Crime Scene Investigation PDF

02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Crime Scene Investigation The purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what happened at the crime and to identify the responsible person/s. Carefully documenting the situatio...

02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Crime Scene Investigation The purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what happened at the crime and to identify the responsible person/s. Carefully documenting the situation at a crime scene and recognizing all-important physical evidence do this. The ability to recognize and properly collect physical evidence is often times vital to both solving and prosecuting violent crimes. Actions taken at the outset of an investigation at a crime scene can play a pivotal role in the resolution of a case. Careful, thorough investigation is key to ensure that potential physical evidence is not tainted or destroyed or potential witnesses overlooked. Criminal Investigator  Refers to a person who is charged with the duty of carrying on the objectives of criminal investigation such as to identify and locate the suspect and provide evidence of his guilt. Investigator/Officer  Shall refer to any law enforcement personnel belonging to the duly mandated law enforcement agencies tasked to enforce Republic Act 9208 such as officers, investigators and agents of the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Immigration. Primary Responsibilities Crime scene investigator  Is a complex and multi-complex faceted one, as a number of subspecialties exist within this profession. However, in general, a crime scene investigator is a professional who is trained to collect, preserve and process evidence at the scene of a crime.  Crime scene investigators, unlike forensic scientists who conduct tests on physical evidence within a forensic laboratory, Crime scene investigators are the on-the-scene professionals who are called to the scene of a crime to ensure that all physical evidence is properly collected, preserved and documented according to a strict code of standards. These investigative professionals also ensure that all physical evidence is packaged and transported to a forensic laboratory. The following are the Primary responsibilities of a criminal investigator as such but not limited to; 1. Process crime scenes by performing scene recognition, scene documentation and evidence collection 2. Operate within the applicable laws governing the investigations 3. Initiate preliminary survey, generate initial theories and keep the ones that are not eliminated by incoming information 4. Thoroughly document scenes and gather potential evidences (physical, specimens, documents, photographs, statements etc.) to send to crime lab 5. Draft detailed investigative reports and be and prepared to present evidence to the prosecutor. 6. Preserve, collect and record impressions, including tool marks, footprints, tire marks, bite marks, and fingerprints 7. Collect DNA evidence, including blood, semen, hair, skin, blood stain patterns, bodily fluids and nails 8. Collect trace evidence, including gunshot residue, fibbers, accelerant, paint, glass, etc. 9. Collect firearms evidence, including weapons, spent casings, bullet fragments, cartridges, and gun  02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON powder patterns 10. Investigate criminal acts such as murder, homicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies, home invasions, and property crimes such as robbery and theft etc. 11. Interview informants, suspects, and witnesses to ascertain alibis, clues, time frames, and possible suspects. 12. Collect enough evidence to support a court case against a criminal. 13. Prepare sketches and diagrams. 14. Obtain search warrants. 15. Perform surveillance and monitor suspects. 16. Exchange information and coordinate activities with other departments. 17. Record physical information about suspects. Throughout a crime scene investigation, the crime scene investigator must ensure that:  All laws are followed.  The crime scene and all collected evidence are properly documented.  Evidence is processed in an expeditious manner.  Evidence is processed without compromising it.  Proper methods and techniques for evidence recovery are followed.  All equipment and resources are properly used.  All evidence is properly handled, packaged and transported.  All physical evidence is recovered.  Safety precautions are followed. Qualities of an Investigator  The must Investigator possess the following qualities;  Proven working experience as criminal investigation  Hands-on experience with crime scenes analysis and forensic science  Proficient in interpreting evidence and reconstructing events  Ability to observe minute details and to produce detailed reports  In depth knowledge of criminal law, rules and legislation  Familiarity with all evidence types (such as circumstantial, direct, trace, hearsay etc.) and the rules governing their admissibility  Thorough understanding of the investigation process and the unique circumstances of each case  Strong analytical skills along with good interviewing and interrogation skills  Honest and ethical with high levels of integrity and confidentiality.  Special Crime Investigation  Is a process of applying special equipment and special expertise; it needs once expertise and a particular special instrument.  It is also deals with the study of major crimes based on the application of special investigative technique.  02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON Investigation  Is the collection of facts to accomplish a three-fold aim:  To identify the suspect;  To locate the suspect; and  To provide evidence of his guilt. In the performance of his duties, the investigator must seek to establish the six (6) cardinal points of investigation, namely:  What specific offense has been committed;  When it was committed;  Where the offense was committed;  Who committed it;  Why it was committed; and  How the offense was committed Custodial Investigation  Investigation conducted by law enforcement officers after a person has been arrested or deprived of his freedom of action. It includes invitation to a person who is being investigated in connection with an offense. Miranda Doctrine  A principle on the rights of a suspect from forced self- incrimination during police interrogation as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution's Bill of Rights (Article 3, Sec. 12). The Miranda rights stem from the landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court in Miranda vs. Arizona. The Miranda doctrine requires that:  any person under custodial investigation has the right to remain silent;  anything he says can and will be used against him in a court of law;  he has the right to talk to an attorney before being questioned and to have his counsel present when being questioned; and  If he cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided before any questioning if he so desires. Combined Task Forces  It is necessary for many crimes Involving drugs, gangs and terrorism and multidisciplinary approach, multijurisdictional investigation, metro crime teams and special investigation units. Case Officer  The person responsible for and in charge of the investigation of a case. Case Operational Plan  02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON  A definite target-specific activity conducted in relation to an intelligence project under which it is affected. Several case operations may fall under one intelligence project. It refers to a preparatory plan on how to carry out a case operation which is the last resort to pursue intelligence objectives when normal police operations fail. Probable Cause  Is a factor or circumstance sufficient to convince a person of normal intelligence that a suspect was probably involved in a specific crime. 02A-CDI3-WK1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESSON