FCI PRELIM.docx

**Definition of Investigation** It is a planned or organized determination of facts about a specific event, occurrence or a condition for a specific purpose. It is the process of determining the circumstances and the essential elements of an unusual event that has caused harm, loss or damage to per...

**Definition of Investigation** It is a planned or organized determination of facts about a specific event, occurrence or a condition for a specific purpose. It is the process of determining the circumstances and the essential elements of an unusual event that has caused harm, loss or damage to person or properties. In simple terms -- it is finding the truth. (Supan, 2012) **Some Field of Application** - Criminal Investigation - Security Investigation - Arson Investigation - Post Blast Investigation - Narcotics Investigation - Traffic Accident Investigation - Administrative Investigation Crime -- In as much as the definition of crime is concerned, many field of study like law, sociology and psychology have their respective emphasis on what crime is. Crime may be defined as: - An act or omission in violation of a criminal law in its legal point of view. - An anti-social act; an act that is injurious, detrimental or harmful to the norms of society; they are the unacceptable acts in its social definition. - Psychologically, crime is an act, which is considered undesirable due to behavioral maladjustment of the offender; acts that are caused by maladaptive or abnormal behaviors. **It** is also a generic name that refers to offense, felony and delinquency or misdemeanor. Criminal Investigation -- is an art which deals with the identity and location of the offender and provides evidence of guilt through criminal proceedings. Also known as CI. **Investigation defined:** The collection of facts to accomplish a three-fold aim: a. to identify the guilty party; b. to locate the guilty party; and c. to provide evidence of his guilt. Criminal Investigator -- a person who is in charged with the duty of carrying on the objectives of criminal investigator. (Fermil, 2016) Primary Job of an investigator The primary job of the investigator is to discover whether or not an offense has been committed under the law, after determining what specific offense has been committed, he must discover how it was committed, by whom, where it was committed, when and why it was committed (Cardinal points of Investigation 5W's and 1H). Qualities of a good investigator Perseverance Intelligence Honest Understanding of the people and environment Keen power of observation **Six Cardinal Points of Investigation** WHAT specific offense has been committed? Nature of crime WHERE crime was committed? Place or location WHEN it was committed? Time and date WHOM it was committed? Persons/s involved WHY it was committed? Reason or motive of committing the crime HOW it was committed? Manner, method or modus operandi The criminal investigator seeks to ascertain the methods, motives, and identities of criminals and the identity of victims and may also search for and interrogate witnesses. In Investigating crime, efforts are directed in the following: - Recording the facts of the case - Identification of the perpetrators and his apprehension - Collection and preservation of sufficient evidence for conviction. **Start of Investigation.** Investigation usually starts in the Crime Scene. First, the investigator are usually called to the scene of the crime by the victims or witness to make the incident report. Second, in almost all cases the vast majority of evidence will be found at the scene of the incident. Other means to start investigation is with the victim and the perpetrator. Evidences can be taken from these three subjects. According to the "Theory of Transfer" or Theory of Exchange --when contact occurs between two objects there is an exchange of material between the objects. **General Investigative Procedures (PNP Criminal Investigation Manual, 2011)** **Purpose** This investigative procedure is designed to adapt to the current trends in modern investigation, in line with the PNP Integrated Transformation Program which seeks to improve and integrate the different manuals used by the PNP to serve as guide in all aspects of police investigation. It also aims to come up with a definite investigative procedure on specific cases from the time the incident happened, until the case is filed, which will be adopted by the PNP investigators in pursuing their mandated tasks. **Procedures** Upon receipt of call/walk-in complainants Duty Desk Officer shall: a\. Record the time it was reported; b\. Get the identity of the caller/complainant; c\. Get the place of the incident; d\. Get the nature of the incident; e\. Get the number of victim/s; f\. Record a brief synopsis of the incident; g\. Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrollers or the nearest police precinct to act as first responder equipped with "police line" to secure the place of incident, a camera; and h\. Inform the duty investigator (preferably one team of investigators). **At the crime scene** The First Responder shall perform his/her duty as stated in Protocol 4. In addition, check the condition of the victim while the other members of the first responders shall simultaneously secure the area by putting a police line or any material (like rope, straw and etc). a\. If the victim is in serious condition the following step may be done: 1\. Bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency services; 2\. Photograph and make a sketch of the victim (if the victim is dead); 3\. Get the dying declaration; if necessary (ask 3 questions) a\) Ano ang pangalan at address mo? b\) Kilala mo ba ang gumawa nito sa iyo? c\) Sa pakiramdam mo ba ay ikamamatay mo ang tinamo mong sugat? However, if there is still a chance to ask more questions, then follow-up should be done. The statement, once reduced into writing, shall be duly signed by or with thumb mark of the victim. b\. If not in serious condition, then proceed with the methods enumerated hereunder: 1\. Bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency services; 2\. Get the identity and other data of the victim; 3\. Get initial interview from the victim Note: The other member/s of the first responders shall remain at the crime scene to secure the premises. c\. If the suspect is arrested at the scene 1\. Get the names of the persons who turned-over or arrested the suspect. 2\. Isolate the arrested suspect/s and separate them from any probable witness of the incident. 3\. Record what time the suspect was arrested. 4\. Wait for the investigator to interview the suspect. 5\. If the suspect volunteers any statement, take note of the time, location and circumstances of the statements. d\. If the victim is dead, Make sure that all sign of death is present before proceeding with the investigation of the case. Secure the crime scene and ask for assistance if necessary. e\. Searching for evidence Each crime is different, according to the physical nature of the scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently, the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of the scene and with the need to develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general survey of the scene is always made, however, to note the locations of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender(s) and the size and shape of the area involved. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated (In the interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement be used.) The investigator examines each item encountered on the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value. You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected when discovered. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven otherwise. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely examined and that action is taken to develop the prints. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces conducive to making casts or molds. If possible, photograph the impression and make a cast or mold. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence. **Protocols in Investigation** A protocol is a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations. In short, protocol in investigation is the correct etiquette in conducting a criminal investigation. There are14 set of rules as set by the PNP in processing an crime probe. They are enumerated below: **Protocol 1: Jurisdictional Investigation by the Territorial Unit Concerned** The Police Station, which has territorial jurisdiction of the area where the crime incident was committed, shall immediately undertake the necessary investigation and processing of the crime scene, unless otherwise directed by higher authorities for a certain case to be investigated by other units/agency. **Protocol 2: Official Police Blotter** A Police Blotter is an 18" x 12" logbook with hard-bound cover that contains the daily register of all crime incident reports, official summary of arrests, and other significant events reported in a police station. As a general rule, all crime incidents must be recorded in the official police blotter. A separate Police Blotter, however, shall be maintained for offenses requiring confidentiality like violence against women and children and those cases involving a child in conflict with the law to protect their privacy pursuant to R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004) and R.A. 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006). The duty police officer shall record the nature of the incident in the police blotter containing the five "W"s (who, what, where, when and why) and one "H" (how) of the information and inform his superior officer or the duty officer regarding the occurrence of such incident. In answering the above 5 Ws and 1 H and the Case Disposition, all such material details about the incident, including the nature of the action or offense. The Date, Time, and Place of Occurrence; the names of the suspect/s, the victim/s, the witness/es, if any; facts of the case; significant circumstances that aggravate or mitigate the event or the crime should be entered along with the identity of the officer to whom the case is assigned (Officer-on-case); and, the status of the case. **Protocol 3: Investigation Team: Organization and Equipment** All investigators in any police unit must be a graduate of prescribed investigation course with a rank of at least PO2 (pre-requisite to assignment). Composition: 1\. Team Leader; 2\. Investigator/recorder; 3\. Photographer; 4\. Evidence custodian; and 5\. Composite Illustrator/Artist Equipment of the investigator: 11\. Evidence bottles/vials; and **Protocol 4: Duties of the First Responder** Proceed to the crime scene to validate the information received. Record the exact time of arrival and all pertinent data regarding the incident in his issued pocket notebook and notify the TOC. Cordon off the area and secure the crime scene with a police line or whatever available material like ropes, straws or human as barricade to preserve its integrity. Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger and call for back up if necessary. Identify possible witnesses and conduct preliminary interview and ensure their availability for the incoming investigator-on-case; Arrest the suspect/s if around or in instances wherein the suspect/s is fleeing, make appropriate notification for dragnet operations; Prepare to take the "Dying Declaration" of severely injured persons with the following requisites: Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital using emergency services; Account for the killed, wounded and arrested persons for proper disposition; Conduct initial investigation; and brief the investigator-on-case upon arrival and turn over the crime scene. **Protocol 5: Duties and responsibilities of the Investigating Team** a\. Take full control of the crime scene to include the conduct of crime scene search; a. taking of photographs; b. making sketches; c. lifting of fingerprints; d. markings of physical evidence; e. (Chain of custody) the transmittal of evidence to crime laboratory; f. interview of witnesses; g. gathering and evaluation of evidence; h. follow-up of the case and the documentation and filing of appropriate charges in court. b\. Establish a command post in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene; c\. Designate a holding area in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene (for the media, VIP‟s and other personalities present); d\. Conduct case conference with the first responder, SOCO, other law enforcers and rescue personnel; e\. Note any secondary crime scene (if situation requires); and f\. Release the crime scene after investigation. **Protocol 6: Investigation of Suspects** a\. Procedures when arrest is made b\. Booking procedures of the Arrested Person/Suspect **Protocol 7: Taking of Sworn Statements of Suspects** The execution of a suspect's "WAIVER" as stipulated in Art 125 of the RPC shall always be done in the presence of his chosen counsel or any independent counsel. **Protocol 8: Taking of Sworn Statement/s of the Witnesses** a\. Sworn Statement or Affidavit of complainant/s and witness/es must be taken immediately by the investigator-on-case. b\. Affidavit of Arrest of arresting officers must be taken immediately not later than 24 hours. c\. In Inquest cases, the investigator-on-case and the arresting officer/s shall observe Art. 125 of the RPC. This part is further shown in the succeeding part **Protocol 9: Preparation of Reports and Filing of Charges** The Investigator-On-Case shall submit the following: **Protocol 10: Procedure in the Release of Crime Scene** a\. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been made; b\. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey and proper documentation of evidence, witness/es, victim/s and suspect/s; and c\. If the crime scene is within a private property, the same must be released to the lawful owner witnessed by any barangay official. In case of government facility, it should be released to the administrator. **Protocol 11: Follow-up of Case** The investigator shall conduct police operation to identify and apprehend suspect/s based on the results of the initial investigation conducted. **Protocol 12: Preparation of Case Investigation Plan (CIPLAN)** The conduct of police operation involving sensational cases, high profile and heinous crimes must be covered by Case Investigation Plan. **Protocol 13: Attendance to Court Duties** The investigator-on-case and arresting officers shall endeavor to ensure their attendance during court hearings while COPs/Heads of Units shall supervise and ensure the attendance of witness/es. **Protocol 14: Uniform of the Investigator** Prescribed uniform should be worn by investigators when conducting investigation so as to identify them as PNP personnel. **Tools of an Investigation** (Three I's of Investigation) **a. [Information]** It is the knowledge/data which an investigator acquired from records and persons. Regular source is acquired from open sources, records, files, Cultivated source are information furnished by informants/informers, Grapevine source are information given by the underworld characters such as prisoners or criminals. Information taken from informants and informer is discussed further in the succeeding chapters of this book. Information gathered by an investigator from other persons including the victim himself and from: 1. Public records; 2. Private records; and 3. Modus Operandi file 4. Surveillance/undercover work **b. [Interview]** Skillful questioning of a person believed to possess knowledge that is in official interest to the investigator usually witnesses/victims. Included in this process is interrogation of suspects. It may also be defined as a conversation with a purpose, motivated by a desire to obtain certain information from the person being interviewed as to what was done, seen, felt, heard, tasted, smell or known. INTERROGATION -- is a questioning of a person suspected of having committed an offense or a person who is reluctant to make full disclosure of