CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

SPECIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION WITH LEGAL MEDICINE

Specialized Crime Investigation

 Special Crime Investigation deals with the study of major crimes based on the application
of special investigative technique.

 The study concentrates more on physical evidence, its collection, handling, identification
and preservation in coordination with the crime laboratory. Special Crime Investigation
involves a close 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 from their
investigative discoveries.

 The present criminal justice system in our country, the court relies more on physical
evidence rather than extra-judicial confession.
Legal Medicine

 It is a branch of medicine which deals with the application of medical knowledge to the
purposes of law and in the administration of justice.

 The branch of medicine that deals with the application of medical knowledge

to legal problems and legal proceedings. Legal medicine is also called forensic medicine.

 Application of medicine to legal cases.

Example of cases subject to special crime investigation and legal medicine

1. Robbery 9. Criminal Negligence
2. Arson 10. Drug Cases
3. Kidnapping
4. Abortion
5. Rape
6. Murder
7. Homicide
8. Carnapping

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Responsibilities of Special Crime Investigators
For a competent response in controlling criminals the following responsibilities are
required to be meticulously performed by the investigator in handling special crime cases.
1. Determined if the crime has been committed
2. Verify Jurisdiction
3. Discover all facts and collect physical evidence
4. Recover Stolen Property
5. Identify the perpetrator
6. Locate and apprehend the perpetrator
7. Aid in the prosecution of the perpetrator
8. Testify effectively in court

Phases of Special Crime Investigation

The investigator of criminal offenses by the law enforcement agencies can be divided
into three general phases.
1. Preliminary Investigation
2. In – depth Investigation
3. The concluding investigation

Deductive Reasoning – is one you decide is the answer of the case and which you then attempt
to prove with collection of facts.

Inductive Reasoning – collects all the facts available first and allows them to determine the
judgement.

CRIME SCENE
The place where the essential ingredients of the criminal act took place. It includes the
setting of the crime and also the adjoining places of entry and exit both offender and victim.
Three types of crime scenes
 Outdoor crime scene – is the most vulnerable to loss, contamination and damaging
effects on biological evidence in a short period of time.

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  Indoor crime scene – compared to an outdoor scene evidence at an indoor scene is
generally less susceptible to environmental loss and deleterious change.

 Conveyance crime scene – conveyance means of transportation.

The types of crimes committed in conveyances including the following:
 Vehicle burglary
 Grand theft
 Car theft

Primary Crime Scene VS Secondary Crime Scene

 The primary crime scene is a type of crime scene where a crime actually occurred.

 A secondary crime scene is in some way related to the crime but is not where the actual
crime took place.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF CRIME SCENE

A. Suspect arrival at the scene
B. Place of entry
C. Movement of suspect from point of entry
D. Suspect contact with the victim
E. Place of exit

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Articles and materials which are found in connection with an investigation and which aid
in establishing the identity of the perpetrator or the circumstances under which the crime was
committed or which in general, assists in the prosecution of the criminal.

KINDS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Corpus Delicti – objects or substances which are an essential part of the body of the
crime.
Associative Evidence – evidence which links the suspects to the crime scene or offense.
Fingerprints or shoe impressions are good examples.
Tracing Evidence – articles which assists the investigator in locating the suspect.
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Characteristics of Physical Evidence
a. Physical Evidence are factual
b. Physical Evidence does not forget
c. Physical Evidence are not confused by the excitement of the moment
d. Physical Evidence cannot perjure
When will physical evidence value diminish?
a. When human fails to find it.
b. When human fails to study it.
c. When human fails to understand it.

MODUS OPERANDI
It is a Latin term for mode, a method of operations in police work. It is used in
connection with the activities of a criminal. It includes individual peculiarities, methods,
techniques, tools used in committing the crime, and the physical condition of the crime scene.

FACTORS INFLUENCING MODUS OPERANDI

1. Opportunity, need, desire, motive & intent
2. Knowledge (obtained by study, experience prolong association with other criminals)
3. Experience (learned from past methods)
4. Condition (Ex: Barred windows)

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 CHAPTER II: CRIME SCENE PROCESSING AND INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE
AND CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

CRIME SCENE PROCESSING

It involves the basic crime scene protocol which includes interview of complainant and
witnesses and photographing the crime scene, making a sketch, collection of evidences for
laboratory examination and analysis.
PNP Operational Procedures Rule 13
Sec 2. Upon receipt of a report/complaint of a crime incident, the desk officer shall:
 Record the time the report/complaint was made, the identity of the person who made the
report place of the incident and a synopsis of the incident.
 Inform his superior officer or the duty officer regarding the report.
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).

