THE FOCUS OF

SPECIAL CRIME
INVESTIGATION
BY: RET. PLT COL MARIO BAESA GARCIA LL.B. MCJ
Introduction:
• Special Crime Investigation is a special study of
modern techniques in the investigation of violent
death, heinous and organized crimes including
Murder, Homicide, Rape, Cybercrime, Bombing,
Kidnaping, and Robbery. The emphasis is on physical
evidence rather than an extrajudicial confession.
Special Crime Investigation focused on specific
crimes which by their nature are difficult and complex
to investigate.
• The study concentrates more on physical
evidence, its collection, handling, identification
and preservation in coordination with the crime
laboratory. Special Crime Investigation involves
relationship between the prober in the field and
the crime laboratory technician. They work
together as a team, reacting to and extending one
another’s theories and findings, both working
patiently and thoroughly to solve a crime.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the main objective of Crime Scene Investigation
2. Understand the goals of physical evidence collections
3. Explain the Crime Scene response guidelines
4. Understand the role of scene of the crime operations (SOCO)
5. Identify the compositions, duties and responsibilities of the
scene of the crime operatives
6. Know the proper procedure on how to process the different
type of crime scene, preserve the crime scene and collect
physical evidence at the crime scene.
7. Identify different type of search patterns and their applications
8. Identify the different type of measurements and their application
9. Identify the different types of crime scene sketches and their
applications
10.Know the different methods and procedures in documenting the
crime scene
11.Identify, search, collect, preserve, tags, and examine pieces of
evidence
12.Define and explain the Chain of Custody of Evidence and its
significance in the administration of justice
CHAPTER 1:
CRIME SCENE
INVESTIGATION
• In crime scene investigation, its main objective is to help
establish the nature of a crime incident and to identify the
responsible person. This is done by carefully documenting
the conditions at the crime scene and recognizing all
relevant physical evidence. The competence to recognize
and properly collected physical evidence is often times
critical to both solving and prosecuting cases, especially
those involving violent acts. In crime scene investigation,
its main objective is to help establish the nature of a crime
incident and to identify the responsible person.
• This is done by carefully documenting the conditions at
the crime scene and recognizing all relevant physical
evidence. The competence to recognize and properly
collected physical evidence is often times critical to
both solving and prosecuting cases, especially those
involving violent acts. DOCUMENTING crime scene
conditions incudes immediately recording transient
details, such as lighting (on and off), cabinet (open and
close), whether or not furniture was inadvertently
moved by medical teams.
• Certain types of evidence such as, finger prints,
shoe prints and gun shots residue are fragile and
if not collected immediately, can easily destroy
or lost. The scope of investigation also extends to
considerations of arguments which might be
generated in this (suicide, homicide, or self-
defense) and documenting conditions which
would support or refute this argument.
• Furthermore, it is important to be able to recognize
what should be present at a scene, but is not (victim’s
personal belonging) and objects which appear to be out
of place, or might have been left by the assailant/
perpetrator. It is also important to determine the full
extent of the crime scene. A crime scene is not merely
the immediate area or vicinity where a body was found
or an assailant concentrated his activities (primary
crime scene) but can also encompasses to a vehicle’s
access or escape route (secondary crime scene).
• Although, there can be common items which are
frequently collected as evidence (fingerprints,
shoeprints or a blood stains), literally any object can be
physical evidence. ANYTHING which can be used to
connect a victim to a suspect or suspect to a victim or a
crime is relevant physical evidence. Using the
“SHOPPING LIST” approach (collecting all blood
stains, hairs, or shoe prints) will probably not results in
recognizing the best evidence. For example, collecting
blood statins under the victim’s body or shoe print from
emergency personnel will rarely answer important
questions.
• Conversely, a single cigarette butt (not usually
mention as physical evidence) recovered on the
floor near a victim’s body can be excellent
physical evidence since it can be directly tied to a
cigarette case found in a suspect’s pocket. SINCE
a weapon or burglar tool is easily recognized as
significant physical evidence, it is frequently
destroyed by the perpetrator.
• Sometimes the only remaining evidence is
microscopic evidence consisting of hairs, fibers, or
other small traces the assailant unknowingly leaves
behind or takes with him. Although this evidence is
effectively collected when the clothing of the
victim or suspect is taken, protocols (involving
tape lifts) should be in place to process nude bodies
so as not to lose this fragile evidence.
• Moreover, one of the primary goals of physical