information in his possession which is pertinent to the investigation. What are the purposes of Interrogation? a. To obtain confession to the crime b. To induce the suspect to make admission c. To learn the facts of the crime d. To learn the identity of the accomplice e. To develop information which will lead to the recovery of the fruits of the crime f. To discover the details of other crimes participated by the suspect CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION/INVESTIGATION -- is the questioning of a law enforcement officer on a person under custody and otherwise deprived of his freedom or liberty. This is the stage in investigation where there is strict observance of the [Miranda Doctrine]. RA 7438 -- RIGHTS OF THE PERSON UNDER CUSTODIAL INVESTIGATION Violations under RA 7438: a\. Any arresting public officer or employee or any investigating officer, who fails to inform any person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation of his rights to remain and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice; and b\. Any person who obstructs, prevents or prohibits any lawyer, any member of the immediate family of a person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation, or any medical doctor or priest or religious minister or by his counsel, from visiting and conferring privately chosen by him or by any member of his immediate family with him, or from examining and treating him or from ministering to his spiritual needs. MIRANDA DOCTRINE -- this case which entitled Miranda vs. Arizona, is a US Supreme Court Jurisprudence which laid down the constitutional rights of the accused during custodial investigation. It was incorporated in our 1973 Constitution and later in the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. **Miranda Warning:** {#section-6} Relevant matters pertaining to interview and interrogation is elaborated in the proceeding chapter to better elucidate the topic. As well as the format in preparing Sworn Statements. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **c. [Instrumentation]** It is the application of instruments and methods of physical science to the detection of crimes. In cases where there are no significant physical evidence to be found, then the use of instrumentation is relatively unimportant. In short, scientific examination of real evidence and application of instrument in solving crime. Again, this topic is completely explained in the following chapters. **Phase of Investigations** In conducting a criminal investigation, a stage is observe and traditionally it follows three steps as stated herein. **[Phases/Stages of Criminal Investigation]** [ ] The main objective of a police investigator is to gather all facts pertaining to the: 1. Identification of criminals 2. Tracing and locating the criminal 3. Gathering of evidence to prove the guilt of the criminal **Phase 1 - Identification of Criminals** The 1^st^ phase in CI is to know the identity of the suspect or criminal offender so they can be held to answer for the law violated. Several methods are enumerated herewith on the proper ways of identifying our criminal or criminals. **Methods of Identifying Criminals** a. By confession or admission of the criminal himself b. Identification by accounts or testimonies of eyewitnesses c. Identification by circumstantial evidence d. Identification by associative evidence e. Identification by the Method of Operation (Modus Operandi) Discussed on the next paragraphs are the details on the methods of criminal identification. **a. Confession or Admission of the Criminal** CONFESSION-- is the direct acknowledgement of guilt arising from the commission of a crime. **Types of Confession** Extra-Judicial Confession -- those made by the suspect during custodial investigation. Judicial Confession-- those made by the accused in open court. The plea of guilt may be during arraignment or in any stage of the proceedings where the accused changes his plea of not guilty to guilty. {#section-7} ADMISSION-- is a self-incriminatory statement by the subject falling short of an acknowledgement of guilt. It is an acknowledgement of a fact or circumstances from which guilt maybe inferred. It implicates but does not incriminate. It is also an acknowledgement that a fact, action or circumstances are true which strongly infer or directly admit guilt but lacks the detail of the elements of the crime. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Rules to be observed in taking confession or admission** 1. Confession or admission must be taken preferably in writing and under oath 2. It must be written in the language known and understood by the accused, if not it must be clearly translated 3. It must be freely and voluntary given by the accused 4. Under the New Constitution, it must be taken in the presence of competent and independent counsel chosen by the accused **b. Identification of Suspect by Eyewitness** Identification of the suspect by a witness could be another way knowing the offender. Several methods are lined below in order that a suspect is fully identify. **Kinds of Criminals identified by witnesses** a. Known criminals b. Unknown criminals **Methods of Identification by witness** a. Verbal description b. Photographic files (Rogues Gallery) c. General Photograph d. Artist sketch (Composite Criminal Illustration) **The value of identification by eyewitness