LESSON PROPER

Crime Scene
 The venue or place where essential ingredients of
the criminal act took place. It includes the setting
of the crime and also the adjoining places of entry
and exit of both offender and victim.

 A location within the vicinity of the occurrence

wherein evidence may be found.

 Any location that may be associated with a

committed crime. It contain physical
evidence that is pertinent to a criminal
investigation. This evidence is collected by
crime scene investigators and law
enforcement. The location of a crime scene
can be the place where the crime took place,
or can be any area that contains evidence
from the crime itself.

 The TREASURE ISLAND when it comes to

criminal investigation. It is because pieces of
evidence are mostly found in the crime
scene, which are very relevant for the
solution of crime.

Types of Crime Scene

(According to Leysa (2010), the following are types of a
crime scene)
 As to location
 Indoor Crime Scene
This crime scene entails that the
offender committed the crime in an
enclosed placed; the crime could have
been committed in a room or inside the
house but not necessarily the house of
the victim.

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  Outdoor Crime Scene
This crime scene is located in an open
area. It could be inside the vehicle, airship,
and vessel.

 Continuing/Running Crime Scene

This crime scene has a mixed location
from indoor to outdoor or vice-versa, or
continuing outdoor alone, on from one place
to another of the same jurisdiction, or from
one place crossing to another area of
jurisdiction.

 As to Time of Commission
 Daytime Crime Scene
This type of crime scene refers to a
crime committed from sunrise to sunset.

 Nighttime Crime Scene

This type of crime scene refers to crime
committed from sunset to sunrise.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

It refers to a comprehensive inquiry of a crime scene by conducting systematic procedure of
various investigative methodologies which involve recovery of physical evidence and testimonial
evidence for involve recovery of physical evidence and
testimonial evidence for the purpose of identifying the
witnesses, and arrest of perpetrator/s for prosecution.

Crime Scene Investigation shall technically

commence upon the arrival of the First Responders (FRs)
and conclude with the lifting on the security cordon and
release of the crime scene by the Investigator on Case
(IOC).

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Procedures to be followed if Crime Incident is reported
If a report of a crime incident is received, the identity of the person who reported is noted, to
include his/her address, personal circumstances and possibly contact number.
Further, responding officers shall take note of the
following:
 The Means of the Report - This is either
personal appearance, by phone or any
other means.
 The Time of the Report- The exact time of
the report, the hour and the minute
should be recorded.
 The Receiver of the Report- The identity of
the one who received the report.
 The Time of Dispatch- The time when the
desk officer dispatches the investigator/s
should also be recorded, together with
the names of the investigator, with the
means of transportation used, either by
mobile car, taxi or other means.

All the above facts together with the time of arrival at the crime scene will form part of the
investigation report to be submitted by the investigator.

Debriefing of Initial Responders

Debriefing of the initial responders seeks to answer the following questions:
 What is the scope and nature of the
scene?
 What actions or alterations had been
taken or noted by first responders
(including EMS- Emergency Medical
Service)?
 What is the status of involved parties?
 What level of security had been
established and what further security
actions are required?

The observations of the first people who

witnessed a crime may not always be accurate, but they give the team a point to start with. Responding
officer should be reminded of the importance of documenting his/her findings, actions, and
observations in the initial police report.

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Scope of the Crime Scene
In order to establish the extent of the crime scene, investigators should re-access the scene
boundary after debriefing. They must use the same criteria as
the initial officer such as:
 Primary focal points
 Avenues of entry or exit
 Secondary scenes

Based on experience, they may recognize minor nuances

that require expanding the perimeter. Also, the investigators
should explain changes to the initial responding officer (if still
on scene) as a mechanism of developing that officer’s knowledge and experience base.

Initial Steps in Crime Scene Processing

• The Master Note taker –shall take note the date, time of
arrival and weather condition (rainy, windy, sunny or any
appropriate weather description).
• Cordon the Crime Scene – this includes the use of the
police lines to prohibit the entry of unauthorized persons
inside the crime scene. Rope can also be used in protecting
the scene of the crime. Deputizing responsible persons by
the investigators can be done also when necessary to
protect the scene.
• The team leader will make a preliminary survey at the crime.
• Command post must be establish nearby or adjacent the
scene.
• The team leader after the preliminary survey will conduct
briefing among the responding team members.
• Photographer takes picture of pieces of evidence.
• The searchers may enter the crime scene to find for pieces
of evidence and identifying theme with flag let, chalk or
other marking tool or device.
• Photographers reenters the scene to photograph identified
pieces of evidence.
• The measurer enters the scene to measure distance of
pieces of evidence.
• The pieces of evidence shall now be collected, marked with initial date and time and case if
possible and preserved with available containers.
• Pieces of evidence shall be submitted to the command post for inventory.
• Fingerprint dusting may now be done to suspected areas, dusting could be made
simultaneously save time and to develop good prints.

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 • The team leader shall make the final survey of the crime scene.
• Debriefing and proper accounting of the pieces of evidence shall be made.

Assignment of Duties of Crime Scene Responders

The following are the specific assigned responsibilities of crime
scene responders:
 Team Leader (Officer-in-charge) -The one who directs the
processing of the crime scene.

 Assistant Team Leader- The one who implements or

executes the order/s coming from his/her superiors.

 Photographer- The one who takes photographs of all

pieces of evidence that are relevant to the crime committed.

 Sketcher- The one who makes sketches of the immediate,

background and inside the scene of the crime.

 Master note taker- The one who writes down in short hand
all observations at the crime scene such as: weather
condition. Time of dispatch and time of arrival at the crime
scene and other relevant data that should be noted.

 Evidence Man- The one in charge in the collection,

preservation, tagging of the articles of evidence found at
the crime scene.

 Measurer- The one who makes all relevant measurements

of the scene such as: the distance of the body of the victim
to the firearm used; in motor vehicle collision, the distances
of the two vehicles to the points of references.

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  Security- They are tasked to protect the crime scene before,
during and immediately after release of the crime scene.

 Driver- This refers to any personnel assigned to operate the

mobile car during response.

Equipment used in Crime Scene Responding

 Searching Tools – like flashlights, magnifier, etc.

 Sketching Instruments
 Measuring Devices –
like compass, steel
tape, ruler, etc.
 Recording Material –
like chalk, graphing paper,
sketching pad, clipboard,
paperboard, etc.
 Collection of Evidence – such as
cutting fliers, knife, screw device,
droppers, forceps, fingerprinting
equipment, etc.

 Preserving Materials
 Container – like bottles, envelopes, test tubes, pins,
thumb tacks, etc.
 Label and Seal (Evidence
Tags) - like gummed labels,
sealing wax, grease pencil,
etc.

Contamination Control
Once the crime scene team is confident of the scene scope, the team should act to further
isolate the crime scene. Initial perimeters are often a single barrier, leaving little if any buffer between
the crime scene and the on-lookers.

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Single Barrier Perimeter
A single barrier is fine for initial purposes. It does not provide a sufficient buffer for long term
scene effort.

Multi-level Containment
It involves two barriers which creates three areas of access. This keeps support police out of the
actual scene and others at a safe distance. They are
the following:
 Inner Scene- It is the actual crime scene,
where only authorized investigators and
crime scene technicians operate.