evidence collection is to link the suspect and the victim
to each other, and the suspect and or victim to the crime
scene. There can be a number of problems inherent in
actually doing so. While the victim is normally
examined as soon as practicable, the suspect may not be
identified for some time. The time span permits the
suspect to destroy clothing, shower or bathe, or
thoroughly clean out a vehicle used and or the area
where an ambush took place.
• Crime scene investigation is a difficult and time-
consuming law enforcement activity. Indeed, there
is no substitute for a methodical and deliberate
approach in a scene of the crime operation
response. A criminal investigation team must not
leap to an immediate conclusion as to what
happened based upon inadequate information, but
must generate different theories of the crime,
keeping the ones that are not eliminated by
incoming information at the crime scene.
• Reasonable inferences about what happened are
produced from the crime scene appearance and
information from witnesses. These theories will
help guide the criminal investigator to document
specific conditions and recognize valuable
evidence.
CRIME SCENE RESPONSE GUIDELINES
• There are certain personnel duties and
responsibilities which are necessary in almost any
major search operations. Those enumerated in the
guidelines concentrates on the ones which are
typically crucial to ensure that the search efforts are
conducted in an organized and methodical fashion.
It is worthy to note, it’s not maybe feasible to have
one personnel assigned to each duty. It is relatively
common for one to accomplish two or more tasks.
• For all positions, interest and attitude of
personnel are paramount concerns, training and
experience will only be used to the best potential
when team members possess a positive attitude.
This human side of evidence response team is
significant due to long hours and attention to
detail often required of personnel.
 THE SCENE OF THE CRIME
OPERATION (SOCO)
• Basically, the mission of the team focuses on the
preservation of a crime scene for the proper
collection, handling and custody of specimen or
physical evidence retrieved from the scene of the
crime. This is followed by the methodical
segregation of collected pieces of evidence and
submission to the concerned technical division for
proper evaluation or examination.
• The Compositions as well as corresponding duties and
functions of a team are set forth as follows:
A.TEAM LEADER
1. Assume control of the crime scene by receiving the crime
scene from the local investigator (Stn. Investigator).
Ensure the safety of the personnel as well as the victim
and offenders caught at the scene.
2. Conduct initial survey of the scene to evaluate potential
evidence and narrative description of the place.
3. Determine search pattern to be used and designate
assignments to evidence gatherers.
4. Designate command post in or near the crime
scene and insure exchange of information
between searchers and investigators.
5. Coordinate with other law enforcement
agencies for the security of the victim,
witness, suspect and scene of the crime.
6. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment
are made available for personnel involved in
operation.
7. Control access to the crime scene and
designate personnel to log persons entering
the place.
8. Continuously re-evaluate efficiency of the
search and ensure that all places are
searched properly.
9. Release the crime scene to the investigator
handling the case.
B. PHOTOGRAPHER AND PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDER
1. Photograph the entire area of the crime scene with over all
medium and close-up coverage using appropriate scale
2. Photograph victim, suspect/s or offender arrested in the
area
3. Photograph all evidence found at the scene before
collection
4. Photograph all latent prints impression, shoe prints before
lifting/casting is made
5. Prepare photographic logs and photographic sketch
• A picture is, indeed, worth a thousand words, and
investigative photographs and video tapes are
essential to proper crime scene documentation.
The basic purpose of crime scene photography is
to record the scene permanently. Photos and video
tapes taken immediately, using proper techniques
to reproduce the entire crime scene, provide a
factual record of a high evidentiary value.
• The time that elapse between the commission of
a crime and when a suspect in that crime is
brought to trial can stretch into a months or
years, with the condition of a crime scene and
physical evidence deteriorating along the way.
Photos and videos preserve the scene. Do not
touch or move anything or everything at the
scene until picture and video have been taken of
the general area.
• Photography, one of the first investigative techniques at
a crime scene, helps establish that a crime has been
committed and helps trace the occurrence of the crime.
Photographs and videotapes reproduce the crime scene
in details for presentation to prosecution, defense,
witness, judge and jury in court. Photography has
become increasingly important in criminal investigation
because it can immediately preserve evidence,
accurately represent the crime scene and evidence,
create interest and increase attention to testimony.
 Types of Investigative Photography

