The crime scene and the

methods of search and sketch

PO1 JAYCEE A PALATTAO, LPT, RCr.

College Instructor
 BACKGROUNDER
• CRIME DETECTION begins with the discovery of a crime scene and
proceeds through the presence of evidence collection, identification
and analysis.
• CRIME PREVENTION AND DETECTION is the major task of the police.
In carrying out this task, the police cooperate with the authorities
concerned to promote public knowledge of crime prevention and
they conduct investigation and collect evidence for examination with
scientific instruments and methods through legal procedures in hope
that all cases occurring could be solved promptly to ensure social
security and stability.
 BACKGROUNDER
• Crime Scene - a venue or place where the
alleged crime/incident/event has been
committed. “Treasure island”
• Physical Evidence - evidence addressed to the
senses of the court that are capable of being
exhibited, examined or viewed by the court. This
includes but not limited to fingerprints, body
fluid, explosives, hazardous chemicals,
soil/burned debris, bombs, electronic parts used
in the commission of the crime.
Types of crime scene
A. As to Location
1. Indoor crime scene-committed in an enclosed place.
2. Outdoor crime scene- located in an open area. It could be
inside the vehicle, airship and vessel.
3. Continuing/Running crime scene- mixed location
B. As to type of Commission
1. Daytime- committed from sunrise to sunset
2. Nighttime- committed from sunset to sunrise
Crime Scene Investigation
• It refers to a comprehensive inquiry of a crime scene by conducting
systematic procedure of various investigative methodologies which
involve recovery of physical evidence and testimonial evidence for the
purpose of identifying the witnesses, and arrest of perpetrator/s for
prosecution. CSI shall technically commence upon the arrival of the
FR and conclude with the lifting on the security cordon and release of
the crime scene by the IOC. (PNP SOP, DIDM-2011-008, p. 2)
Procedures if crime is reported:
1. The means of the report- either personal appearance, by phone or
any other means.
2. The time of the report- exact time (hour-minute-second)
3. The receiver of the report- identify who received the report
4. The time of dispatch- desk officer records the time the investigator
proceed to the CS, means of transportation or other means.
5. Time of arrival- investigation report to be submitted by the
investigator.
Scope of the crime scene
a. Primary focal points
b. Avenues of entry and exit
c. Secondary scenes
Duties of crime scene responders
1. Team Leader- directs the processing of the crime scene
2. Assistant Team Leader- executes order coming from his/her superiors.
3. Photographer- photographs all pieces of evidence
4. Sketcher- sketches the immediate, background and inside the scene of the crime
5. Master note taker- writes down short observation such as weather condition, time of
dispatch/arrival and other relevant data.
6. Evidence man- in charge in collection, preservation, tagging of the articles of evidence
found at the crime scene.
7. Measurer- takes relevant measurements of the scene such as; distance of the body of
the victim to the FA used; motor vehicle collision, distance of two vehicles.
8. Security- tasked to protect the crime scene before, during and after the release of the
crime scene.
9. Driver- any personnel assigned to operate the mobile car during reaponse.
Equipment in crime scene responding
1. Searching tools- flashlights, magnifier, etc.
2. Sketching instruments
a. Measuring device-compass, steel tape, ruler
b. Recording material- chalk, graphing paper, sketching pad,
clipboard/paperboard
c. Collection of Evidence- cutting fliers, knife, screw device, dropper,
forceps, fingerprinting equipment, etc.
3. Preserving materials-
a. Container- bottles, envelopes, test tubes, pins, thumb tacks, etc.
b. Label and seal(evidence tags)- gummed labels, sealing wax, grease
pencil, etc.
Initial steps during Crime scene response
1. Record time, date, place of occurrence (TDPO), weather condition.
2. Call for medical attention for the injured persons.
3. If offender is at the scene, apprehend/arrest him.
4. Ensure protection of the crime scene. Cordon the area.
5. Determine and record names of persons at the scene(witness)
6. Conduct preliminary questioning of victim, witnesses, suspect/s.
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 1: Initial notification- upon notification that crime transpired, first responder must perform the
following:

P- proceed to the scene promptly and safely

R- render assistance to the injured
E- effect arrest of the criminal
L- locate and identify witnesses
I- interview complainant/victim, witness/es
M- maintain integrity of CS and protect evidences.
I- interrogate suspect if necessary
N- note conditions, events and remarks
A- arrange for collection of evidences
R- report the entire incident fully and accurately
Y- yield responsibility to follow-up investigator of superior officer
FIRST RESPONDER- are members of the
police, military, fire, medical teams, and other
volunteer organizations who are expected to
be the first to respond to calls for assistance.