depends on:** a. The ability to observe and remember distinct appearance of suspect; b. Prevailing condition of visibility; c. The lapse of time. **Procedures of identification by eyewitness** a. Physical line-up -- is a means of selecting a suspect from a group of innocent persons usually composed of seven to ten persons. The purpose of line-up is to eliminate the power of suggestion. b. Physical show-up -- only one person is shown to the witness usually at the scene of the crime and made immediately after the arrest of the suspect. **c. Identification by Circumstantial Evidence** Facts or circumstances from which, either alone or in connection with other facts, the identity of the person can be inferred. ***The gathered evidences are also included in the methods of identifying criminal may it be a single or multiple pieces of evidence is of great importance in an investigation.*** What must be inferred to prove identity by circumstantial evidence? a. Motive -- is what induces the criminal to act b. Intent --is the result or accomplishment of the act c. Opportunity --is the physical possibility that the suspect could have committed the crime. It could be inferred from the following: a. The suspect could have been in the vicinity of the crime scene at the time it was committed. b. Knowledge of the criminal objective. c. Absence of an alibi on the part of the criminal. d. Physical Evidence to Identify Criminals **d. Identification by associative evidence** The direct evidence that could link the crime to the criminal offender are among the most important information that can convict criminal or incinerate a person. However, not all is available so other means to link the suspect to the crime. Here are the following evidences: 1. CORPUS DELICTI-- is the body of the crime or fact of specific loss or injury sustained. It constitutes the essential parts or elements in the commission of the crime. 2. ASSOCIATIVE EVIDENCE -- these are the pieces of evidence that will link the suspect to the crime scene. The suspect may leave some clues at the scene such as weapons, tools, garments or prints. 3. TRACING EVIDENCE -- articles which assist the investigator in locating the criminal. Stolen goods in the possession of the suspect in an example of tracing evidence. **e. Modus Operandi (MO)** Time and again has proved that MO has helped solved the commission of the crime. A novice investigator should not overlook this method. Usually, a criminal repeat the process or procedure in a committing a crime, especially if it is always successful in this method. So as he progress in his nefarious activities, he create a signature move in his criminal activities. MO is the method of operation by a specific criminal or criminal syndicate. It is a distinct pattern of how a crime is committed and is established by a series of crimes under one classification. The modus operandi of one criminal is distinct and different from the other. It is a criminal trademark, logo or brandname. After identifying criminal in an offense, the next step in the criminal investigation is to look for the offender. He or she might have fled the scene, the neighborhood and even the country. This a daunting task against the investigator to locate the whereabouts of the criminal perpetrator. **Phase 2 -- Locate/Tracing and apprehend suspect/s** In locating a suspect, there are several step, one is getting the information from informant and the other from police operations. INFORMANT -- is a person who gives information to the police relevant to a criminal case about the activities of criminals or syndicates. Further topics in informants is discussed in the succeeding chapter. If no information is available regarding the suspect. The another way of getting to locate the suspect is by police operation like surveillance and undercover. Surveillance will be discussed in detail in the succeeding chapter as well as the undercover. SURVEILLANCE -- is the secret observation of persons, places, and vehicles for the purpose of obtaining information concerning the identities or activities of the subject. a. Surveillance of Place (fixed/ stake-out) b. Shadowing c. Roping SURVEILLANT -- is the person who maintains the surveillance or performs the observation. SUBJECT -- the person or place being watched or surveyed. UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION -- is a form of investigation in which the investigator assumes a different and unofficial identity in order to obtain information. It is another method of looking for the culprit. After the suspect is put behind bars, the next step is gathering of evidences to prove his/her guilt. **Phase 3 - Gather and provide evidence to establish the guilt of the accused.