WELCOME

PHILIPPINE PUBLIC SAFETY COLLEGE

NATIONAL POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE

“PSJLC CLASS”
4 Hour Lecture/4 hour
Practical Exercises

FIRST
RESPONDERS
roles
 Introduction
The subject (The First Responder) is
part of PSJLC Course. Practical
exercises that will be performed by
the participants will be evaluated
accordingly and a critiques will be
held to further clarify salient factors
of this session.
 Learning Goal
The participants will gain an understanding of the
tasks, procedures, and priorities that need to be
considered by the First Responder in their specific
duties, functions and capabilities in responding
to crime scene and their inter-relationship as to
where the authority of one ends and the authority
of the other begins to avoid overlapping of
functions in order to ensure the effectiveness of
the investigative effort and to clearly define
responsibility and authority.
 Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, the participants should be
able to:
1.Define contamination and other important
terminologies;
2.Know and understand the duties of First Responder
when a crime is reported, upon arrival at the crime
scene, when the suspect/s is still at the crime scene
and when the suspects have already fled; and,
3.Know the procedure in the proper turn-over of
crime scene to the Investigators and SOCO.
 Definition of Terms:
Contamination – the act or process of
contaminating something or becoming
contaminated, or the unclean or impure state that
results from this.

Cordon – a line of Police Officers or soldiers, or

their vehicles surrounding an area to control access
to it.

Crime Scene – a venue or place where the alleged

crime/incident/event has been committed.
 Definition of Terms:
Alleged – the word alleged or allegedly connotes something
“claimed”. It leaves the truth of the averment an open
question.

Evidence – the means sanctioned by the Rules of Court, of

ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a
matter of fact. These include but are not limited to
documentary, testimonial, electronic and object evidence,
gathered in the course of the investigation.

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 in
cases of incidents.
 Definition of terms:
Venue – venue deals with the locality, the place
where the suit may be had, while jurisdiction
treats of the power of the court to decide the case on
the merits.

Suspect or suspects – individual(s) who is/are

pointed to be by victim(s) and witness (es) to have
had committed the crime in issue. Subject person is
not considered as a criminal unless otherwise his/her
conviction is pronounced in the court.

Investigator-on-Case – the person responsible for

and in charge of the investigation of a case.
 Definition of terms:
SOCO – Scene of the Crime Operatives, specialist of the
Crime Laboratory group where request are addressed if the
evidence encountered needs special processing due to
significant or sensational cases.

Dying Declaration - In order that a dying declaration may be

admissible, the following requisites must concur;

 It must concern the crime involved in and the circumstances

surrounding the declarant’s death;
 At the time of the declaration, the declarant must be conscious of
impending death;
 the declarant must be competent as a witness; and,
 the declaration must be offered in a criminal case for homicide,
murder, or parricide in which the declarant was the victim.
 Victims

Physical
Evidence

Crime
Suspect Scene

Victims, crime scene and suspect are all connected to one another through physical
evidence. Finding of one of the element will bring the discovery of another.
 HOW TO RESPOND TO A
CRIME SCENE

“The actions you take as a first responder can

determine the value of crime scene evidence for
investigators and prosecutors”
Crime scene response is one of the most
important and most difficult to master aspects of
patrol works. The reason for this is that crime
scenes are complex:

1. They can vary in size from a single room to a

couple of acres.
2. And, almost anything at a crime scene can be
a piece of physical evidence.
 When patrol officers arrive at a crime scene, they
have the most influence and control over the
identification and preservation of all evidence related
to a criminal action. This is critically important
because any mistakes or omissions made early on by
first responders can get magnified down the road in a
criminal prosecution. Always remember, effective
criminal prosecution starts the moment the first
officers arrive on scene.
 The basic definition of a crime scene is the
location where a crime occurred. What’s easy to
forget, however, is that the crime scene can extend
well beyond the borders of the initial or primary
scene. The victim’s body, the suspect’s body, the
involved vehicles, and any other location the victim
or suspect were located before or after the crime are
potential crime scenes that patrol officers need to
identify and secure.
 Let’s take a look at steps that you as patrol officers
can take that will help investigators and prosecutors
build a solid case. Note: This article is primarily about
what you should do when responding to a major scene,
but the basic principles apply to all crime scenes.