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Sec. 3 First Responder
 Any police officer who first arrives at the crime scene and shall endeavour to protect and
secure the same as follows:
 Cordon off the crime scene with whatever available materials like ropes, straw, human
barricade police line if available etc.
 Evacuate injured person to the nearest hospital
 Prepare to take dying declaration of severely injured person
 Prevent entry/exit of persons within the cordoned area
 Prepare to brief the investigators of the situation upon the arrival

The Four Main Task of the first officer on the scene

 To give first aid
 To apprehend the suspected offender
 To protect and if necessary collect and preserve evidence
 To cordon off and protect the area
Sec. 4 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

General Investigative Procedure

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.
Procedures
At the crime scene

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The First Responder shall perform his/her duty:
-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 in serious condition
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)
Ex: What is your name and address? Who did this to you?, DO you know that you are
about to die because of your injury?
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
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.
Investigation Procedure at the Crime Scene
Upon arrival at the crime scene:
1. Receive the crime scene from the first responder.
2. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the scene, condition of the
weather, condition and type of lighting, direction of wind and visibility.
3. Photograph and/or video the entire crime scene.

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 4. Before entering the crime scene, all investigators must put on surgical gloves.
5. Before touching or moving any object at the crime scene in a homicide or murder case,
determine first the status of the victim, whether he is still alive or already dead.
Note: If the victim is alive, the investigator should exert effort to gather information from the
victim himself regarding the circumstances of the crime, while a member of the team or someone
must call an ambulance from the nearest hospital. Before removing the victim, mark, sketch and
photograph his/her relative position. Only a coroner or a medical examiner shall remove the dead
body unless unusual circumstances justify its immediate removal.
6. Designate a member of the team or ask other policemen or responsible persons to stand
watch and secure the scene, and permit only authorized persons to enter the same.
7. Identify and retain for questioning the person who first notified the police, and other
possible witnesses.
8. Determine the assailant through inquiry or observe him if his identity is immediately
apparent. Arrest him if he is still in the vicinity.
9. Separate witnesses in order to get independent statements.
Recording
The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts and details of the
investigation the moment he arrives at the crime scene. (He should record the time when he was
initially notified prior to his arrival). He also writes down the identification of persons involved
and what he initially saw. He also draws a basic sketch of the crime scene and takes the initial
photograph (if a photographer is available, avail his services). 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 photograph, with proper measurements. “
Searching for evidence
1. 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.
2. 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.

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 3. You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or
contaminated if it is not collected when discovered.
4. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven
otherwise.
5. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely
examined and that action is taken to develop he prints.
6. 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.
7. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence.
8. 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 fingerprints.
9. 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.
10. Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained have
been evaluated.
11. In large outdoor 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
the adjoining strips.
12. 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.
13. After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the object or
person actually attacked by the offender.
14. 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.
Note: 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.
Markings of Evidence
Any physical evidence obtained must be marked or tagged before its submission to the
evidence custodian. These are information to ensure that the items can be identified by the
collector at any time in the future. This precaution will help immeasurably to establish the
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credibility of the collector’s report or testimony and will effectively avoid any suggestions that
the item has been misidentified.
Markings on the specimen must at least contain the following:
1. Exhibit Case Number
2. Initials and or signature of the collecting officer.
3. Time and date of collection.
NOTE: It is also important to note the place or location where the evidence was collected.
Evaluation of Evidence
Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all the evidence, individually and
collectively. If necessary, these pieces of evidence must be subjected to crime laboratory
examination. Example: firearms for ballistic examination, hair strands etc.
Preservation of Evidence
It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every precaution is exercised to
preserve physical evidence in the state in which it was recovered/ obtained until it is released to
the evidence custodian.
Releasing of Evidence
All collected evidence can only be released upon order of the court or prosecutor, as the
case maybe.
Chain of Custody
A list of all 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. Adherence to standard procedures in recording the location of evidence, marking it
for identification, and properly completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is
critical to chain of custody. 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 safekeeping.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
(Change of Possession)
1. The Scene
2. Evidence – Seal, Markings, Evidence Log
3. Evidence Collector (Officer on Case)
4. Letter Request

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 5. Crime Laboratory
6. Result
7. Evidence Custodian
8. Court order (Subpoena)
9. Court Presentation
Transmittal of Evidence to 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. Specimens which truly represent the material found at the 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 physical pieces of evidence
from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. With these in mind, the following
principles 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. Even with the best equipment available,
good results cannot be obtained from insufficient specimens.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purposes.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no intermingling or mixing
of known and unknown material. Wrap and seal in individual packages when necessary.
5. Mark or label each of evidence for positive identification as the evidence taken from a
particular location in connection with the crime under investigation.
6. 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.
What is the evidence needed to file a crime?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses.
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents.
3. Object Evidence – Autopsy, weapons used and other Forensic Reports.
4. Other relevant evidence

