Crime Scene

Investigation,
Processing and
Documentation
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Crime scene = place or venue where the alleged
crime or incident or event has been committed.
It could be several sites, and encompasses all
areas over which victims, criminals and
eyewitnesses move during the commission of the
crime.
• Scene Processing is the term applied to the series of
steps taken to investigate a crime scene. Although the
methods and techniques may differ between the experts
involved, their goals are the same: to reconstruct the
exact circumstances of the crime through the
identification of the sequence of events and to gather
physical evidence that can lead to the identification of
the perpetrators.
• Crime investigation usually begins at the place where
the crime was committed. The area must be isolated and
secured to prevent the destruction of crucial physical
evidence that can lead police to link the perpetrators to
the victim.
Elements of successful crime scene
investigation.

a) Protection of the crime scene from

contamination
b) Documentation to ensure integrity of the
crime scene/physical evidence
c) Systematic search, and
d) Appropriate collection, packaging and
labeling of evidence
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
1. First Responder (FR)
a) First police officers who arrived at the crime
dispatched by the local police station that received the
report;
b) Conduct preliminary evaluation of the crime scene
which includes emergency services, scene safety
concern, administration of life saving measures, and
establishment of security and control of the scene.
c) Take dying declaration if possible or whenever
necessary
d) Interview witnesses
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
e) Arrest the suspect/s whenever possible
f) Turn over the crime to IOC upon arrival after
briefing;
g) Prepare and submit CSI form
h) Assist the IOC in the conduct of investigation; and
i) Assist the IOC in the maintenance of security,
crowd control, preservation of evidence, and
custody of witnesses and suspects.
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
2. Investigator-on-case (IOC)
a) Request for briefing from FR and quick
assessment of the crime;
b) Assume full responsibility of the crime scene
c) Conduct crime scene search using strip, spiral,
quadrant, wheel methods as well as outside
crime scene search
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
d) Determine if SOCO is required, if not necessary
proceed with CSI applying the correct procedures
in the collection, preservation and admissibility of
evidence
e) If SOCO is required, prepare request to be
submitted to SOCO team leader
f) Brief the SOCO and jointly conduct preliminary
crime scene survey.
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
3. Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO)
• - is an expert in finding and identifying physical evidence
such as hairs, fibers, empty bullet capsules, bloodstained
objects, and body fluids which may be found in carpets,
on furniture, on walls, etc.
• The scene and each piece of evidence is carefully
photographed and then properly collected and
conditioned to avoid contamination, to be later analyzed
at the crime laboratory.
• This expert also writes a thorough report of the scene
and describes the evidence found.
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
• Medical Examiner
• Instructs the pathologist as to what physical
evidence should be collected from the corpse and
determines how the victim was killed and what
caused the death.
• He is also the liaison person between the crime
scene technician, the pathologist, and the
investigators, providing useful information that can
either identify the murderer or yield important
leads.
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
• Pathologist
• He collects physical evidence from the body, such as
chemical or metallic residues, body fluids, hairs, or
skin residues under the nails. DNA content from
such organic samples may be compared against
CODIX (the Combined DNA Index System) to verify
whether it belongs to a known criminal, or it can be
compared to other samples collected from specific
suspects.
Components of Crime Scene
Investigation
• Forensic Anthropologist- His services are requested when
highly decomposed or charred human remains are found,
when difficulty in gathering physical evidence is
experienced, or when the identification of the victim or the
cause of death is not apparent.
Note:
• The area of a crime scene is always larger than the
actual site or room where the crime occurred