 Working Area- It is an area surrounding the

inner scene, where other support police
may enter, and equipment is staged and
evidence is brought to.

 Outer Area- It is everything on the outside

of the second barrier, where on-lookers,
media and others may gather.

Managing Access to the Scene

Once the perimeter is established, decision must be made on how the team will manage access
to the scene. This involves identifying actual access points for the team and establishing entry control
points. Determining how to access the scene isn’t always difficult, but isn’t always simple either.

Access Points to the Scene

Determining how to access the scene is a function of three factors:
 What avenues of approach or exit did the offender use?
 Will these points expose operations to media scrutiny?
 What avenues of approach are available?

Entry Control Log

The scene often requires multi-level containment,
with several perimeters. Entry control logs can certainly
be used at any perimeter, but they become a hindrance
to operations. The inner perimeter (the true crime scene)
requires an entry control log. The entry control log keeps
track of who entered the scene, when, why and when
they left. It serves to validate scene integrity.

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Crime Scene Team Approach
 By Area- Single group of investigators is responsible for all activity in the scene.

 By function- Specific groups are formed to handle different scene processing aspects (e.g. photo
team, sketch team, latent team). In normal scenes, custom and size of the organization will often
determine the approach. In complex scenes, issues of size or resources may require the
organization to alter its approach. Lack of equipment resources to handle multiple scenes, may
force a functional approach. If equipment resources are not issues but size is; area teams may
be necessary to handle small zones with a larger scene. The need for specialty examinations on
scene may force a functional approach.

Approaching the Crime Scene

 Be alert for discarded evidence
 Make pertinent notes as to possible approach/escape routes.

Managing the Crime Scene Team

Proper management of the crime scene is as follows:
 Crime Scene teams have to man properly.
 It is difficult to manage crime scene activity if the
teams are under staff.
 Different stages of the processing methodology
demand different level of minimum manning.
 Photography team requires two individuals such
as:
 One that operates the camera.
 The other maintains the photo log and
assists the first one.
 Sketch team requires three individuals such as:
 One that takes measurements.
 One who annotates the sketch and
takes notes.
 In a pinch, two can do the job, but be
careful as notes and measurements get
mixed up.
 Evidence collection team requires two
individuals such as:
 One who physically collects the items;
and
 The other maintains the evidence log.
 Search team is a matter of circumstances, but
always require a minimum of two individuals.
No two people perceive in the same way, so
two sets of eyes prevent items from being overlooked.

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Crime Scene Search Consideration
The following are factors to consider during the conduct of a crime scene search:
 Ultimately, some form of search must be conducted at the scene to locate evidence.
 The particular search pattern chosen is a function of the situation.
 No matter what search pattern is chosen, the crime scene team must decide on
search swathe size.

Initial Steps during Crime Scene Response

The following must be observed by the first responder to a crime scene:
 Record the date, arrival time and weather
condition.

 If an injured person is in the scene, arrange for

medical attention, identification and removal the
scene should not be disturbed only to the extent
necessary to have medical aid rendered to injure
or to have a doctor examined a deceased victim.
Each alteration should be accurately recorded.

 If the offender is at the scene, apprehend him.

 If the scene is not fully protected, ensure its

protection by using other policemen or other
responsible person to keep witnesses, suspects,
and victim/s who are present form 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 be 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 cause before collection can be effected. For example,
a raincoat or piece of canvass any be used to cover compression on the ground that
is 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.

 Determine and record the names of those persons at the scene who may be witnesses, and
separate them. These persons shall be removed from the immediate area of the scene as
soon as practicable.

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  Conduct preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects and victim(s) to determine in
general the extent of the incident or crime.

NOTE: Those present within the immediate area of the scene should only be 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 of the scene.

Crime Scene Integrity Threats

A critical aspect in crime scene processing is to understand the crime scene integrity threats.
There are three basic threats the crime scene technician must recognize and they are as follows:

 Addition of Material. Investigators and others end up

creating evidence that didn’t exist. Addition includes:

 Shoe prints
 Fingerprints
 Fibers and hairs
 Cigarette butts
 Pop cans
 Coffee cups, etc

 Destruction of Material. Investigators and other end up destroying evidence or damaging its
value. Destruction includes:
 Trampled dust prints in avenues of approach
 Bloodstains on the victims clothing
 Trampled dew trails in outdoor scenes
 Loss of evidence on the perimeter of the scene
 Loss of hairs and fibers on the body

 Movement of Material. Investigators and others end up

moving material in the scene changing its context.
Movement includes the following:
 Weapons moved away from suicide victims
 Lights turned on or doors and windows opened
 Staging actions by relatives e.g. suicides or auto-
erotic death.

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  First to be observed before the searching start:
 Determine what type of searching patterns is most appropriate to the crime scene.
 Determine the number of searching team and members of the searching team.
 Mark/tag position of physical evidence with designated evidence number.

 Type of Searching Methods

1. The Quadrant or Zone Method
 This method one searcher is assigned to a quadrant then
each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrant.

2. Strip or Line Method

 This method the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangular.
The searcher proceeds slowly at 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. At the
end of the rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along
new lanes.

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, and then parallel
to the side.

4. Spiral Method
 In this method, the searches follow each other along the path of
a spiral beginning on the outside and spiraling in towards the
center or vice versa.

5. Wheel Method
 This method of search, the area is considered to be
approximately circular. The searcher gathered at the center and
proceed outward along the radius or spokes. The procedure
should be repeated several times depending on the size of the
circle and the number of searchers.

Crime Scene Processing Methodology

 STEP 1: INITIAL NOTIFICATION- As the initial responder, the investigator must document
the information that is presented to him/her.

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Remember: The call you got isn’t the call you get! Expect the unexpected, but also know where
the discrepancies began.

Upon notification that crime transpired, first responder must perform the following:
Preliminary Investigation
P ---------- proceed to the crime scene promptly and safely (ASAP);
R ---------- render assistance to the injured party;
E ---------- examine the crime scene area
L ---------- locate and identify suspects/witnesses;
I ---------- interview complainant, victim and witnesses;
M ---------- maintain the integrity of crime scene and protect evidences;
I ---------- interrogate suspects
N ---------- note conditions, events and remarks;
A ---------- arrest the perpetrator
R ---------- record all incidents
Y ---------- yield responsibility to follow-up investigator of superior officer.

Initiate Preliminary Survey

 The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the entire search.
 A cautious walk-through of the scene is accomplished.
 The person-in-charge maintains definite administrative and emotional
control.
 Select appropriate narrative description technique.
 Acquire preliminary photograph.
 Delineate extent of the search area. Usually, it is advisable to expand the
initial perimeter.
 Organize method procedures needed to recognize special assignment.
 Determine personnel and equipment needs. Make specific assignment.
 Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
 Develop and general theory of the crime scene.
 Make extensive notes to document the scene, physical and environmental
conditions, movement of personnel, etc.
 As regards vehicles, get the license plate number, position of key, odometer
reading, gearshift position and the amount of fuel tank. Check also whether
the lights are on off.

 STEP 2: COORDINATION, ASSESSMENT AND TEAM CALLOUT- Assessment

includes verifying the scene location; making note of environmental conditions;
and seeking out the initial responder.

 STEP 3: CONDUCT INTIAL OBSERVATIONS- Conduct an initial scan of the scene,

specifically look for the central theme items (primary focal points); victims; fragile
evidence; avenues of entry or exit; secondary scenes. Act on fragile evidence
immediately, take action before it is lost.

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Evaluating Physical Evidence Possibilities
 Based upon what is known from the preliminary survey, determine what evidence
is likely to be present.
 Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient.
 Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to
possible out-of-view locations. Look for purposely hidden items.
 Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently.
 Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears intentionally “contrive”.

 STEP 4: DEAL WITH THE DECEASED- Check apparent deceased victims for signs
of life. Identify anyone who may have already examined victims. Coordinate the
ME Investigators examination. Make note of any actions taken during these
examinations (ME or EMS) that altered the body.

 STEP 5: PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENE- Once “life-saving” or death verifying is

complete, the scene is table, with no further reason to violate or alter it. Photograph
the scene as it is, with both still and video. Concentrate on photographs that let
the viewer see the overall context and conditions.

Photographing the Crime Scene (Gilbert 2004)

Photography is the first means by which the crime scene is processed and in many ways,
the most important. Proper photographs provide a permanent record of how the scene
appeared after the offense was discovered. Additionally, the photographs support the
investigator’s testimony during a trial. It is vital that crime scene photographs be taken before
any items are moved or altered. If physical evidence is moved before being photographed, the
pictures may not stand up as evidence this is due to the legal objection that the photographs
do not represent the scene in its true state.

Crime scene photographs are generally taken in a coordinated series. Every general
pictures are taken first, with more specific ones following.

Example: The photographs of a gas station armed robbery are long range pictures of
the entire building. These are followed by views of the room in which the robbery actually took
place. The final photos are close-up views items of physical evidence located in the room.

In photographing small items found at the crime scene, a measurement marker should
be used. A ruler or an easily recognized small object, such as a coin, can be placed next to the
evidence and photographed, so that the true size of the evidence item becomes apparent.
Photographs containing evidence markers may be objected to in court, however.
Each photograph taken at the crime scene must be fully identified. Very few things can
be more embarrassing to the investigator than being unable to identify photographs during
courtroom testimony.

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Identification Date of Photographs includes the following:
 Data to identify the subject of the photographed- Often, crime scene photographs
contain many extraneous items of little significance to the investigation.

 Data to identify the location of the photographed- The state, city, street address, and
detailed location of the room within the building are items frequently listed.

 Data to identify the photographer.- e.g. name, police agency, badge, or identification
number

 The case number, if known at the time of the marking- The case number may be
automatically assigned when the call is dispatched or assigned at a later date.

 The time the photographed was taken- The investigator must take care in marking this
items, for crimes occur with more frequency during the early morning hours, when
dates have recently changed.

 The series number- if applicable.

 Data to describe weather condition, photographic equipment, shutter speeds, film type,
and developing and printing techniques. - Many defense attorneys ask highly technical
questions, with the intent of discrediting the officer’s competence. The astute
investigator will be prepared.

The following should be the progression of shots which the Crime Scene photographer
should observe: (The progression of CS photographs is useful in reconstructing the crime)

 Take long range (General View)

Photos of the locality, points of ingress and egress, normal entry to property, exterior of
the building/premises, and street signs or other identifiable that will establish location
which is 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.

 Take mid-range (Medium Range View)

Photos of the immediate CS and the location of objects of evidence within the area or
room which portrays the scene from approximately 10-20 feet from the subject matter.

 Take close-range (Close-up Views)

Photos of specific evidence (strands of hair, fibers, footprints, and bloodstains)
approximately 5 feet or less from the subject matter.

Crime Scene Photography

Any picture an officer takes may wind up in court. You will be safe if you keep this in
mind every photo you shoot. Experience has shown that attempt to a few simple rules can
make pictures acceptable to most judges.

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Rule 1. Do not Disturb the Scene
This is the cardinal rule of crime scene photography. Both later investigators and judges
need to see the scene as it was when the police arrived.

Some courts have held that a scene is disturbed by the addition of even such simple
things as measuring scales and labels. Leave them out of your first series of pictures.

As far as possible, plan your pictures before you shoot. Make sure to cover the whole
scene before it is touched or altered in anyway. After the scene has been photographed in its
original state, you may shoot a second series of pictures with many changes. You can add
measuring scales, removes obstacles blocking the view or do anything else which will make
the scene clearer. If you are working with a partner, take pictures of him moving objects or
adding them to the scene. This will show the judge exactly what was done and why.

Rule 2. Get a Complete Series of Pictures.

You must move around the scene to see everything. So much the camera. Generally
speaking, each important object in the scene should appear in at least three pictures an
overview; a mid-range shot; a close-up.

The overview should cover the entire scene to bring out the relationships between the
objects. The mid-range shot shows and important objects and its immediate surroundings.
Finally, each close-up shows a key detail clearly.

All of this pictures are important. A close-up alone does not indicate where the object
was located; an overview alone does not bring out all items sharply enough to permit detailed
examination.

Rule 3. Pay Attention to Camera Angles

Relationships of size and distance may be destroyed by the wrong viewpoint. Examine
the scene in the view finder. This shows the scene as your camera will see it.

Ask yourself questions such as:

∗ Does this picture reveal the true position of the witness to the crime?
∗ Do the skid marks seem longer or shorter in the viewfinder that they are in real life?
∗ How large is the lead pipe used as a weapon?

Shoot most pictures with the camera at eye level. This is the height from which people
normally see things that makes it easier to judge perspective.

Rule 4. Record All Data

You will often want to stress key details in a picture. If you do that by marking on the print
itself, a defence lawyer may cause you of altering it. For this reason, it is wise to do your marking
on a transparent overlay which can be removed to show the untouched print.

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 Another way to avoid possible objections is to label the negatives from which your prints
were made and taken them with you to Court.

Finally, you may want to support your prints with a “sketch map” of the crime scene and
indicate the camera position for each shot. This is not a must; however, in your first few cases
this procedure may be useful. In our Canadian Judicial system another member who was
present and accompanying the photographer at the time the photographs were taken may
enter the photograph as exhibits. Surely you can attest to the question imposed by the Courts,”
Do these photographs truly depict the scene as you saw it that day?” An answer. “Yes” is all that
is required to enter the photographs as evidence.

If you follow these guidelines, you should have no trouble in getting your photographs
accepted as legal evidence. But in order to be useful, pictures must also be sharp, focused and
properly exposed.

Admissibility of Photographs (PNP CL SOCO)

 The photograph must be relevant to the case.
 The photograph should not incite prejudice of sympathy.
 The photograph should be free from distortion (twist of shape).
 The photograph should be properly identified.
(The proper identity would include not only the identification of the photo as being
taken at the scene, but with what the equipment used. All the details of the processing
should also include.)

STEP 6: DOCUMENT OVERALL OBSERVATIONS

Unlike the initial scan, this is an in-depth observation and description of the scene.
Requires a walk-through, but without altering anything, since sketching and mapping
have not been completed. Use an eight step descriptive set: quantity, item, color, type
construction, approximate size, identifying features, condition and location.

Preparing Narrative Description

1. The purpose of this step is to provide a running narrative of the conditions at the
scene of the crime. Consider what should be present at a scene (e.g. victim’s purse
or vehicle) and is not observed and what is out of place (e.g. mask).