• In addition to crime scene photography, certain

other types of photography play vital role in
investigation. The types of investigative
photography include crime scene, surveillance,
aerial, night, laboratory, line-up and mug shot.
 Surveillance Photography
Establishes the identity of a subject or records criminal
behavior without the photographer’s presence being known
by the subject. This can help identify a suspect’s associates,
destroy an alibi, plan a raid or develop a surveillance plan.
Numerous bank robbers have been identified through
photographs taken by surveillance camera installed in the
bank. With a well-thought-plan surveillance tapes can
potentially be a real force multiplier for law enforcement
agencies of any size. Surveillance photography is often
called “TRAP PHOTOGRAPHY”.
 Aerial Photography
Investigators often used aerial photography to
cover extensive areas. For example, it can be
used following a bank robbery to show roads
leading to and from the bank. Aerial photography
is also use when police know that a crime is
going to be committed but not when. It shows
routes to the scene as well as how to block
escape routes and avoid detours during pursuit
operation and where to set up road blocks.
It is also essential in locating dead-end streets-
information that can be very important it chase
ensues. Aerial picture can also help establish the
location of a crime scene, especially in large rural rea
or mountainous sectors. A high-tech application of
aerial photography involves PICTOMETRY, a
unique, patented computer technology that integrates
various aerial shots of a land-based artifact taken
straight down (orthogonal) and from numerous
angles (oblique).
 Night Photography
Taking picture at night presents especial problems,
particularly that illuminating a scene. Adequate light
can be obtained by increasing exposure time, using a
photograph for a small areas and flash series for
larger areas or using floodlights. Floodlights also aid
in locating evidence and decrease the chance of
evidence being accidentally destroyed.
 Laboratory Photography
Not all investigative photography is done in the field.
Sometimes objects are photographed in a laboratory
with a special equipment that is too large, delicate or
expensive to use in the field. Example, infrared film
photographs can reveal the content of unopened
envelopes, bloodstains, alteration to documents in
types of ink and residue near a bullet has passed
through clothing. X-Cameras can detect loaded dice.
 Microphotography

Takes picture through a microscope and can help

identify minute particles of evidence such as hairs or
fibers. In contrast, macrophotography enlarges a
subject. For example, a fingerprint or a tool mark can
be greatly enlarged to show the details of ridges or
striations.
 Laser-Beam Photography
Can reveal evidence indiscernible to the naked eye. For
example, it can reveal the outline or a footprint in a carpet,
even though the fibers have return to normal position.

 Ultraviolet-Light Photography

Uses the low end of the color spectrum, which is invisible

to human sight. To make visible impression of bruises and
injuries long after their actual occurrence.
 Mug Shots
Although investigators seldom take mug shots themselves,
these photographs are often significant in criminal
investigations. Mug shots originated in 19 th century France
when ALPHONSE BERTILLON developed a method of
identification that used an extensive system of measurement
to describe people. The Bertillon identification system
included a written description, the complete measurements of
the person and photograph. The picture of people in police
custody where kept in department files for identification and
known as MUG SHOTS. Gathered in files and displayed in
groups, they were called ROGUES GALLERY.
 Lineup Photography
The computer’s capacity to sort through a database
of mug shots and bring it all the” hits” within
specific categories can assists in generating
photographic lineups. After entering characteristics
of known suspect, an officer can select at least 6 to
12 other “hit” to be used for presentation with the
suspect’s photo. In addition, videotapes or
photographs of people included in a lineup maybe
taken to establish the fairness of the lineup.
 Lineup Identification
The police lineup is a time-honored staple of crime
solving, not to mention of countless cop movies and
television shows like Law and Order. Each year,
considerable number of people nationwide are put on
trial because witnesses picked them out of a lineup.
At its most basic level, a police lineup involves
placing a suspect among people not suspected of
committing crime (fillers) and asking the eyewitness
if he or she can identify the perpetrator.
Lineup identification is commonly used when
the suspect is in custody and there were
witnesses to the crime. Police have adopted
lineup procedures to ensure accurate, fair
identifications and to meet the standards
established by Supreme Court decision.
Basically, a lineup has the same requirements as
photographic identification.
This lineup shows five suspects of comparable race,
height, weight, age, and general appearance in
accordance with lineup standards.
C. CRIME SCENE SKETCHER
• Perform all sketches necessary during the crime
scene processing.
• Sketches are prepared to indicate the exact
location of objects and its relationship to each
other at the scene of the crime. It is useful in
questioning of suspects and witnesses as well as
in the writing of investigative reports.
• Sketch is excellent companion to photograph.
Where photograph provide exact details, sketch
offer accurate information about the placement of
objects and they show relationship and distances
between things.
• An investigator’s scene sketch can be more
descriptive than hundreds of words and is often
extremely important in investigative aid.
Importance of Crime Scene Sketch:
 accurately portrays the physical facts
 relates to the sequent of events at the scene
 establishes the precise location and relationship of
evidence at the scene
 helps create a mental picture of the scene for those
not present
 is permanent record of the scene
Things to consider in preparing a crime scene sketch:

1. Must present the exact measurement and information about

the placement of objects.
2. Must be oriented to the north or show the direction of the
north.
3. Must indicate an accurate measurement of objects and
location of physical evidence.
4. Must use the one of the commonly known type of
measurement either English or American.
5. Must always use fixed point or object a reference point.
6. Must indicate the tag of evidence designated number
on the sketch.
7. Must contain the following information: case
number, crime committed, time and date it was
prepared, location of the crime scene, rank and name
of the investigator, name of victim and the suspect,
name, rank and signature of the investigator/sketcher,
name and signature of witnesses.
8. When preparing a crime scene sketch, the sketcher
should stay in one place.
The most common types of sketches are those drawn at
the crime scene, called ROUGH SKETCHES and those
completed later by investigator, called SMOOTH OR
FINISHED SKETCH. Both described the crime scene
pictorially and shows the precise location of the objects
and physical evidence.
 THE ROUGH SKETCHES
A rough sketch is the first
pencil-drawn outline at a
scene and the location of
an objects and evidence
within the outline. It is not
usually drawn to scale,
although distances are
measured and entered in
the appropriate location.
 THE SMOOTH/FINISHED SCALE
DRAWING OF FINISHED SKETCH
Given a well-drawn rough
sketch, the finished sketch
can be completed. The
finished sketch done in INK
on a good grade of paper and
is drawn to scale, using exact
measurements.
 TYPES OF CRIME SCENE SKETCHES
1. Location/Neighborhood Sketch – it is used to
document important items within a large scene
involving a large track of land and or many buildings.

Figure 1. Example of a Location/Neighborhood Sketch

2. Floor Plan or Bird’s Eye View Sketch – is the
simplest and most common one used in diagramming
crime scene. It may be used in all crime scene
situation where the items of interest are located in
one place.

Figure 2. Example of a Bird’s-eye view Sketch.

3.Exploded Sketch/Cross Projection Sketch – is the
sketch that uses the combination of the floor plan and
the four elevation views (the walls) of a room. The
walls and ceiling are drawn as if they are folded out
with the ceiling placed on one of the walls.
The purpose of this type of
sketch is to show points of
interest on the walls, ceiling
and flooring.
Figure 3. Example of an Exploded Sketch/Cross Projection Sketch.
4.Elevation Sketch – the elevation sketch depicts a side, front,
or rear of the exterior of a structure or one of the interior
walls in a room used when the vertical, rather than
horizontal plane is on interest. Thus, if bloodstains where
present on a wall of the house, the elevation drawing of the
wall would be used to depict this scene.

Figure 4. Example of an Elevation

 STEPS IN SKETCHING THE CRIME SCENE
Once photographs have been taken and other
priority steps in the preliminary investigation
performed, you can begin sketching the crime
scene. First make an overall decision of the scene.
Remember not to move, remove, alter, touch or
pick-up anything until it has been photographed,
located on the sketch and described in detail in
your notes. Then handle objects in accordance with
the techniques for preserving physical evidence.
 TYPE OF MEASUREMENTS
1. Triangulation Method – an object is located by
drawing two straight lines from two fixed points
creating a triangle, the object is in angle form of the
line. The triangulation method is useful in an outdoor
situation where there are no easily identified edges of
roads or field to use as reference point. Measurement
follows the shape of a triangle.
Figure A. Triangulation Method.
2.Coordinate / Angular Method – this method uses two walls
in a room as fixed points from which distances are measured
at right angles. The baseline could be a wall or drawn as a
mathematical center of room.

Figure B. Coordinate /
Angular Method
3. Baseline Method – a straight line is established from
one fixed point to another fixed point. Using one end
of the line as starting point. An object can be located
by measuring along either side of the baseline at a
right angle to the object

Figure C. Baseline
Method.
4. Compass Point Method - protractor is used to
measure the angle between two lines. One point along
a wall is selected as the origin. An axis line drawn
from the origin is the line from which the angle is
measured.