6 CARDINAL POINTS OF INVESTIGATION

1. WHAT specific offense has been committed

2. WHO committed it
3. WHERE the offense was committed
4. WHEN it was committed; and,
5. WHY it was committed.
6. HOW the offense was committed
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 2: Coordination, Assessment and Team Callout
- Is this my jurisdiction?
- How complex is the scene?
- What are needed?
- Who are needed here?
Step 3: Conduct initial observations
- Conduct initial scan(primary/secondary scenes)
- Act on fragile evidence
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 4: Deal with the deceased and injured.
- Check apparent deceased victims signs of life
- Coordinate the ME/EMS
- Make note of the alterations
- Get the dying declaration

Step 5: Photograph the scene. A dying declaration is a

- Let the viewer see the overall context and conditions statement made by a
declarant, who is
unavailable to testify in court
Step 6: Document overall observations. (typically because of the
declarant's death), who
- In-depth observation and description of the scene. made the statement under a
- Walk through but without altering anything. belief of certain or
impending death.
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 7: Sketch the scene.
- Rough and Finish sketch
- Room, openings, furniture, dimensions, location of evidence

Step 8: Conduct a First re-check.

- Visually re-check the scene to ensure that no items or critical
observations were overlooked.

Step 9: Release the body.

- Release the body from the scene to appropriate authorities.
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 10: Collect the evidence.
- Collect all evidence that were already located and documented
- Take additional photographs to document close-up detail.
- Ensure each item is fully documented on evidence custody form

Step 11: Conduct a Second check.

- “Going back” is an integral part of the second rechecking as new evidence
may be discovered

Step 12: Conduct a Third check

- Good time to review checklist
- Floors, bullet trajectory analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 13: Check beyond the scene.
- Check blood trails, using visual and chemical

Step 14: Conduct an On-site debriefing.

- Spend few minutes with the entire team reviewing/discussing the
actions taken before releasing the scene.

Step 15: Release the scene.

- Release the scene to appropriate individual
- This can only be done after all activities are complete
Crime scene processing methodology
Step 16: Process and package all evidence.
- Package all evidence for long term as soon as practical.
- Chain of custody the chronological documentation or
records the sequence of custody,
control, transfer, analysis, and
disposition of physical or electronic
Step 17: Conduct a formal debriefing. evidence.
Crime scene responder’s specific functions,
responsibilities and procedures
1. First Responder (FR)
a. First police officer to arrive at the crime scene.
b. conduct preliminary evaluation of the CS, life
saving measures, security and control of the scene.
c. Give first-aid and evacuate the injured. Cordon the area to
prevent unauthorized entry of persons.
d. take dying declaration of severely injured persons. Interview
witness
e. Arrest, detain suspect present in the area.
f. The FR, upon arrival of the IOC shall turn-over the crime scene.
Assist the IOC in investigation.
 Crime scene responder’s specific functions, responsibilities and
procedures
2. Investigator-on-Case (IOC)/Duty Investigator
a. IOC shall request for briefing from the FR.
b. IOC shall assume full responsibility, assessment and inquiry
into incident, conduct crime scene search.
c. Based on assessment, IOC determines that a SOCO
team is required. Otherwise IOC shall proceed
with the CSI.
d. IOC ensures correct procedure in the collection of
evidence.
e. MPS/CPS upon directive of the COP shall make request
for SOCO team.
f. Upon arrival of the SOCO team, IOC shall accomplish
the CSI form 2
h. IOC shall brief the SOCO team upon arrival and shall jointly
conduct preliminary scene survey.
Crime scene responder’s specific functions,
responsibilities and procedures
3. SOCO Team
a. Respond upon request after proper
assessment made by IOC.
b. SOCO team shall conduct scene of the crime operations(crime
scene description, sketch, location, search, evidence collection and
recording)
c. In case the SOCO team needs to temporarily suspend processing,
COP shall be responsible and accountable.
d. After termination of SOCO, team leader shall brief the IOC on the
initial result and together conduct final crime scene survey.
e. SOCO team shall accomplish the CSI Form 4 before leaving the
crime scene.
Team Composition (TIPECS)
1. Team Leader;
2. Investigator/recorder;
3. Photographer;
4. Evidence custodian; and
5. Composite Illustrator/Artist
6. Security
Crime scene responder’s specific functions,
responsibilities and procedures
4. Release of the Crime scene
a. IOC shall decide on the lifting of the security cordon and release the
crime scene upon consultation of the SOCO TL.
b. IOC shall accomplish CSI form 6 before cordon shall be lifted.
c. IOC shall ensure appropriate inventory and documentation process
d. IOC or COP shall turn-over the CS to the owner.
e. IOC as well as SOCO TL shall completely fill-out the forms specified in
this SOP.
f. The CSI report shall be the first entry in the case folder for the
investigation of the incident.
Remember!! CHAIN OF CUSTODY…
• Chain of Custody requires from the moment the evidence is collected,
every transfer of evidence from person to person be documented and
that it be provable that no body else could have accessed that
evidence.