** In proving the guilt of the accused in court, the fact of the existence of the crime must be established; the accused must be identified and associated with the crime scene; competent and credible witnesses must be available; and the physical evidence must be appropriately identified. The investigator must know by heart the elements of a specific crime. STANDARD METHODS OF RECORDING INVESTIGATIVE DATA a\. Photographs; b\. Sketching crime scenes; c\. Written notes (what you have seen or observed); d\. Developing and lifting fingerprints found at the crime scene; e\. Gathering physical evidence; f\. Plaster cast; g\. Tape recording of sounds; h\. Video tape recording of objects; and i\. Written statements of subject(s) and witnesses. How to prove a crime has been committed The Investigator must procure testimony and physical evidence that will be admissible in court proceedings. Meaning of Testimony and Physical Evidences Testimonial evidence consists of statement made by an individual claiming that a certain things is true or false. **The difference of the two evidences** Physical evidence carries the greatest weight in court. Because it is examined in laboratories by technicians with extensive training in their various fields of specialization. Unlike, Testimonial Evidence -- individuals may not tell the truth or they may perceived what they hear and see inaccurately. Opinions of expert witnesses does not completely concluded the truth. #### {#section-8} #### Crime Scene Investigation It is the conduct of processes, more particularly, the recognition, handling, preservation and documentation of physical evidence to include the identification and interview of witnesses and the arrest of suspect/s at the crime scene. Constitution of a Crime Scene A. The crime scene can be understood to include all areas in which the criminal, any possible victim, and any eyewitness move during the time the crime was committed. B. The boundaries must be established so that the entire crime scene can be effectively preserved. C. In some crimes, however, the crime scene may actually comprise several different sites. Primary or secondary crime scene as the case may be. Primary Crime Scene -- it is the location of original or first criminal act. Secondary Crime Scene -- location of subsequent criminal act. **Crime Scene Processing** 1\. Processing and Securing a Crime Scene -- Processing a crime scene includes the application of diligent and careful methods by an investigator/policemen to recognize, identify, preserve and collect fact and items of evidentiary value that may assist in reconstructing that which actually occurred. The crime scene is the area surrounding the place where the crime occurred. The processing of the area at the scene includes all direct traces of the crime. And this is determined by the type of crime committed and the place where the act occurred. 2\. Protecting the Crime Scene and the Evidence -- Successful crimes scene processing depends upon the policeman's or investigator's skill in recognizing and collecting facts and items of value as evidence, and upon his ability to protect, preserve, and later, to present these in a logical manner. This requires making careful and detailed notes and sketches; written statements and transcribing verbal statements of witnesses, suspects and marking and preservation of collected physical objects of evidentiary nature. 3\. Laboratory examination of objects and substances located usually at the crime scene. Objects and substances needing examination in some cases are carried, intentionally or unintentionally, by suspects from the crime scene. **Procedure at the Crime Scene** I. Steps to be followed upon arrival at any Crime Scene a. Record the date, Arrival time, Weather condition b. If an injured person is on the scene, arrange for medical attention, identification and removal. The scene should be disturbed only to the extent necessary to have medical aid rendered to the injured or to have a doctor examine a deceased victim. Each alteration should be accurately recorded. c\) If the offender is at the scene, apprehend him, d\) If the scene is not fully protected, ensure its protection by using other policemen or other responsible persons to keep witnesses, suspects, and victim(s) who are present from disturbing the scene. It may be necessary to re-route traffic to prohibit employees from entering their place of employment, or to take other action to prevent any disturbance of the scene until a complete examination is made. The body of a deceased victim (if there is any) should not covered until thoroughly processed for evidence. Early action is taken to protect items of possible evidentiary value that may be destroyed by rain, fire or other causes before collection can be erected. For example, a raincoat or piece of canvass may be used to cover compression on the ground that are exposed to rain. Items that will melt should be shielded from the sun or other heat sources. Objects such as food and blood should be covered to protect them from contamination. e\) Determine and record the names of those person at the scene who may witnesses and separate them. These persons should be removed from the immediate area of the scene as soon as practicable. f\) Conduct preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects and victim(s) to determine in general the extent of the incident or crime. g\) Note the names of all persons officially present. Those present within the immediate area of the scene should be only the minimum number needed to assist the investigator. It may be necessary to request other policemen or officials present to refrain from examining or disturbing objects or aspects of the scene. **II. Recording** The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts and details of the investigation the moment he arrives at the crime scene. (Of course, he records the time when he was initially notified prior to his arrival). He writes down the identification of persons involved and what he initially sees. He also draws a basic sketch of the crime scene and takes the initials photographs (if a photographer is available). This is to ensure that an image of the crime scene is recorded before any occurrence that disturbs the scene. As a rule, do not touch, alter or remove anything at the crime scene until the evidence has been processed through notes, sketches and photographs, with proper measurements (The golden rule in investigation). **III. Searching for Evidence.