Just because ten firefighters and five paramedics are

on scene doesn’t mean that fifteen people need to
tromp though the scene.
 Crime Scene Priorities

You are the primary unit dispatched in

response to a burglary in progress. While
you are en route, dispatch airs that the
homeowner and the suspect are in a
struggle. Just before arriving on scene, you
learn that the suspect stabbed the
homeowner and fled the area on foot.
 As the first responder on scene, you have a
lot of tasks that you must accomplish. First and
foremost, a dangerous suspect is loose in the
area, so officer and public safety concerns are
vital. You have an injured victim who needs
immediate medical aid. And you have to
preserve the crime scene so that the suspect
can be successfully prosecuted.
 Rendering aid to the victim is obviously a
top priority. But it’s not always easily
accomplished. You have to consider whether
the scene is safe enough to allow medics’
access to the patient. Rendering aid to the
victim is vital, but you don’t want to place
other emergency personnel in harm’s way.
 Once the scene is secure and medical
personnel enter, try to limit access to only
essential personnel. Just because 10
firefighters and five paramedics are on scene
doesn’t mean that 15 people need to tromp
though the scene. That said, do not limit access
to emergency personnel if it restricts or limits
care to the victim.
 Also, to minimize contamination, consider
establishing a defined route into and out of the
scene for all personnel. Conduct a quick search
of the area to ensure no physical evidence will
be disturbed, and then mark off a path in a way
that responders know where they need to walk.
It often stake yellow tape on the ground as a
guide.
 It is also recommend providing basic crime
scene training to your local Emergency
Medical Services (EMS) personnel and first
responders. A small amount of training for
these fellow public safety officers can help
minimize crime scene disruption at future
scenes.
“The most critical evidence at any violent
crime scene is likely to be the victim”
 Bodies of Evidence

If possible, consider taking initial

photographs of the victim as soon as you
can. This quick case study will tell you why
victim photographs taken by first responders
can be critical in a criminal investigation.
In 1997, a Boulder, Colo., woman called 911 to
report screams in the alley behind her home. A
patrol officer arrived on the scene and
discovered a severely beaten 21-year-old
woman. Moments later, other officers and
medical teams arrived. While the EMS
personnel attended to the victim, the first
officer on scene had the presence of mind to
grab a camera and start snapping pictures.
 The victim subsequently died from her
injuries. And the photographs taken in the alley
by the patrol officer were the only pictures that
showed the original state of dress of the victim.
The fact that her sweatshirt hood was on, and
her pants were askew became important
details in the case that would have been lost if
the photographs hadn’t existed.
 Always remember that the most critical
evidence at any violent crime scene is likely
to be the victim. The victim may have seen
his or her attacker and is likely the only
witness who is both willing and able to say
what happened.
 Consider assigning a patrol officer to ride
in the ambulance with the victim. If the victim
is critically wounded this might be the only
chance to attempt an interview or record his
or her statements.
 Putting an officer in the ambulance also
ensures a solid chain of custody for
evidence on or near the victim’s body. Even
the sheets covering the gurney can become
evidence because of transfer from the victim
to the sheets.
 The suspect’s body is also one of the most
critical crime scenes. Perishable evidence
such as trace evidence and blood evidence
need to be collected as quickly as possible.
 However, there are legal concerns
regarding the collection of this evidence.
Consult a supervisor, department attorney, or
district attorney to make certain that evidence
from the suspect’s person is collected legally.
If exigency doesn’t exist, draft a search
warrant and/or obtain written consent.
 You may even want to consider bagging
the suspect’s hands if there’s any delay in
collecting the evidence. Bagging hands is
useful in many types of cases, including
assault and sexual assault, not just in
shooting cases where GSR (gunshot
residue) tests are conducted.
Setting the Scene

Once aid is rendered and the crime scene

is secure, it’s time to clearly define the
scene boundaries. Colored crime scene
tape is the most commonly used way to
keep people out of the scene.
 An effective patrol officer should always carry
basic crime scene response equipment,
including yellow crime scene tape for marking a
scene. You also need basic evidence markers
and a camera, and it is recommend carrying an
assortment of boxes or other items that can be
used to protect perishable evidence if weather
conditions threaten the evidence.
 When taping off a scene, it’s a good idea
to make it larger than you think it needs to
be. Many times it’s not until later that
evidence is located nearby. A weapon,
footwear or tire impressions, and blood can
often be found some distance away from the
primary scene.
Keeping Records