2. Represent scene in a general to specific scheme. Consider situational factor: lights

on/off, heat on/off newspapers on drive way/s in house, drapes pulled open or
shut.
3. Do not permit narrative report to generate into a sporadic and unorganized
attempt to recover physical evidence. In most circumstances, is recommended that
the evidence should not be collected at this point.

4. Methods of narrative – written, audio, video.

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STEP 7: SKETCH THE SCENE
Create a rough sketch of the scene that includes room and openings with
dimensions; furniture with dimensions; evidence items; with fixing measurements and
support the actual sketch with written notes of measurements.

Definition of Sketching the Crime Scene

 It is the graphic representation of the scene of the crime with complete
measurements of the relative distances of relevant object and conditions obtaining
therein.
 A preparation to indicate exact location of objects and its relationship to each other
objects at the crime scene. It is useful in questioning of suspects and witnesses as
in the writing of investigative reports.
 It is an excellent companion to photograph. Where photographs provide exact
details, sketches offer accurate information about the placement of objects and
distances between things.

The word sketch means to draw or to scale, with important dimensions at the
scene being shown to a good degree of accuracy. Legally, for a sketch or diagram to
be admissible in court, it must:
 Be part of some qualified testimony;
 Be related to the observed situation the person must have seen the area
express it (the crime scene) correctly.

Sketching- It refers to the process of recording of information with respect to its location,
position, measurement, orientation and details of finding in a sketch pad through symbols,
art and figures.

Reasons for sketching the Crime Scene

 To refresh the memory of the investigator.
 To express the precise location of objects and their relationship to other objects
and surroundings.
 To assist the prosecutor and the judge in understanding the conditions at the
crime scene.
 To supplement photographs.
 To assist in the questioning of witnesses and suspects.

PARTS OF SKETCH (varies depending on the sketcher and purpose of sketch)

 Title – Refers to the crime committed or the incident happened such as vehicular
accident, homicide case, drowning, rape case and others.

 Body – Refers to the sketch proper to include the position of the victim and other
items in the crime scene. It includes proper measurements of distances of objects
in the crime scene.

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 Compass Direction (Orientation)- Refers to the standard arrow to indicate the north
direction. To find the north without compass, determine the east where the sun
rises. Facing east, your left side is the north direction.

 Nature of Case – Refers to the status of the case whether currently committed or
days has passed after its discovery.

 Location of Incident – Refers to the place where the incident happened.

 Date/Time of Incident – Refers to exact time and date of the incident. This can be
gathered through interviews from eyewitnesses and other persons in the area.

 Name of Victim – Is the part of the sketch where name of the victim is written.

 Name of Suspect – Refers to part of the sketch where the name of the suspect is
written.

 Measurements – an element of sketch with measurements showing accurate

spaces and distances of relevant objects to their point of reference.

Example: The distance of loaded pistol to the body of the victim and the
nearest wall. Point of Reference must always be on two points to give the exact
location of the object by way of latitude and longitude. The room area must be
measured by width and length, together with the heights of the walls, the size of
the door and the direction of its swing.

 Essential Items – All items in the scene must be included. Never decide outright
that some items are irrelevant. As you proceed in the investigations, these
seemingly irrelevant items will become relevant or material in the investigation.

 Scale of Proportion – Is the element of the finished sketch. It is the essential of the
finished sketch to the actual size or measurements at the scene. The scale of 1:50
means that one inch in the sketch measurements is 50 inches in the actual scene
measurement.

 Legend – Is usually placed at the bottom of sketch outside the sketch of the scene.
Numbers represent the objects in the crime or letters in order not to unnecessarily
crowd the graphic presentation. There are found in the legend.
 Sketcher’s name and signature – Is where the name of the sketcher and the team
leader or the officer in charge are written and signed.

 Date and Time – Refers to the exact time the sketch was made.

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Things to consider in preparing a crime scene rough sketch
 Must be oriented to the north or show the direction of the north.
 Must indicate an accurate measurement of objects and location of physical
evidence.
 Must use the one of the commonly known type of measurement either English or
Metric.
 Must always use fixed point or object as reference point.
 Must indicate the tag or evidence designated number on the sketch.
 Must contain the following information; case number, crime committed, time and
date it was prepared, location of the crime scene, rank and name of investigator,
name of victim, rank, name and signature of sketcher, name and signature of
witnesses.
 The finished sketch will be prepared at the office for court presentation.
 Use the universally recommended symbols.
Note: While preparing the sketch, the sketcher should stay in one place.

General Kinds of Sketch

The two general kinds of sketch are the rough and
finished sketches:
1. Rough Sketch.
This is a sketch made by the investigator at the
crime scene, which is full of important details but
without the scale of proportion. This is used as
the basis for the finished sketch.

2. Finished Sketch.
This is sketch with a scale of proportion. Drawn
by a draftsman, it can be used for court
presentation. Rough and finished sketches if
requested by the court shall be presented by the
draftsman to clear doubts of the jury.

Specific Kinds of Sketch

 Sketch of Locality.
This deals with the vicinity of the crime
scene in relation to the environs, to include
neighbouring buildings, structures, or means of
access leading to the scene. This kind of sketch is
applied in conflagrations, suspected to be arson,
indicating the origin of the fire and how is
spread naturally or unnaturally against the wind.

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  Sketch of Grounds.
This is the kind of sketch which illustrates
the scene of the crime with the nearest physical
surroundings, such as the room adjacent or
opposite the room of the crime scene, the
number of floors of a building or house, the yard
and the other natural structures.

 Sketch of Details.
This includes the positions and exact
locations of the physical evidence in the crime
scene. It describes the immediate scene only like
the room where the crime scene was
committed and the details of items in the room.

 Cross Projection/ Exploded View.

It also describes the immediate scene only,
specifically inside a room as the scene of the
crime. The room is treated as the cardboard box
where the side and the cover are collapsed to the
same plane as the bottom. The bottom serves as
the floor, the four sides representing the walls
and the cover representing the ceiling. The
pieces of evidence found on the floor, walls and
ceilings are depicted or drawn with respective
measurements with reference points, such as
bullet holes, splatters of blood and other pertinent
data.

Type of Measurements
 Triangulation Method
An object is located by drawing two straight lines from two fixed points
creating a triangle (the object form an angle with
the lines). The triangulation method is useful in an
outdoor situation where there are no easily
identified edges of roads or field to use as reference
points. Measurements follows the shape of triangle.

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 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
Centre of a room.

 Base Line Method

A straight line is established from one fixed point to another fixed point.
Using one end of the line as a starting point, an
object can be located by measuring along either
side of the baseline at right angle to the object.

 Compass Point Method

A 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.

 Grid Method
Starting 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
many small squares. When a piece of evidence is found, it
is recorded to the nearest increment from the reference

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 point. A measurement from the increment to the evidence is taken horizontally
and vertically.

STEP 8: CONDUCT A FIRST RE-CHECK

Up to this point all obvious evidence and scene features have been noted,
photographed and sketched. Visually re-check the scene to ensure that no items or critical
observations were overlooked.