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 Crime Scene Documentation

Crime Scene notes

 note the condition outside the building or at the crime scene;
 exact location of the crime
 describe the area, interior and exterior
 note observation to the general environment including the people present
Importance of Note Taking
a. It forces the investigators to commit their observation in writing.
b. It enables them to keep detailed record of everything they see and do.
Rules on Note Taking
a. Notes should be taken in chronological order.
b. It should detail each step and every action the officers makes.
c. Notes should be complete and thorough
Crime Scene Photograph
As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Crime scene can be preserved
by photograph.
Photographs are valuable in three (3) areas:
 It provides the police and prosecutor with an accurate pictorial of the appearance and
position of objects at the scene
 Aid in the questioning of suspects and witness
 Enable the judge the gain better understanding of the crime scene and evidence, and in
turn can evaluate the testimony of the witness.
Types of Photograph
 General/Long-range
 Medium range
 Closed up range
Crime Scene Sketch
 A crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout of a location and the relationship
of evidentiary items to the surroundings. It can show the path a suspect or victim
took and the distances involved. It can be used when questioning suspects and
witnesses.
 The crime scene sketch is a simple line drawing that indicates the position of the
body in relation to fixed and significant object in the scene.

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  The sketch is the simplest and the most effective way of showing actual
measurements and of identifying significant items of evidence in their location at
the scene. Sketching is supplementary to photography.
Important reasons of sketch or diagram:
 To refresh the memory of the investigator
 To reflect the exact location of objects and their relationship to other objects
 To assist the prosecutor and the judge in understanding conditions of the crime scene
 To supplement photographs
 To assist in questioning of witnesses and suspects.

KINDS OF SKETCH
 Rough sketch-made in the crime scene, thus informal
 Finished sketch- made in the police station or investigator’s office and carefully drawn
and labelled.

KINDS OF POLICE SKETCHING

 Sketch in locality-This type of sketch gives a picture of the crime scene and its environs,
including neighbouring building and roads leading to the location of the house.
 Sketch of the ground-This sketch gives picture at scene with its nearest physical
surroundings, such as a house with garden, floors in a house.
 Sketch of details-This sketch describe the immediate scene only. Like the room which
the crime was committed.
 Cross projection- In this method, floors, walls and ceilings are pictured.

ELEMENTS OF SKETCHING
 Measurements
 Compass Directions – a standard arrow to designate the North must indicated to
facilitate proper orientation.
 Essential Items – sketch must include important items of investigation.
 Scale or Proportion – it must be accurate.
 Legend – the explanation of any symbols used to identify objects must be stated. But
excessive lettering in the sketch generally results in a crowded sketch and obscures the
essentials items.
 Title – this includes case identification, identification of the victim, scene portrayed,
location, date and how made and name of sketcher.

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DIFFERENT CRIME SCENE SKETCH MEASUREMENT/METHOD
 Rectangular Coordinate Method
 Baseline/Station Line
 Triangulation/Trilateration Method
 Azimuth/Polar Coordinate

Rectangular Coordinate Method

The coordinate method employs the practice of measuring an object from two fixed
points of reference. Once such procedure is the baseline technique in which a line is drawn
between two points.
Baseline/Station Line
Measurement are obtained by securing a steel tape measure on the floor, ground or
roadway extended through the scene
Triangulation/ Trilateration Method
The triangulation method is a bird’s eye view of the scene utilizing fixed objects from
which to measure. This is particularly useful for sketching outdoor crime scenes where there are
no easily identifiable points of reference.
Azimuth/Polar Coordinates
This method requires two people one to hold each end of a tape measure. This type of
measuring convention is best suited for large open areas where there might not be any fixed
reference points.

CRIME SCENE SEARCH

The investigating officer should look the scene over for several angles, to grasp the whole
scene and then formulate a plan for searching the scene. A proper approach prevents fouling any
evidence and trooping through the area haphazardly may trample.
Detailed Search
The search for physical evidence is done during using the accepted methods of search
depending upon the actual location to be searched.

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Different Crime Scene Search Method
Strip Method/Line Search Method
Start along one side of the crime scene and walk in straight line across the area to be
searched then return to the original side you started from and again walk across the search area
but slightly above the previous line of search.
Double Strip Search Method
The double strip search is a modification of the strip search method. Here the rectangle is
traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to the side.
Zone or Sector Method
This method divides the scene into equal zone. One searcher is normally assigned to each
sector with responsibility for all that occur in the scene.
Wheel Method
The searchers gather at the center of the scene and move out in these spool – like
directions. The obvious drawbacks in this method are the possibility of ruining evidence when
gathering at the center and every increasing distance between the searchers as the investigators
move onward.
Spiral Method
Usually begins from the outer perimeter of the scene, moving inward in a constricting
circular fashion.

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