Patrol officers must be assigned to watch

the outer perimeter because people—both
police and the general public—have a way
of ignoring the yellow tape. These same
perimeter security officers should also
maintain a crime scene log, recording every
time that personnel enter and exit the scene.
 Depending on your agency’s procedures,
the scene will be handed over to detectives
or crime scene investigators. Provide these
personnel with a detailed account of the
scene and the actions taken to protect the
evidence.
 And that brings me to a key point. The most
important components of patrol crime scene
response are observation and report-writing.
You have the responsibility to document all of
your actions and observations. Things like
lighting, room temperature, and noticeable
odors can all change rapidly within a crime
scene.
 Patrol officers should also note specific times,
including arrival time, the time the scene was
secured, the time medical personnel entered, the
time the victim was removed, and other key events
at the crime scene. A thorough and detailed report
helps show that you secured and maintained the
crime scene to the best of your ability. This will make
it harder for a defense attorney to challenge the
crime scene evidence in court.
PATROL CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT
CHECKLIST

Because there’s so much to do as a crime

scene first responder, a checklist can help
you ensure that all necessary steps have
been taken. The following checklist is
presented as a guideline only. Each agency
should develop a list that’s geared to its
specific requirements.
Arrival and Assessment
 Establish perimeter and secure area.
 Render aid to victims and ensure scene is safe for medical personnel.
 Coordinate arriving units.
 Record names and unit numbers of fire/rescue, medical personnel, and LEOs on
scene.
 Remove unnecessary personnel from scene as soon as possible.
 Assign officer to escort or ride with victim to hospital
 Secure clothing and evidence.
 Obtain tape recorded statement, if possible.
 Initial assessment. Does this appear to be a crime? If so, what type of crime?
 Assign officer to suspect.
 Assess need for immediate suspect arrest. Does probable cause exist?
 Is evidence present on the suspect? Collect perishable evidence from
suspect if exigency exists.
 Is it necessary to bag hands, etc?
Establishing Command
 

 Designate command. Who’s in charge?

 Designate common radio channel for all arriving personnel.
Stabilize and Secure Scene  

 Clear crime scene and establish clearly delineated perimeter with crime scene
tape.
 Record time.
 Make scene bigger than it needs to be.
 Create one entry/exit point in scene to reduce contamination.
 Assign crime scene security personnel and start detailed crime scene access log.
 Begin initial areas canvass. Assign officers to locate witnesses, separate
witnesses, and obtain initial statements from witnesses.
 If required, assign personnel to search immediate area for additional evidence or
crime scenes.
 Establish a command post and staging area.
 Incident command vehicle available?
 Building or home nearby? - Secure area for equipment and evidence?
 Bathroom facilities?
 Obtain case number. Have number broadcast by communications/dispatch.
Notifications

 Detective supervisor paged.

 Coroner paged.
 Public information officer/media relations paged.
 Management staff paged.
 Victim Services paged.
Maintenance
 Key witnesses separated, officer assigned, witnesses secured or transported to
police department.
 Obtain voluntary written statements.
 Suspect/s secured, transported.
 Given Miranda warning?
 Record any spontaneous statements/utterances made by suspect—tape record if
possible.
 Perishable evidence protected from elements or tampering.
 Photograph overall area of scene.
 Create staging and briefing area for media.
Transfer of Command

 Meet and brief detective supervisor and other personnel.

 Help determine need for warrant.
 Help prepare initial statement for press release.
 Direct all patrol personnel to complete detailed reports as soon as possible.
 Logistics covered.
- Do you need more equipment, personnel, etc., to respond?
 Meet with crime scene investigators to discuss scene and evidence.
 Transfer command to detective supervisor.
HELP YOUR INVESTIGATORS

In preparation for writing this article

polled about a hundred detectives from
various law enforcement agencies in
my county. The following summarizes
the responses received regarding:
What Not to Do

Don’t smoke in or near the scene. Besides potentially contaminating other

physical evidence, it can ruin a K-9’s chance of tracking a suspect or locating
additional evidence through scent.
Don’t eat or drink in a scene. If you need to eat or drink, do it in your patrol car, in
the incident command vehicle, or at some other location outside of the scene.
Don’t use the bathroom at a crime scene. Collect toilet paper, fecal material,
condoms, and swabs from toilets. They can provide useful physical evidence in
certain cases.
Don’t allow command staff or other non-essential personnel to walk through the
scene. This is not appropriate before the scene is processed. It’s useful for first
responders to snap digital pictures of the scene that can be viewed by other non-
essential personnel.
What Not to Do