STEP 9: RELEASE THE BODY

Release the body from the scene to appropriate authorities. As it is moved examine the
body, being sure to: document all surfaces before post incident bleeding occurs (e.g. bleeding
in a body bag); check the body with an ALS for easily dislodged hairs, fibers or other trace
evidence; preservation fragile evidence by bagging exposed hands or feet.

STEP 10: COLLECT THE EVIDENCE

Collect all evidence items that were already located and documented. Examine each item for
additional trace evidence. If necessary, take additional photographs to document close-up
detail. Ensure each item is fully documented on an evidence custody form.

CONDUCTING A DETAILED SEARCH OR RECORDED AND COLLECTING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

1. Accomplish the search based on previous evaluation of evidence possibilities.
2. Conduct the search in a general manner and to the specifics regarding evidence items.
3. Use of specialized search patterns (e.g. grid, strip, double strip, wheel method, zone or
quadrant method) are recommended when possible.
4. Photograph all items before collection and enter notation in the photographic log.
5. Mark evidence location on the diagram/sketch.
6. Complete the evidence log with appropriate notations for each item of evidence.
7. Ensure that the evidence or the container of evidence is initialed by the investigator
collecting the evidence.
8. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.
9. Seal all the evidence containers at the crime scene.
10. Do not guess on packaging requirements. Different types of evidence can necessitate
different types of evidence can necessitate different containers.
11. Do not forget entrance and exit areas at the scene for potential evidence.
12. Be sure to obtain appropriate known standards (e.g. fiber sample from carpet).
13. Constantly check the paper works, packaging notations, and other pertinent recording
of information for possible errors which may cause confusion or problems at a later time.
14. Four (4) basic premises:
 The best search options are typically the most difficult and time consuming.
 You cannot over-document the physical evidence.
 There are only one chances to perform the job properly.
 There are two basic search approaches, in this order.

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  A “cautious” search of visible areas, taking steps to avoid evidence loss or
contamination. After the “cautious” search, a vigorous search for
hidden/concealed areas.

COLLECTING, MARKING, TAGGING, AND PRESERVING EVIDENCE

In the process of investigation, the responding team members should be knowledge on
the proper actions to be done on specific kinds of evidence found in the scene of the crime. To
give you some information on the proper methods, the following must be observed:

a. Collecting physical evidence

All items that were found in the crime scene should be collected. The collecting officer
should not decide whether a certain item is relevant or irrelevant. Small pieces of evidence
also must have to be given importance, thus collecting them is necessary.

1. BLOOD- this becomes important evidence in homicide, assaults, robberie4s or other

cases where it may be spilled. Blood may be categorize4d into major groups of A, B, AB,
and O depending on the condition of the stain on
receipt.

Collection of liquid blood

a) Use clean, disposable pipette or eyedropper for
each sample collected.
b) Place the sample in a container, avoiding air space
because air will cause the blood to dry.
c) If the amount of blood is minimal, collection may
best be made by placing the sample in a normal saline
solution (1 tablespoon salt in 1 quart of distilled water.
d) Refrigerate sample in saline solution as soon as possible.
e) Do not mix areas where samples are collected.
f) Above all, avoid contaminating the samples by re-using.

Collection of dried blood

a) On absorbent surfaces, bring in the
entire object or cut out the stained area
and bring to the laboratory.
b) On non-absorbent surfaces, scrape up
the sample and place it in a container, or
if possible submit the entire article.
c) If sample is scraped from a surface, also
scrape a portion of the surface where no
blood is present and submit it in a

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 separate container for control in case some substance surface causes difficulty in
tests.

Collection of Wet Blood on Clothing

a) Do not fold the clothing as it may
destroy the stain pattern.
b) Do not package while the stain is still
wet.
c) Allow the clothing to dry in a room
before packaging
d) Do not expose to sunlight or high
temperature, as they may destroy
factors which will determine blood
typing.

2. HAIR –This may be found anywhere in the crime scene. It is often found on the clothing
of the victim suspect who has come into physical
contact with each other. It can be very important
evidence especially in rape cases. In most cases, there
are rarely enough samples present for positive
identification of an individual. However, it can be
determined if the hair is of animal or human, whether
the hair is dyed or bleached, if the hair is from head
body as well as the racial origin of hair.
Collection of hair
a. Take sample of head hair from the top, the back
and each side of head.
b. Take by combing, pulling or cutting close it.
c. Take a least dozen hair from each location, in rape cases, take two samples from both
the victims and the suspect. The first is taken by combing, and the second is by cutting
and pulling.
d. Each of these samples should be collected in separate containers and properly
labeled.
e. Identify hair carefully as to exact location found.
f. Do not mix hair found in several locations.
g. Place the hair in folded paper and put in an envelope in glass vial and seal.
h. Do not tape that hair to an object, as it will alter the hair and destroys and debris
adhering it.

3. FINGERNAIL SCRAPING - In case where physical contact had been made, fingernail
scraping should be obtained. Rape cases or assault cases are good examples of cases
where fingernail scrapings may be important. Items sometimes found under fingernails
include fibers, hair, and skin which may be typed for tis blood group.
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 Collection of fingernail.
a. Clean under clean fingernail with a clean
fingernail file.
b. Place the scraping from each finger on
already labeled paper with notation of
which finger it came from.
c. Place the scrapings from each other each
finger in a separate envelope or glass vial.
d. Fingernail scrapings should be obtained
from both the victim and the suspect.
e. If the subject’s hand is contaminated with
blood, note this on the container.

4. FIBER. This is an excellent tracing evidence when clothing cross contamination takes
place, this is also important evidence in
robbery and hit and run cases. Fiber may be
found on clothing snagged on projections,
and even imbedded with vehicle paint.
Examination of fiber determines whether it is
a natural or a synthetic material, and the color
and dye used. It may be physically matched if
the fragment was torn from clothing. Thread
may be examined to determine twist, number
of strands and cloth weave.

Collection of Fiber
a. Treat and package fibers in the same manner as hair
b. Be extremely careful not to cross contaminate during the collection process.
c. Collect the clothing which is considered to be the source of the fibers.
d. Do not shake the items as this may dislodge the fibers.

5. GLASS. This can be important evidence in robberies and hit and run cases. It may be
found as trace evidence in clothing and shoes. Glass
is usually examined to determine if both the
evidence sample and the known standard has the
same physical properties and trace elements as
impurities. Additional examinations can be made to
determine from which side force was applied. Glass,
broken by fire shows a different pattern because the
breaking is induced by differences in expansion of
glass. Physical match of glass from the crime scene
to glass found in suspect’s possession is goof
possibility.

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 Collection of Glass
a. Collect from each broken glass at the crime scene
b. Package them individually in glass vials or envelopes.
c. In hit and run cases, collect all broken glasses to insure the possibility of a physical
match, should fragments be found on suspect’s vehicle.

6. FIREARM. The firearm, bullet, shotgun pellet and wad, explosive residue and gun
powder pattern can provide vital evidence and
specific answers to possible questions in the
case.