Figure D. Compass Point

Method
5.Grid Method – started at a known permanent
reference point at the scene. A measurement of
predetermined increments is marked off horizontally
and vertically. On each horizontal and vertical
increment, a line or string is laid so that the scene
resembles small squares. When a piece of evidence is
found, it is recorded to the nearest increment from
the reference point. A measurement from the
increment to the evidence is taken horizontally and
vertically.
Figure E. Grid Method
 RECOMMENDED LEGEND SYMBOLS

Motor Vehicle Prints Skid Marks/Tire

Motor Cycle
Utility Post
Tree Fence
North Direction
Shrubs

Camera Position Explosion Crater

D.EVIDENCE RECORDER/CUSTODIAN
1. Prepare evidence recovery log and accomplish
chain of custody of evidence.
2. Conduct packaging, preservation, and
preparation of collected evidence to the crime
laboratory.
3. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with sketcher
and evidence gatherer.
4. Receive and record all evidence recovered.
5. Maintain custody and control of evidence
6. Observe the proper custody of evidence
7. Coordinate transmittal of evidence to case
investigator, or to crime laboratory per agency
guidelines.
E. EVIDENCE RECOVERY PERSONNEL
1. Have significant evidence photographed before it is
collected.
2. Keep team leader always apprised of significant evidence
located.
3. Initial and date all evidence and turn it over to the evidence
recorder/custodian after noting where the item was located.
4. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with evidence
recorder/custodian and sketcher.
5. Ensure that appropriate safety measures are adhere to
especially with respect to proper clothing, including gloves.
 ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES FOR
CRIME SCENE SEARCH OPERATION TEAM
Preparation
1.Evaluate the current ramification of crime scene
search (example obtaining of search warrant)
2.Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel
before arrival at the scene
3.Select when feasible person in - charge prior to the
arrival at the scene
4. Consider the safety and comport of searching personnel.
5. Do not be caught unprepared when encountering
potentials dangerous scene inclement weather.
6. Organize communication with services of an ancillary
nature e.g. medical examiner, prosecuting attorney in
order that questions which surface during the crime
scene maybe resolved.
7. Initiate the establishment of command post for
communication, decision making etc. in major and
complicated investigation.
BASIC STAGES IN CRIME SCENE SEARCH
1. Approaching the crime scene
2. Securing and protecting the crime scene
3. Initiating preliminary survey to determine
boundaries
4. Evaluating physical evidence possibilities
5. Preparing narrative description
6. Depicting scene photographically
7.Acquire diagram or sketch of the crime scene
8.Conducting detailed search
9.Collect and record physical evidence
10.Conducting final survey
11.Releasing crime scene
PROCEDURES AND CONSIDERATIONS UPON ARRRIVAL AT
THE SCENE
I. APPROACHING CRIME SCENE
a. Be alert for discarded evidence
b. Make pertinent notes as to possible approach/escape
routes
II.SECURING AND PROTECTING CRIME SCENE
1. Take control on the scene upon arrival
2. Determine the extent to which the scene has thus far been
protected
3. Ensure adequate scene security
4. Obtain information from personnel who have
entered the crime scene and have knowledge
relative to its original conditions. Document who
has been at the scene.
5. Take extensive notes. Do not rely on memory.
6. Keep out unauthorized personnel. Begin
recording who enters and leaves the premises.
III.INITIATE PRILIMINARY SURVEY
1. The survey is an organizational stage to plan for entire
search
2. A cautious walk-through of the scene is accomplished.
3. The person-in-charge maintain definite administrative
and emotional control
4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques.
5. Acquire preliminary photograph the area.
6.Delineate extent of the search area. Usually, it is
advisable to expand the initial perimeter.
7.Organize method or procedures need to recognize
special problem.
8.Determine personnel and equipment needs. Make
specific assignment.
9.Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
10.Develop the general theory of the crime scene.
11. Make extensive notes to document the scene,
physical and environmental conditions, movement
of personnel, etc.
12. As regards to a vehicle involved to the crime, get
the license plate number, position of the key,
odometer reading, gearshift position and the
amount of the fuel tank. Check also whether the
lights are on or off.
IV. EVALUATING PHYSICAL POSSIBILITIES
1. Based upon what is known from the preliminary
survey and determine what evidence is likely to
be present.
2. Concentrate on the most transient evidence and
work to the least transient.
3. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open
view and progress eventually to possible out-of-
view locations. Look for purposely hidden items.
4. Consider whether the evidence appeared to have
been moved inadvertently.
5. Evaluate whether or not the scene and the
evidence appear intentionally contrive.
V.PREPARING NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION
1. The purpose of this step is to provide a running
narrative of the conditions at the scene. Consider
what should be present at a scene. (e.g. victim’s
wallet or vehicle and is not observed and what is
out of place.
2. Represent scene in a general and specific scheme.
Consider situational factors such as; lights on/off,
newspaper on drive ways, drapes, pulled open or
shut.
3. Do not narrative report to degenerate into sporadic
and unauthorized attempt to recover physical
evidence. In most circumstances, it is
recommended that the evidence should not be
collected at this point.
4. Methods of narrative, written, audio, or video.
COLLECTING, MARKING, TAGGING AND
PRESERVING OF EVIDENCE
During crime scene processing, it is important that
the investigating officer is knowledgeable on the
proper collection and handling of evidence. ONCE
evidence is discovered, photograph and sketch it
before collecting it. Then, collect and identify all
objects that are maybe evidence.
A.Collection of liquid substance/blood
a. Use a clean, disposable pipette or eyedropper for each
sample collected
b. Place the samples in a container, avoiding air space
because air will cause the blood to dry.
c. If the amount of blood is minimal, collection maybe best
made by placing the sample in a normal saline solution.
d. Refrigerate sample in a saline solution as soon as
possible.
e. Do not mixed areas where samples are collected.
B.Collection of dried blood
a. On absorbent space bring in the entire object or cut out
the strained area and bring to the laboratory.
b. On non-absorbent surface, scrap up the sample and
place in a container, or possible submit the entire
article.
c. If sample scraped from the surface, also scrap a portion
of the surface where no blood is present and submit in a
separate container for control in case some substance
on the surface causes difficulty in tests.
C.Collection of wet blood on clothing
a. Do not fold the clothing as it may destroy
the stain patters.
b. Do not package while the stain is wet.
c. Allow the clothing to dry before packaging.
d. Do not expose to sunlight or high
temperature as they destroy factors which
will determine blood typing.
 Collecting evidence requires judgment and care. Put
liquids in bottles, protect cartridges and spent
shells/slugs with cotton, and put them in small
containers. Put other items in appropriate containers
to preserve them for later packaging and
transporting.
 The scene of a violent crime should be vacuumed
with a machine that has a filter attachment. The
vacuum material should be placed in an evidence bag
and submitted to the crime laboratory.
• Be sure to collect adequate amount of sample and to
obtain standards of comparison if necessary. Take
extreme care to avoid CROSS-CONTAMINATION,
that is, allowing items of evidence to touch one
another and thus, exchange matter. When using the
tools for several tasks, be certain it is thoroughly
cleaned after each use to prevent the transfer of
material from one piece of evidence to another.
• One officer usually collects evidence and another
officer takes note on the location, description and
condition of each item. The officer collecting evidence
enters this information in personal notes or witness
and initials the notes of the officer assigned to record
information. All evidence is identified by the officer
who collects it and by any other officer who takes
initial custody of it.
• A pen is suitable for some objects. A STYLUS is
used for those require a more permanent mark
that cannot be done with a pen, such as metal
boxes, motor parts and furniture. Other objects
can be tagged, labeled or placed in containers
that are marked and sealed.
 CRIME SCENE SEARCH GENERAL
GUIDELINES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The precise search pattern used is immaterial for
as long as the search is systematic and covers the entire
area. Assigning two (2) officers to search the same area
greatly increases the possibility of discovering physical
evidence. Finding physical evidence is no reason to
stop a search until the entire area is covered.
A successful crime scene search locates, identifies
and preserves all physical evidence present.
 Evidence found at a scene assists in reconstructing a
crime scene in much the same way that bricks properly
paced results in constructing a building. A meticulous,
properly conducted search usually results in the discovery
of evidence. The security taken by the first officer at the
scene determine whether evidence is discovered intact or
after is has been altered or destroyed. During the search,
do not change, alter or contaminate physical evidence in
any way, or else, it will be declared inadmissible.
Maintain the chain of custody of evidence from the time
of discovery up to time of the court trial.
A.FIRST TO BE OBSERVED BEFORE THE
SEARCHING START:
1. Determine what searching patter is most
appropriate to the crime scene.
2. Determine the number of searching personnel.
3. Marks/tags position of physical evidence with
designated evidence numbers.
B.TYPE OF SEARCHING PATTERNS
1.The Quadrant or Zone Method - in this method, one
searcher is assigned to a quadrant then each
quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.