….A CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORM can be valuable…

LABORATORY SUBMISSION
EVIDENCE SUBMISSION REQUEST FORM must be completed.
The basic info in the form are:
Case information ___
Date and time of incident ___
Name/s of victim/s ____
Name/s of suspect/s ____
Type of incident ____
Name and contact info of submitting agency ____
Name and contact info of case investigator _____
List of items submitted ____
DOCUMENTATION
… every piece of documentation should include – DATE ___ TIME ___
LOCATION ____ CASE NUMBER ______ PERSON IN CHARGE _____
ITEMS___ DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS _____ ASSIGNED ITEM NUMBER

• Notes …. (items that can not be photographed)

• Sketches --- include name of sketcher and measurer
• Photography
Sample Basic Evidence Collection Kits
EVIDENCE COLLECTION & PRESERVATION
COLLECTION TECHNIQUES:

Use of forceps
Tape Lifting
Shaking
Scraping
Vacuuming
Numbering & Evidence Description Methods
…Signs or Markers placed
next to the evidence item

…Packaging options… for small particles and objects,

use “druggist fold”
 Three common methods of documenting the Crime scene
1. Note Taking - the cardinal principles of investigation
2. Photography - procedures on crime scene photography
3. Sketching - methods of sketching
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY  Long range
(Over all Shot)
 Mid-range Shot
 Close range Shot
 Micro Shot
• Rigor Mortis is the stiffening of the body after death because of a loss
of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) from the body's muscles. ATP is the
substance that allows energy to flow to the muscles and help them
work and without this the muscles become stiff and inflexible.

• How long is it before rigor mortis sets in?

• At the time of death, a condition called "primary flaccidity" occurs.
Following this, the muscles stiffen in rigor mortis. All muscles in the
body are affected. Starting between two and six hours following
death, rigor mortis begins with the eyelids, neck, and jaw.
• Algor mortis (Latin: algor—coldness; mortis—of death), the second
stage of death, is the change in body temperature post mortem, until
the ambient temperature is matched. ... Algor mortis also occurs
when the body dies.

• Algor mortis, or postmortem cooling of the body, varies with ambient

temperatures. ... It affects the rate of the cooling of a body after
death, it made it cool down quickly because the ambient,
outside temperature was cold.
• Livor mortis, also known as hypostasis, is the discoloration of the skin
due to the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body
following death. ... Gravity will make the blood settle and the areas
where it settles turns to a dark blue or purple color, which is termed
'lividity'.
• Putrefaction- the process of decay or rotting in a body or other
organic matter.
Crime scene search patterns
1. Spiral/Circle method(Inward or Outward)
2. Strip search
3. Line search
4. Double strip/Grid search
5. Zone or Sector method
6. Wheel method (pie or spoke method)
SCENE SEARCHES
…remember scene patterns!!
Sketching the Crime scene
Sketch is the graphic representation of the scene of the crime with complete
measurements of the relative distances of relevant objects and conditions
obtaining therein.

Why sketching the crime scene vital?