COLLECTION OF FIREARM
a. Firearm must be handled carefully, not only
as a safety measure, but to avoid disturbing any
evidence they may provide.
b. They must be properly marked for later
identification.
c. Never insert anything in the barrel as it may
damage the identifying characteristics and
dislodge material which may be inside the
barrel.
d. Pick up the weapon by the trigger guard or
checkered grip so as not disturb any fingerprints.
e. Unload but do not wipe or clean the weapon.
f. When unloading, carefully record the location of fired, unfired and misfired
cartridges.
g. Record the serial number description of the firearm.
h. Firearm with no serial number should be marked with initials on the receiver or
underside of the barrel.
i. Never use “X” or other non-individual type of marking.
j. Do not mark the weapon on any easily removable part such as the stock or grip.
k. Use direction so as not to disfigure the weapon (montojo, 2017)

Don’ts IN THE COLLECTION OF FIREARM EVIDENCE.

 Never submit a loaded gun to the laboratory, unless it is delivered in person. Unfired
cartridges may be left in the magazine of a weapon, provided the magazine is removed
from the gun. A firearm with the cartridge in the chamber should never be shipped by any
method, even if the weapon is not cocked or on safety.
 Never clean the bore, chamber, or cylinder before submitting a firearm, and never attempt
to fire the gun before it is examined in the laboratory.
 Never pick up a weapon by placing a pencil or other object in the end of barrel.
 Record serial number, make, model and caliber of the weapon and mark it in some
inconspicuous manner that does not detract from its value before sending it to the

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 laboratory. Marking firearms important since duplicate serial numbers are sometimes found
on different guns of the same make and general type. Do not confuse model numbers or
patent numbers with serial numbers.
 Place weapon in strong cardboard or wooden boxes, well packed, to prevent shifting of
guns in transit.
 Rifles or shotguns should not be taken apart.
 If blood or any other material, which may pertain to an investigation is present on the gun,
place a clean paper around the gun and seal it with tape to prevent movement of the gun
and loss of the sample during shipment.
 Never contaminate the gun for the examination of latent fingerprint on it (WPD
investigator’s Handbook, 2006).

7. BULLET. This can provide information about the make and type of ammunition and weapon
from which the bullet was fired, and whether or not it
was fired from specific weapon, provided the weapon
is available for test purposes.

Collection of Bullet
a. Handle the bullet so as not to dislodge any
extraneous materials or damage the markings.
b. If a bullet is lodged in wood or similar material, cut
out the section and bring it to the laboratory.
c. In autopsies, request the use of hands or rubber-
tipped forceps to minimize the possibility of damage to
the bullet.
d. Wrap each bullet separately in tissue in cotton to prevent damage and place in a
container.

8. CARTRIDGE CASE. This can also provide vital information as to the type of weapon used,
the type of ammunition, and whether or not the case was fired in a specific weapon (if
weapon is available for fire testing).
Collection of cartridge case
a. Handle cartridge cases so as not to add any
scratches or marks.
b. Wrap each one separately to prevent damage.
c. Be sure to note specific locations in which each was
found.

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Marking of Physical Evidence
As evidence is collected, it is individually marked with
the initials of the investigator. The marking tools
depends upon the nature of the evidence. If it is a
hard object such as metals, the initial is scratched or
engraved by the use of sharp-pointed steel called
stylus.
General Rules in Marking Physical Evidence
∗ Mark with initials of recovering officer.
∗ Never use “X”.
∗ Record any serial number (if applicable) and
other distinctive mark.
∗ Mark the object without damage.
∗ Always mark the container in which the
object is placed even if object itself is already
marked.
∗ When tags are used, make corresponding
entry in the ta g and attach it securely to the
object.

Methods of Marking Specific Evidence

The following pieces of evidence must be marked as
follows:
1. Revolvers must be marked separately on the
barrel, frame, butt, cylinder, and stock. Tape
should also put around the bore and the frame of the gun with signature of the
investigator.
2. Pistols must be marked on the barrel, frame, butt, magazine, and stock. Tape must also
be put around the gun with signature to avoid changing the parts of the gun that may
affect the result of laboratory examination.
3. Rifles should be marked on the barrel, frame, magazine, bolt or slide. All magazines and
accessories shall also be marked.
4. Fired Empty Shells, Misfired Cartridges. Strict regulations say that they must be marked
inside the mouth of fired empty shells. It is nearly impossible to mark them inside the
mouth especially .22 caliber shells, but they could be marked on the side of the body of
the shells, not on the base. It should be admitted that there is really the big difference of
what is being practiced in reality and theoretically written in books. The lesson is, for as
long as the evidence can be properly marked and kept as evidence.
5. Bullets/Slugs/Balls/Pellets. This can be marked on the ogive or nose as well as on the
base. The initial name of the investigator and/ or date should be marked on those parts
so that the rifling marks (land and grooves marks) found in the bullet or slug will not be
disturbed because they are very important for ballistic examination.

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Note: Not all evidence is suitable for marking. Marking of evidence is required depending on
the type of evidence, size, and condition of the evidence found at the crime scene.
Tagging Evidence
When evidence which by their nature could not be marked on each surface such as blood,
hairs, or fibers, they are placed in the plastic container then marked. This practice is called
tagging the physical evidence with the use of a card where the initials of the investigator, date
and time of collection, specific case and other information can be written.
Evidence Recorder/Custodian
1. Prepares evidence recovery log and accomplish chain of custody of evidence.
2. Conducts packing, preservation, and transportation of collected evidences to the crime
laboratory.
3. Receives and record all evidence recovered.
4. Maintains custody and control of evidence.
5. Observes the proper custody of evidence.
6. Coordinates transmittal of evidence to case investigators, or to crime laboratory; per
agency guidelines.

Evidence Recovery Personnel

1. Have significant evidence photographed before it is collected.
2. Keep team leader always applause of significant evidence located.
3. Initials and dates all evidence turn it over to the evidence recorder/custodian, after
noting where the items were located.
4. Coordinates evidence nomenclature with evidence recorder or custodian and sketcher.
5. Ensures that appropriate safety measures are adhere to, especially with respect to proper
clothing, including gloves.

STEP 11: CONDUCT A SECOND CHECK

All known evidence has been safely containerized and removed from the scene. Second
recheck involves far more intrusive including: Checking surfaces with the ALS; fingerprinting
walls and other scene surfaces; and exploratory searches and movement of furniture. The crime
scene investigator is constantly encountering new evidence. This requires stepping back in the
process to play catch up. “Going back” is an integral part of the second rechecking as new
evidence may be discovered. This “going back” is a constant behavior. In both the search and
collection phases it is a routine to encounter new evidence. A failure to stop and go back, results
in partial documentation where critical information is lost and not documented.

STEP 12: CONDUCT A THIRD CHECK

Verify all areas of scene which were perhaps overlooked. Conduct rechecks until these are
negative. This is a good time to review checklists. Conduct extremely intrusive actions like
chemical enhancements of floors, bullet trajectory analysis or bloodstain pattern analysis.

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STEP 13: CHECK BEYOND THE SCENE
Check the scene perimeter and outlying areas to ensure that no secondary scenes were
overlooked. Good time to follow blood trails, if present, using both visual and chemical (e.g.
luminol) techniques.

STEP 14: CONDUCT AN ON-SITE DEBRIEFING

Before releasing the scene, spend a few moments with the entire team reviewing and
discussing the actions taken. Make sure that no assignments were forgotten or overlooked by
the team. Check individual documentation to ensure everyone is clear on directions and other
scene aspects. This prevents later contradictions.