Figure 1. Quadrant or Zone Method.

2.Strip Method - this method the area is blocked out in
the form of rectangular. The searcher proceeds slowly
at the same place along path parallel to one side of the
rectangle. When a piece of evidence is found, the
finder announces his discovery and the search must
stop until the evidence has cared for. At the end of the
rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along new
lanes.

Figure 2. Strip Method.

3.Grid or Double Strip Method - this method is a
modification of strip search method. Here, the
rectangle is traversed first, parallel to the base, then
paralleled to the side.
Figure 3. Grid or Double
Strip Method.

4.Spiral Method - the searchers follow each other along

the path of spiral beginning on the outside and
spiraling in towards the center.

Figure 4. Spiral Method

5.Wheel search Method – this method of search, the area
is considered to be approximately circular. The
searcher gathers at the center and proceeds outward
along the radius. The procedures should be repeated
several times, defending on the size of the circle and
the number of searchers.

Figure 5. Wheel Search Method.

6.Lane search Method – the lane search method partitions
the area into lanes, or narrow strips, using stakes and
string. An officer is assigned to each lane, therefore the
number of the lane used defends on the number of
officer available to search. The lane can be imaginary.
Officers’ widths vary from arm’s length to shoulder to
shoulder, either on foot or their knees. Such search used
no string or cord to mark the lane. If only one officer is
available for the search, the lane pattern can be adapted
to what is commonly called STRIP SEARCH
METHOT.
Figure 6. Lane Search Method
CONDUCTING THE FINAL SURVEY
1.This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the
search.
2.Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for
completeness.
3.Double check documentation to detect inadvertent
errors.
4.Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for
before departing the scene.
5. Ensure that all pieces of equipment in the search
are gathered.
6. Make sure that possible hiding places with
difficult access have not been overlook in the
detailed search.
7. Critical issues; have you gone far enough in the
search for evidence, documents all essential
things, and made no assumption which may prove
to be incorrect in the future.
RELEASING THE CRIME SCENE

1.Release is accomplished only after completion of the final

survey.
2.At a minimum, documentation should be made of:
time and date of release
to whom released
by whom released
3.Ensure that an appropriate inventory has been provided as
necessary, considering the legal requirements, to the person to
whom the scene is released.
4.Once the scene has been formally released, reentry
may require a search warrant.
5.Only the person in-charge should the authority to
release the scene. This precept should be known and
adhered to by all personnel.
6.Consider the services of a specialist ( e.g. blood
pattern analyst and medical examiner) before
releasing the scene.
TRANSMITAL OF EVIDENCE TO THE CRIME LABORATORY
Proper handling of physical evidence is necessary to obtain
the maximum possible information upon which scientific
examination shall be based and to prevent exclusion as evidence
in court. Evidence which truly represent the material found at the
crime scene, unaltered, unspoiled, or otherwise unchanged in
handling will provide more and better information upon
examination. Legal requirements make it necessary to account
for all pieces of physical evidence from the time it is collected
until it is presented in court, which means, the chain of custody
of evidence must be properly observed at all times.
The following are principles that should be observed in
handling all types of evidence:
1.The evidence should reach the laboratory in same
condition as when it was found as much as possible.
2.The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Good
results cannot be obtained from insufficient specimen.
3. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no
intermingling or mixing of known and unknown materials.
Wrap and seal in individual packages when necessary. Mark
or label each of evidence for positive identification as the
evidence taken from particular location in connection with
the crime under investigation.
4.Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison
purposes.
5.The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained.
Account for evidence from the time it is collected until it is
produced in court. Any break in this chain of custody may
make the material inadmissible as evidence in court.
Chain of Custody
A list of persons who came into possession of an item
of evidence, continuity of possession, or the chain of
custody must be established whenever evidence is
presented in court as an exhibit. Every person who handled
or examined the evidence and where it is at all times must
be accounted for. As a rule, all seized evidence must be in
the custody of the evidence custodian and deposited in the
evidence room or designated place for safe keeping. Any
brake in in this chain of custody may make the material
INADMISSIBLE as evidence in court.