all the physical evidence
Searching for latent prints
1. Most scene fingerprints are usually found at the points of Entry, departure and places
ransacked/attacked.
2. Do not remove object from their original position or touch anything unless fingerprints
are developed and lifted
3. Search for latent print should be in a systematic and intelligent manner
4. Consider the points of entry, attack and exit
5. Use correct amount and quality of powder to develop latent print
6. Evidence preservation of scene fingerprints
Whenever scene prints have been found, confirmation by a witness shall be made prior to
collection.
Photograph the prints prior to collection -in order to clarify the position of an object and the
latent prints,
Before photographing, label the evidence with the following information:
1) Name of incident
2) Date and hour taken
3) Place
4) Witness/es and signature/s
5) Collector’s affiliation and name
All prints must be lifted and pasted standing or as if were impressed in a real type of
impressions; each must be numbered in serial order.
A scene fingerprints collection report shall be prepared.