Conducting the Final Survey

 This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search.
 Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.
 Double check documentation to detect inadvertent errors.
 Check to ensure that all evidences are accounted for before departing the scene.
 Ensure that all the pieces of equipment used in the search are gathered.
 Make sure that possible hiding places with difficult access have not been overlook in the
detailed search.
 Critical issues: have you gone far enough in the search for evidence, documented all
essential things, and made no assumptions which may prove to be incorrect in the
future.

STEP 15: RELEASE THE SCENE

Release the scene to an appropriate individual. This can only be done after you are confident
that all activities are complete. The only way back is with an additional search warrant.
Remember, if you are unsure, it only takes manpower to hold a scene.

Releasing the Crime Scene

1. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey.
2. At a minimum, documentation should be made of:
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, re-entry may require a warrant.
5. Only the person in-charge should have the authority to release the scene. This precept
should be known and adhered to by all personnel.
6. Consider the need to have certain specialists serve the scene before it is released (e.g.
blood pattern analyst and medical examiner).

STEP 16: PROCESS AND PACKAGE ALL EVIDENCE

On-scene collection may require temporary evidence containers. Package all evidence for the
long term as soon as practical, which may include drying of bloody objects. Check evidence

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vouchers against scene documentation. If errors are noted, correct if possible and note any
contradictions.

Packaging Evidence
Some of the evidence recovered at the crime scene may consist of highly breakable
items that must be securely packaged. Frequently, the packaging must be completed at the
crime scene, although in some situations, the physical evidence
can be packed at police headquarters. Evidence is packaged
mainly to be sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis. If the
evidence is to arrive at the laboratory in proper condition, the
following rules should always be observed:

1. Evidence to be analysed should be packed in separate

containers.
2. Clean packaging materials should be used.
3. A strong sealing material should be used to enclose the package.
4. Cloth items should not be folded unnecessarily.
5. If evidence is found at the scene within a container, it should be left in the original container
to be transported.
6. A letter of transmittal stating what type of analysis is needed must be included.
7. The evidence should always be sent registered mail, with a receipt secured.

Preserving of Tools Marks

Perishable materials should be preserved along the way or the preservation is in order to reach
the court in the same physical condition as when they were collected from the crime scene.
This is the work of a laboratory technician.
1. Preservation of Tools Marks
a. Whenever possible, submit the whole
object containing tools marks to the
Laboratory instead of just removing the
area containing the mark. If this is not
possible, carefully photograph and sketch
the area containing the mark. Although
this photograph will not be sufficient to
allow the Laboratory to perform a tool
mark comparison with the tool, it will assist
the Laboratory to determine how the
mark was made so that test marks can be-
more easily made.
b. Casts of tool marks can be made by a
person who has had considerable
experience in this work. Poor casts are
useless for comparison purposes and some marks will be damaged if improper
methods are used
c. Pack the object containing tools marks so that no alteration or damage will occur
during shipment. Small objects should be wrapped with clean paper and placed in

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 envelopes or boxes, while important areas on larger objects can be protected with
paper. Whole, large objects can be packed in cartons or crates, if not delivered in
person.

2. Controlled Substances and Medical Preparations

 The Laboratory the analysis of marijuana and other drugs and medicinal
preparations which may be involved in criminal cases or found in the possession
of subjects involved in various crimes. Each sample of material recovered should
be placed in a paper container, which can be sealed and marked. Be sure to
properly seal as loose material, particularly in the case of marijuana, which can
leak or pill.

3. Preservations of Questioned Documents

a. Under no circumstances should either the questions document or the exemplars
be marked, defaced, or altered. No new folds should be made, nor should marks
or notes be placed on such material. Personal marls for identification purposes
should be made as small as possible on the back or other area of the document
where no handwriting or typewriting is present.
b. Whenever possible, all documents should be protected by placing then in cell
phone or plastic envelopes.

Shipment of Evidence
 Questioned documents may be submitted personally or left in previously
described lockers at the Laboratory entrance.
 Such evidence sent to laboratory by mail must be sent by certified or registered
mail. If there is a massive amount of material, it may be sent some other way, but
the package must always be sealed.

Charred Documents
 Where examination and decipherment of charred paper is involved, great care
must be taken to prevent any additional crumbling ort breaking apart of the
burned material. Normally it should be placed on top of loose cotton in a box
and delivered in person to the Laboratory. No matter how it is packaged, such
material will be damaged if attempts are made to ship it by mail.

Other Questioned Document Evidence

In addition to handwriting and typewriting comparisons and the decipherment of
charred documents, other related examinations can be
conducted in the laboratory. These include, but are not
limited, to:
 Restoration or decipherment of
altered, obliterated, or erased
writing;
 Comparison of check protectors and
rubber stamps with questioned
printing;
 Identification of embossed or indented writing or typing;
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  Comparison of paper and commercially-printed material, such as checks,
coupons, receipts, and others;
 Physical matching of cut or torn paper of various types;
 Problems relating to inks

4. Preservation of Latent Fingerprints

 The primary precaution in all cases is the prevention of adding fingerprints to
evidence, or of destroying those already present.
 Most fingerprints submitted will be on paper, glass, metal, or other smooth
surfaced objects. If articles containing latent must
be picked up, touch as little as possible and only in
areas least likely to contain identifiable latent, such
as rough surfaces.
 While gloves or handkerchiefs may be used to pick
up such exhibits, any unnecessary contact should
be avoided. Although using a cloth to pick up
exhibits prevents leaving additional prints on the
articles, the cloth will frequently wipe off or smear
any prints originally present, unless great care is
taken.
 Large articles containing latent such as glass, metal
articles, and firearms should be placed on wood or
heavy cardboard and fastened down with string to prevent shifting and contact
with other objects in transit. Where such evidence is to be examined frequently,
a pegboard should be obtained on which wooden pegs can be moved as
desired to support exhibits and keep them from moving. Bottles and glasses may
be placed vertically on a board and placed in the bottom of a box. The base or
glass can be surrounded with nails to hold it in place, and the top can be either
inserted through a hole in a piece of cardboard or held in position with a
wooden board nailed to the container’s lid.
 Papers and documents containing latent prints should be placed individually in
a cellophane or manila envelope. Such a container can be sandwiched between
two sheets of stiff cardboard, wrapped, and placed in a box for mailing.

Other Potential of Evidence

 Soil – this consists of organic natural materials such as
rocks, minerals and decomposing plant, and may also contain
man-made materials such as bricks, concrete, glass, or paint.
The densities of soil samples are analyzed via chemicals that
separate the particles that comprise the soil, if pattern of
separation is similar, it indicates a match; this common
scientific technique of analyzing soil is called the density
gradient tube.

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 Paint – paint is pigmented polymer that is applied and
adheres to various surfaces. It is possible to examine
microscopically the color and shape of paint strips or
other samples, as well as to determine through the use
of gas chromatography.

 Tool Mark – tool mark is any mark

that is created when an instrument has contact with another
surface. The mark left by the tool may indicate the type of tool,
the size of tool and even the skill of the perpetrator.

 Shoe Prints, Impression and Tire Tracks – the shoe

prints are created when material from the bottom of
shoes is transferred to another surface, leaving an
outline of the bottom of the shoe. Shoe impressions
and tire tracks are often left in soft material, such as
mud, snow and reveal the outline of the shoe or tire.