1. To refresh the memory of the investigator
2. To express precise location of objects
3. To assist the prosecutor and the judge in the conditions at the CS.
4. To supplement photographs
5. To assist in the questioning of witnesses and suspects.
General kinds of Sketch
Rough Sketch Final/Finished Sketch Animated Sketch
Parts of Sketch
1. Title- refers to crime committed
2. Body- sketch proper, position of victim and items
in the CS with proper measurements
3. Compass Direction (orientation)- North
4. Nature of case- status of the case whether
currently committed or not
5. Location of Incident-Address
6. Date and Time-
7. Name of Victim-
8. Name of Suspect-
9. Measurement- accurate spaces/distance of
relevant objects to their point of reference.
10. Essential Items- all items must be included
11. Scale of Proportion- element of finished sketch
12. Legend- placed at the bottom of sketch. Numbers
represents the objects in the CS.
13. Sketcher’s name and signature
 CASE SCENARIO (CLASS EXERCISE)
• In 2010, the Baliuag City Police Office (BCPO) received a call from a
motorist reporting a traffic accident along MacArthur Highway.
• Leonora Rivera was dead on the road side during that stormy night.
• Her husband Andress Manambit, a Police Officer, claimed that
Leonora’s death was a tragic accident. He said she jumped out their
moving Toyota Innova while they were having an argument. When he
backed the car to find her, he accidentally run over her.
• He also claimed, he picked up her bloody body and put her inside the
car while waiting for help.
• Manambit’s colleagues knew Leonora as an overly jealous woman in
her 30’s plus some suicidal tendencies as her case in previous
occasions.
• A number of witnesses drove by the car that night and reported
seeing suspicious behavior.
• Some police investigators believed that Manambit had intentionally
killed his own wife but other believed his version of events.
• The Chief of Police went to the hospital that night of the incident to
console with Manambit and the police classified the incident as
Negligent Homicide.
• Several things in the Toyota Innova caught the investigator’s eye,
including physical evidence in unexpected locations, a rope with hair
on it, broken glasses, and a shoe with drops of blood.
• Medico legal findings showed cause of death was multiple head
injuries.
• Another pathologist reviewed the case and concluded that the
injuries that caused the death of Leonora were not caused by the car.
• The car was seized as evidence and secured by investigators.
• By crime scene reconstruction based on pattern evidence found
inside the car enabled the forensic team to determine facts of events.
 GROUP CHALLENGE!
As Investigator on Case:
1. What CRIME SCENE PROCEDURES are you going to take or
consider? Justify your answers.
2. Identify and enumerate the PHYSICAL EVIDENCES to be considered.
3. ANALYZE how each physical evidence they may be used to lead the
case to the perpetrator.
4. Sketch the crime scene

Report your output in 30-40 Minutes

 Additional FORENSIC findings…
• Bloodstains found on the floor of the car where whole blood with no
indication of any dilution by water, as would have been expected if
Leonora had been outside the car in the middle of a storm.
• A large amount of bloodstain and head hair were observed on the
roof over the driver’s seat. The bloodstains were similar to a
combination of multiple swipes and wipe patterns. Head hair were
found embedded in the blood. These patterns were the result of a
multiple contacts and hair swipes from a bleeding head.
• Hairs were found on a piece of yellow rope embedded in the blood.
These hairs were microscopically similar to the victim’s head hair.
FORENSIC ITEMS COLLECTION…
Approximately 100 bloodstains were found on the instrument panel,
these bloodstains were consistent with medium-velocity impact
spatters. The blood droplets travelled from left to right downward
and were deposited on the instrument panel at approximately 45
degrees angle.

Approximately 60 small bloodstains were found on the driver’s side

window and door. Those bloodstains were produced by medium-
velocity impact force.
Medium-velocity blood spatters found in the cargo bay .
FORENSIC ITEMS COLLECTION…
A mixture of soil and blood was found on a piece of sheetrock in the
cargo bay floor are. Through detailed examination, it was determined
that the blood was deposited before the soil.
A bloodstain, was found on the driver’s side sun visor
Initial Assumptions…
• Observations and interpretations were used to formulate a
comprehensive reconstruction of events.
• Investigation of the exterior and interior of the car for damage
patterns showed no indication of a typical vehicle-pedestrian impact.
• The pattern evidence in the car did not match Manambit’s story
about what happened that night.

Should Andress Manambit be arrested and indicted for

MURDER, not HOMICIDE. Why? Why Not?
 “The scene will contain forensic
evidence. Identify it, collect it and
preserve it and it will speak for the
dead”