• If a body was found indoors, for example, the

crime scene primary area is the room where it
was found. The secondary crime scene perimeter
is the remainder of the house or building, along
with all the doors, windows, and corridors that
give access to the primary area, including front
and back yards.
Procedures in Criminal
Investigation
• Crime is detected by territorial police
• First responders will proceed to the scene
• The investigator on case will take over
Crime Scene Investigation
Proper
1. Receipt of briefing and designation of Command
Post.
2. Initiation of preliminary survey.
3. Preparation of Narrative Report.
4. Documentation of the crime scene.
5. Crime scene sketches.
6. Detailed search.
7. Collection of physical evidence.
8. Conduct of final survey.
9. Release of the crime scene.
Crime Scene Processing
• Maintain the integrity of the crime scene by
remembering “MAC” rule which simply stand
for:
• Mutilate- meaning do not remove anything
from the crime scene;
• Alter- do not change anything in the crime
scene; and
• Contaminate- do not add anything to the crime
scene.
Method of Search
Different Methods of
Search
a) Strip or Line Search Method
b) Grid or Double Strip Search
Method
c) Spiral Search Method
d) Quadrant/Zone/Sector Search
Method
e) Wheel/Pie Search Method
A Strip Search Method - is typically
used in outdoor scenes to cover
large areas in which detailed
examination is necessary. It is a
technique frequently used by
archaeologists when they search a
particular area. The strip search
uses a series of lanes across the
crime scene. This method can be
used by one person or a group of
searchers. It is done as follows:
• Each lane contains a
searcher that walks down
the lane parallel to the
other searcher.
• Once the searchers get to
the end of the lane they
reverse their direction and
walk back adjacent to the
lane they just searched.
• This process is continued
until the entire crime scene
area has been searched.
• If one of the searchers find
evidence, all searchers
should stop until the
evidence is properly
processed and they received
additional information.
a) Strip Search or Line
Search
Strip or Line Search Method
b. Grid or Double Strip
Method
A combination of the strip search and is useful for
large crime scenes, particularly outdoor scenes.
After completing the strip search, the searchers
are doubled back, perpendicularly across the area
they just searched. It is very time consuming, but
causes a very methodical and thorough
examination of the area. It also has the
advantage of allowing searchers to view and
search the crime scene from two different
viewpoints, thereby increasing the possibility of
uncovering evidence not previously noticed.
Grid or Double Strip Method
d. Spiral Search Method
This ever widening circle techniques is
conducted with the searching officer
starting at the focal point of the crime
scene or the centre of the area, working
outward by circling in a clockwise or
counter-clockwise direction to the outside
edges of the crime scene. A good pattern
for a rather confined area as in a small
room. It is also helpful to apply this pattern
in layers. This can be done as follows:
• Visually search the top third
of the room, as well as the
ceiling.
• Search the middle third of the
room including drawers and
cabinets.
• Search the lower third, using
the spiral technique.
Spiral Search Method
e. Quadrant Search Method
A Quadrant Search Method - is used when
the search area is particularly large and
cumbersome. This type of search requires
the crime scene to be divided into four large
quadrants (the four large quadrants can also
be sub-divided into four smaller quadrants).
Each quadrant or sector is then searched
separately as an individual unit, using the
spiral, strip and/or grid search pattern.
e. Quadrant Search Method
e) Wheel or Pie Method
The Wheel or Pie Search Method - is based on the
establishment of a circle surrounding the crime scene.
The circle is then divided into six quadrants in a pie-like
fashion.
Marking, Tagging and
Collection of Evidence
• Any objects found must be
properly 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 number.
Marking, Tagging and
Collection of Evidence
• Tagging of evidence is the
process of labelling the
physical evidence by way of
placing the appropriate
evidence tag containing the
description of the item, the
date and the initial of the
collecting officer.
• Collection of evidence
refers to the actual
gathering and lifting of
evidence from the crime
scene to the custody to the
appropriate office.
 PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE

Importance of Photography
1) Permanent record of the crime scene
2) The first step in the investigation of any
crime is to photograph all aspects of the
crime scene completely and accurately
before any of the objects of evidence are
removed or disturbed. It is better to take
too many photographs than too few.
3) Reconstruction of the crime scene.
Procedures for Photographing the
Crime Scene
• Record useful information in a series
of photographs which will enable
the viewer to understand where and
how the crime was committed.
• Photographs of the broad area of
the crime scene should be
supplemented by closer shots of
sections containing important
detail..
Procedures for Photographing the
Crime Scene
• Each area or objects should be
photographed so that it can be
located readily in the overall pictures
which will enable the viewer to gain a
clear concept of its position with
reference to other objects at the
scene.
5.Area from which valuable articles
were removed.
6. Articles left at the scene.
7. Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers,
and cigarette butts.
8. Tool marks and impressions of shoes
or tire tracks
9. Fingerprint and footprints, as well as
articles on which there prints may
be found.
Sequential Photographs of the Crime
Scene
5. Area from which valuable articles
were removed.
6. Articles left at the scene.
7. Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers,
and cigarette butts.
8. Tool marks and impressions of shoes
or tire tracks
9. Fingerprint and footprints, as well as
articles on which there prints may
be found
Range Photographs
Three types of “range” photographs
1. Long range – taken to portray the
areas as if a person viewing the
scene is seeing it from the standing
position. The photographer takes
the photograph with the camera at
eye level.
2. Mid-range – Portrays the scene
from approximately 10 - 20 feet
from subject matter.
3. Close-up – Approximately 5 feet
or less from the subject matter.
LONG RANGE
MID-RANGE
CLOSE-UP RANGE
Marking Field of View
• Measuring device such as rulers,
yardsticks, and tape measures
should be used to show relative
size of, and distances between
objects, or the degree of
magnification of the enlargement.
• The markers should be beside the
object in a manner that will not
obscure any important piece of
evidence.
• Photographs should be taken in
two ways: first without markers
and then with them.
Marking Field of View
• The markers should be beside the
object in a manner that will not
obscure any important piece of
evidence.
• Photographs should be taken in
two ways: first without markers
and then with them.
Basic Requirements of a Photograph to
be Admissible as Evidence in Court
1 . Accurate representations
2. Free of distortion
3. Material and relevant
4. Unbiased
Crime Scene Sketches
Photographs alone are not
sufficient for the adequate
recording of crime scene.
A crime scene sketch will
supplement the photographs
and notes made during the
crime scene search.
II. Crime Scene Sketches
Sketch portrays information
accurately not necessarily
artistically.
Artistic ability is not required in
order to construct an
adequate sketch of a crime scene.
Sketches clarify the appearance of
the scene and make it easier to
comprehend.
• Sketches are useful in questioning of
suspects and witnesses as well as in the
writing of investigative reports