 Videotape Evidence –
this is potentially extremely powerful form of evidence. If
a crime is captured on video, there may be little doubt
about who committed the crime.

 Dental Evidence – the two primary forms of

dental evidence is dental identification and
bite marks. In both instances, the fact that
individual has a unique set of teeth in terms
of form, arrangement, dental work, and bite,
make dental characteristics of bite marks
and dental identification consist of the
distance between teeth, the shape, missing
teeth, and wear patterns of the teeth.

 Fingerprints – these consist of ridges, depression and separations. These remain

unchanged and consistent throughout lifetime; each fingerprint is unique and
fingerprint cannot be forged. According to Dutelle (2014), the three distinct types
of prints found at the crime scene are:

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  Plastic Fingerprints are type of fingerprint formed if the
fingers come in contact with a soft material such as soap,
wet putty, wet cement, wet paint, dust, or melted wax, a
ridge impression may left sufficient for performing a
comparison. These impressions have distinct three
dimensional appearances and do not require further
processing. They are documented using oblique
photography.

 Patent Fingerprints are easily identifiable as

fingerprints by the unassisted eye. Fingers that have
been in contact with a colored material such as toner,
ink blood, paint, oil or chocolate leave visible prints. Once
the material has soiled the fingers, the material may be
transferred to a surface with which the ridges come into
contact. This print requires no processing to be
recognizable as fingerprint and often suitable for
comparison.

 Latent Prints, the most common type, which requires

additional processing to be rendered visible and suitable for
comparison. Body perspiration and oils might leave invisible
residues on the surfaces that, if visualized, would constitute
a usable impression of the friction ridges. Processing of the
latent prints is accomplished through development,
enhancement, or visualization appropriate for type of
surface upon which the prints repose.

 Computer and other Electronic

Evidence – computers, cellular phones, and personal
digital assistants may provide a wealth of information
regarding communications, schedules and criminal
behaviors and therefore are potentially valuable
sources of evidence in criminal investigations.
Examination pf electronic hardware is quite technical
in nature and, if properly performed, can result in lost
evidence.

However, evidence passes through several persons for several purposes. The principle of chain
of custody must be observed. Chain of Custody refers to the number of persons who handled
and possessed the pieces of evidence the moments that they were collected, marked and
tagged, up to the time of the final disposition of the case.

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RULE ON THE CHAIN OF CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE
Chain of custody is of paramount importance to any investigation. It is the unbroken sequence
of events that is caused by an item of evidence from the time it is found at the crime scene to
the time it appears in court. Every link in this chain is documented, from discovery at the crime
scene, through evidence gathering, storage, and transfer to court. Every link is documented by
date, time, handling individual, what was done with the evidence by that individual. If chain of
custody is broken, and if the evidence cannot be accounted in one step of its journey from
crime scene to court room, it is rendered inadmissible; useless to the case (Solis 1987).
1. TRADITIONAL METHODS OF PRESERVING EVIDENCE AND CRIME SCENE
The following are the various means of preserving evidence:

1. Photographs, Audio and/or video tape, micro-

film, Photostat, Xerox, voice tracing etc.
photography is considered to be the most
practical, useful and reliable means of
preservation due to following reasons:
a. Photo-camera is available in many places.
b. The object preserved is reduced in size in the
picture proportionately with other objects
adjacent or near to it.
c. An Unlimited number of copies can be
reproduced, each of which is identical to one
another.
d. In colored photographs variation may occur in the choice of the kinds of film and printing
paper used. Identification of voice from the recording instruments may sometimes be
difficult. Audio-recording may be dependent on the speed, volume, pitch and timbre which
may be changed by the instrument used in the recording and replaying.

2. SKETCHING. If there’s no scientific apparatus to preserve evidence is available, then a rough

drawing of the scene or object to be preserved is done. It must be simple, identifying
significant items and with exact measurement.

3. DESCRIPTION. Description is done by putting into words the person or thing to be

preserved. Describing a thing requires keen observation and a good power of attention,
perception, intelligence and experience. It must cause a vivid impression on the mind of the
reader, a true picture of the thing described. The use of portrait Parle may be used. This
refers verbal, accurate and picturesque description of the person identified. Such
information may be given by the witness, relatives, or other persons who are acquainted
with the physical features of the person to be identified.

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The following basic requirements must be included in the verbal description:
1. General impression: type, personality, apparent social status.
2. Age and sex
3. Race or color
4. Height
5. Weight
6. Built: thin, slender, medium or stout
7. Posture: erect, slouching, round shoulder
8. Head: size and shape
9. Hair: color, length, baldness
10. Face: general impression (see figure1)
a. Forehead: high, low, bulging or receding
b. Eyebrows: brushy or thin, shape (see figure 2)
c. Mustache: length, color, shape
d. Ears: size, shape, size of lobe, angle of set
e. Eyes: small, medium or large
; color; eyeglasses (see figure 3)
f. Cheeks: high, low or prominent medium cheek bones; flat or sunken
g. Nose: short, medium or big; or long
h. Mouth: wide, small or medium; general impression
i. Lips: shade condition of the palms
j. Finger: length thickness, stains, shape of nails, condition of the nails
k. Arms: long, medium or short; muscular, normal
l. Jaw: length, shape, lean, heavy or medium
11. Neck: shape, thickness, length; adam’s apple
12. Shoulder: width and shape
13. Wrist: size and shape
14. Hands: length, size, hair, condition of the palms
15. Fingers: length, thickness, stains, shape of nails, condition of the nails
16. Arms: long, medium or short; muscular, normal or thin, thickness of the twist
17. Feet: size and deformities

If a skilled investigative illustrator is available, a picture of the person to be identified may be

drawn or sketched. As a check to the sketch or drawing made, it must be shown to the person
to be identified.

If available, the investigator may look at what commonly called Rougue’s gallery or
photographic files of wanted or missing persons for comparison with the cartographic sketch.

4. Manikin Method. This makes use of a miniature model of a scene or of a human body
indicating marks of the various aspects of the things to be preserved. An anatomical model
or statuette may be used and injuries are indicated with their appropriate legends. Although

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 it may not indicate the full detail of the lesion, it is quite impressive to the viewer as to the
nature and severity of the trauma.

5. Preservation in the mind of the witness. A person who perceived something relevant for
proper adjudication of a case may be a witness in if court if she/she has the power to
transmit to the others what he/she perceived. He/she would just have to make a recital of
his/she collection. Principal drawbacks preserving evidence in the mind of the witness are:
a. The capacity of a person to remember time, place and event may be destroyed or
modified by the length of time, age of the witness, confusion with other evidences,
trauma or disease, thereby making the recollection not available.
b. The preservation is co-terminus with the life of the witness. If the witness dies, then the
evidence is lost.
c. Human mind can easily be subjected to too many extraneous factors that may cause
distortion of the truth. Other persons may influence a witness to serve the interest of
another or state untruthful facts to justify and ends (solis,1987)

STEP 17: CONDUCT A FORMAL DEBRIEFING

The debriefing should involve all available parties including the ME Investigator, initial
responding officer, investigators and crime scene techniques. Revisit basic information and
actions taken. This briefing helps eliminate investigative “red-herrings” and focus investigative
efforts.

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