Don’t laugh or look like you’re having too much fun at a scene. It just looks
unprofessional.
Don’t forget to think about secondary scenes.
Don’t prematurely handle evidence within the scene—wait for crime scene
personnel.
Don’t replace evidence if it’s been moved. For example, if medical personnel had
to move a table, don’t move the table back into position. Simply note that the
table was moved and leave it alone.
Don’t use the phone within the scene.
Don’t use the trash can in the scene as a trash receptacle for your garbage.
Trash cans often hold physical evidence.
Preserve the Scene

 Make the scene much bigger than you think you have to. Remember, you can
always shrink a scene but you can never make it bigger.
 Establish one point of entry and exit into the scene to minimize contamination.
 Limit access to non-essential personnel.
 Keep an accurate and detailed record of your actions and observations.
 Write a detailed report including accurate times.
 Protect perishable evidence by any means necessary. For example, cover a
footwear impression with a plastic container if it starts to rain or snow.
 Finally, I would suggest attending as much
crime scene training as possible. And it’s a
good idea to seek feedback from detectives,
crime scene investigators, and others
involved in the case. They can help you
learn more about preserving crime scenes.
 PNP- Standard Operating Procedure
Number ODIDM – 2011 - 008
1. First Responder:
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;
 PNP- Standard Operating Procedure
Number ODIDM – 2011 - 008
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 the 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.
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Crime Scene - A venue or place where the alleged crime/incident/event has been
committed;

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) - Is a comprehensive inquiry of a crime by

conducting systematic procedure of various investigative methodologies which
involves recovery of physical 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 FRs and conclude with the lifting of the security
cordon and release of the crime scene by the IOC;

First Responder (FR) – Are members of the PNP or other law enforcement agencies
who are mandated and expected to be the first to respond to calls for assistance in
cases of incidents of crime. They generally refer to police officers who have
jurisdiction of the area where the incident or crime has taken place and will proceed
to the crime scene to render assistance to the victim and to protect and secure the
incident scene;
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Criminal Investigator – A Police Officer who is tasked to conduct the investigation of

all criminal cases as provided for and embodied under the Revised Penal
Code/Criminal Laws and Special Laws. A well-trained, disciplined and experienced
professional in the field of criminal investigation duties and responsibilities;

Investigator-on-Case (IOC)/ Duty Investigator – Shall refer to any PNP personnel

who is duly designated or assigned to conduct the inquiry of the crime by following a
systematic set of procedures and methodologies for the purpose of identifying
witnesses, recovering evidence and arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators. The
IOC shall assume full responsibility over the crime scene during the conduct of CSI;
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) – A forensic procedure performed by the
trained personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory SOCO Team through scientific
methods of investigation for the purpose of preserving the crime scene, gathering
information, documentation, collection, and examination of all physical and other
forensic evidence;

After SOCO Report – It is a report rendered and prepared by the Team Leader of
the PNP Crime Laboratory SOCO Team which conducted the scene of the crime
operations;

Crime Scene Search – Is a systematic method employed by the SOCO Team, if the
nature of the case is sensational or sensitive, and the IOC in the conduct of search
in the crime scene and in the surrounding areas where the alleged
crime/incident/event has taken place for the purpose of finding and recovering
evidence. There are several methods of crime scene search which can be employed
such as strip search, double strip search, spiral search, zone or quadrant search,
wheel method, etc.;
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
Evidence – The means sanctioned by the Rules of Court, of ascertaining in a judicial
proceeding the truth respecting a matter of fact. These include but are not limited to
documentary, testimonial, electronic and object evidence, gathered in the course of
the investigation;

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 fluids, explosives, hazardous chemicals, soil/burned debris,
bombs, electronic parts used in the commission of the crime;

Forensic Evidence - A form of legal evidence that can be used in a court of law to
convict a person of a crime and as a category of public presentation; and

Jurisdiction – The word “jurisdiction” as used in the Constitution and statutes means
jurisdiction over the subject matter only, unless an exception arises by reasons of its
employment in a broader sense.