• A rough sketch is prepared indicating the

actual measurement of things with a
scale and proportion observed and
oriented to the North Pole.
• Sketches are excellent companions to
photograph. Where photographs
provide exact details, sketches offer
accurate information about the
placement of objects and they show
relationship and distances between
things.
Information to be Included in the Sketch

1.The crime scene specialist’s full name

and assignment.
2. The date, time, crime classification, and
report number
3. The full name of any person who assists
in taking measurements
4. Address of the crime scene, its position
in a building, landmarks, and compass
direction.
Information to be Included in the Sketch

5. The scale of the drawing, if a scale

drawing has been made.
6. The major discernible items of physical
evidence and the critical features of
the crime scene. The location of such
items is indicated by accurate
measurements from at least two fixed
points, or by other methods discussed.
7. A legend or key to the symbols used to
identify objects or points of interest
on the sketch.
Information to be Included in the Sketch

Considerations Involved in Crime Scene

Sketching
 The measurements shown on the sketch
should be as accurate as possible and they
need to be made and recorded uniformly.
 Steel tapes are the best means of taking
measurements. It is difficult to explain an
erroneous measurement on a drawing,
and can introduce doubt in the minds of
others as to the competence of the entire
search of the crime scene.
 Types of Sketches
• 1. Floor Plan/Over View/Birds Eye View
• 2. Ground Sketch
• 3. Neighborhood Sketch
• 4. Exploded View/Cross Projection
• 5. Elevation Sketch
FLOOR PLAN
GROUND SKETCH
NEIGHBORHOOD SKETCH
EXPLODED VIEW/CROSS
PROJECTION
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 the horizontal plane is of interest.
South Side Wall
Types/Methods of Measurements
1. Triangulation
2. Rectangular Method – This method uses two walls in a room as
fixed points, from which distances are measured at right angle to
the object.
 Baseline or Coordinate Method
- Measures distance of an object from two fixed
points. One form of this method uses a baseline
which is drawn between two known points. The
baseline could be a wall, or drawn as a
mathematical center of a room, the dimensions of
which are known. The measurements of a given
object are then taken from left to right along the
baseline, to a point at right angles to the object
which is to be plotted. The distance will be
indicated in the legend with a number in
parentheses following the name of the object.
Release of the Crime Scene
• It is the IOC who makes the decision regarding the lifting of the
security cordon and the release of the crime scene, in
consultation with the SOCO team leader.

• If private ownership, crime scene shall be released to the owner

of the property

• If public property, crime scene shall be released to any local

person in authority.
Release of the Crime Scene
• All physical evidence must be properly marked,
tagged and labelled;
• Ensure that proper inventory of all items is done;
• Error should not be entertained as there is only one
chance to process the crime scene; and
• Release the crime scene only after final survey and
proper documentation. Final survey refers to the
action taken by the investigating team to ensure that
all items have been gathered which includes the
proper documentation of all circumstances under
which the physical evidence was collected.
Reconstructing the Crime
• 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 the investigation;
• Comparison – is the process of comparing
groups of standards from the one collected at
the crime scene to establish its identity;
Reconstructing the Crime
• Individualization – this involves the process of
establishing the uniqueness of the physical
evidence taken from the scene; and
• 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.
Reconstructing the Crime
• crime scene re-enactment is the process of re-enacting and
portraying the crime incident based o 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 aid of investigators log