** a. Each crime scene is different, according to the physical nature of the scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently, the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of the scene and with the need to develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general survey of the scene is always made, however, to note the location of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender(s) and the size and shape of the area involved. b. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated. (in the interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement be used.) The investigator examines each items encountered on the floor, walls and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value. **Elevation Zone Search:** This type of search is used with indoor crime scene where evidence may be on the walls or in the ceiling (example: bullet holes, blood splatters etc.) It is practically suggested to conduct floor search first before conducting the elevation zone search to prevent contamination of the crime scene. Only one elevation zone should be checked at a time. You should: 1. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected when discovered. 2. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven otherwise. 3. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely examined and that action is taken to develop the prints. 4. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surface conducive to making casts or molds. If possible, photographs the impression and made a cast or mold. 5. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence. 6. Note any peculiar odor emitting from the scene. 7. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and earth particles, foreign to the area in which they are found --for example, matter found under the victim's fingernails. 8. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the processing of the scene. The search for evidence is initially completed when, after a thorough examination of the scene, the rough sketch, necessary photograph and investigative notes have been completed and the investigator has returned to the point from which the search began. Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained have been evaluated. c\. In large outdoors areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips about four (4) feet wide. The policeman may first search the strip on his left as he faces the scene and then adjoining strips. d\. It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be the immediate scene of the incident or crime. For example, evidence may indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden by the offender somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene. e\. After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the object or person actually attacked by the offender, For example, a ripped safe, a desk drawer that has been pried open or a room from which items have been stolen, would be processed after the remainder of the scene has been examined for traces of the offender. In a homicide case, the position of the victim should be outlined with a chalk or any other suitable material before the body is removed from the scene. If the victim has been pronounced dead by a doctor or is obviously dead. It is usually advisable to examine the body, the clothing and the area under the body after the remainder of the scene has been searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator to evaluate all objects of special interest in the light of all other evidence found at the scene. **Crime Scene Search** **Methods of Crime Scene Search /Bomb Search** 1. **Strip Search Method** In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle. The three (3) searches A, B, and C, proceed slowly at the same pace along paths 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 been cared for. A photographer is called, if necessary, the evidence is collected and tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lands as shown in the above illustration. 2. 3. **Double Strip Search method** The double strip or grid method of search is a modification of the Strip Search Method. Hence, the rectangle is traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to a side. 4. **Spiral Search Method** In this method, the three searches follow each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiraling in toward the center. 5. 6. **Zone Search Method** In this method, one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant, then each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants. 7. **Wheel Search Method** In this method of search, the area is considered to be approximately circular. The searches gather at the center and proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be repeated several times depending on the size of the circle and the number of searches. One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from the center.