SR - ::e-Cover If Arrested by Civilian Authorities. A Plan or Act Should Also Be Laid Out
SR - ::e-Cover If Arrested by Civilian Authorities. A Plan or Act Should Also Be Laid Out
e -.“est gator should memoiize all details in connection with his assumed role
DC-: - 3* nis biography. Tested by prolonged questioning and surprise inquiries.
_____ - ~*e sum of these sciences insofar as they are applied to crime detection is called
_ S ~CS. In other words, the work performed in a crime laboratory is called
* * -LJSTtCS.
H
Te physical location where a suspect either commits an illegal act or leaves physical
^ such act.
-e r.antity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the best equipment available, good
Dannot be obtained from insufficient specimens.
S-o—t a known or standard specimen for comparison purposes.
5. 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
nadmissible as evidence.
' Establish boundaries of the scene, starting at the focal point and extending outward to
rtclude:
a. Where the crime occurred.
b. Potential points and paths of exit and entry of suspects and witnesses.
c. Places where the victim/evidence may have been moved.
2. Set up barriers (e.g. ropes, cones, crime scene barrier tape, available vehicles, personnel,
pther equipment) or use existing boundaries (e.g. doors, walls, gates).
3. Document entry/exit of all people entering and leaving the scene, once boundaries have
:een established.
- Control the flow of personnel and animals entering and leaving the scene to maintain
ntegrity of the scene.
5. Effect measures to preserve/protect evidence that may be lost or compromised (e.g. protect
•'om the elements like rain, snow or wind and from footsteps, tire tracks, sprinklers).
3. Document the original location of the victim or objects that you observe being moved.
~. Consider search and seizure issues to determine the necessity of obtaining consent to search
and/or obtaining a search warrant. Establish boundaries as a critical aspect in controlling the
ntegrity of evidentiary material.
Each crime scene is different according to the physical nature of the scene and the crime or
r^ense involved. Consequently, the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing
: - ysical characteristics of the scene and with the need to develop essential evidentiary facts
oeculiar to the offense. A general survey of the scene is always made, however, to note the
xation of the obvious traces, the probable entry and exit points used by the offenders and the
sze and shape of the area involved.
I n rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated. (In
_
s interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement be used). The
- .estigator examines each item encountered of the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything
-
at maybe of evidentiary value. You should:
a. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or contaminated if it
3 not collected when discovered.
b. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven
r.'erwise.
c. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely
s * amined and that action is taken to develop the print.
d. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces conducive to making
:asts or molds. If possible, photograph the impression and make a cast or mold.
e. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence.
f. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and earth particles, foreign to
re area in which they are found e.g. matter found under the victim’s fingerprints.
g. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the processing of the
s:ene. The search for evidence is initially completed when, after a thorough examination of the
scene, the rough sketch, necessary photograph and investigative notes have been completed
and the investigator has returned to the point from which the search began. Further search may
:e necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained have been evaluated.
2. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the are into strips about four (4) feet wide. The
roliceman may first search the strip on his left as he faces the scene and then the adjoining
nips.
It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be the immediate scene
:f the incident or crime, e.g., evidence may indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was
: scarded or hidden by the offender somewhere within a square-mile near the scene.
5 After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the object or person
actually attacked by the offender, e.g. a ripped safe, a desk drawer that has been pried or a
•com from which items have been stolen, would be processed after the remainder of the scene
*as been examined for traces of the offender, in a homicide case, the position of the victim
should be outlined with a chalk or any other suitable material before the body is removed from
ne scene. If the victim has been pronounced dead by a doctor or is obviously dead, it is usually
advisable to examine the body, the clothing and the area under the body after the remainder of
Tie scene has been searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator toe valuate all
:bjects of special interest in the light of all other evidence found at the scene.
A A m D A C T A D TYEJTT> A XT T>U
METHODS OF SEARCH
' STRIP SEARCH METHOD - In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a
•ectangie. The three (3) searchers, A,B, and C proceed slowly at the same pace along, paths
oarallei to one side of the rectangle. When a piece of evidence is found, the finder announces
' s discovery and the search must stop until the evidence has been cared for. A photographer
s called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and tagged and the search proceeds at a given
;;gnal. At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lanes.
: THE DOUBLE STRIP OR GRID METHOD OF SEARCH - a modification of the strip search
-ethod. Here, the rectangle is traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to the side.
; SPIRAL SEARCH METHOD - In this method, the three searcher follow each other along the
:ath of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiraling toward the center.
ZONE SEARCH METHOD - In this method, one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of
a quadrant, then each quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants.
i. WHEEL SEARCH METHOD - In this method of search, the area is considered to be
aoproximately circular. The searcher gather at the center and proceed outward along radii or
3 cokes. The procedure should be repeated several times depending on the size of the circle
and the number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the area
c be observed as the searchers depart from the center.
COLLECTING EVIDENCE - This is accomplished after the search is completed, the rough
sketch finished and photographs taken. Fragile evidence should be collected as they are found.
- firearms found to have tampered serial numbers (SNs) shall be automatically subjected to
nacro etching at the PNP Crime Laboratory (PNP-CL). A corresponding report to the Firearms
and Explosive Office (FEO) must be made for verification purposes. In the collection, the
-vestigator should touch the evidence only when necessary.
REMOVAL OF EVIDENCE
' The investigator places his initials, the date and time of discovery on each item of evidence
and the time of discovery one ach item evidence for proper identification.
*. Items that could not be marked should be placed in a suitable container and sealed.
RESERVATION OF EVIDENCE = It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every
r'ecaution is exercised to preserve the physical evidence in the state in which it was
ecovered/obtained until it is released to the evidence custodian.
1. MAINTAINING PHYSICAL INTEGRITY OF EVIDENCE
NTS TO CONSIDER
To establish admissibility, the investigator must have personal observation of the data in
r.estion. In other words, the sketch must be sponsored or verified.
I REMINDER: Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos; they are but a supplement to
Tem.
: Types of sketches
a. Floor plan or “bird’s eye-view”
b. Elevation drawing
c. Exploded view
d. Perspective drawings
i Write down all measurements.
: - II in all the details on your rough sketch at the scene. Final sketch may be prepared at the
-T=ce.
5 Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the final sketch.
ndicate the NORTH direction with an
arrow,
i Draw the final sketch to scale
» ndicate the PLACE in the sketch as well as the person who drew it. Use the KEY capital
=~.ers of the alphabet for listing down more or less normal parts or accessories of the place,
and numbers for items of evidence.
: Indicate the position, location and relationship of objects.
■ Methods or systems of locating points/objects on sketch:
a. Rectangular coordinates - measurements at right angles from each of two walls.
b. Coordinates constructed on transecting base line. Chose relatively fixed points for
•our base line.
c. Triangulation - Measurements made from each of two fixed objects to the point you
«ant to plot or locate so as to form an imaginary triangle. Sketch will show as many imaginary
-angles as there are objects plotted.
2 Critical measurement, such as skid marks, should be checked by two (2) investigators.
2 Measurements should be harmony; or in centimeters, inches, yards, meters. Mixed in one
s* etch.
- use standard symbols in the sketch.
5 Show which way doors swing.
■5. Show with arrow the direction of stairways.
~ Recheck the sketch for clarity, accuracy, scale , title, key.
SKETCH OF LOCALITY - This gives picture of the scene, the crime and its environs,
ing such items such as neighboring buildings, roads leading to the location or house. In
= cases, it aids in determining whether the fire was cause by nearby inflammable property.
SKETCH OF GROUNDS - The sketch of grounds pictures the scene of the crime with its
pesrest physical surroundings (e.g. house with a garden).
1 SKETCH OF DETAILS - The sketch of details describes immediate scene only. For instance,
--= *oom in which the crime was committed and the details thereof. Cross projection method are
petals of the room wherein walls and ceiling are pictures as if they are on the same place as the
This gives a clear impression of the scene in cases where bloodstains or bullet holes are
■■d in the walls or on the ceiling.
PLEASING THE SCENE - The scene is not released until all processing has been completed.
“~e release should be effected at the earliest practicable time, particularly when an activity has
:een closed or its operations curtailed.
'earn leader
Assistant team
leader
Photographer and photographic log
recorder
Evidence and evidence recorder
Evidence recorder
Evidence recovery personnel
Driver/security
Team leader
a. Assume control of the crime scene. Ensure the safety of personnel as well as the
m and offenders caught in the scene and secure the crime scene from kibitzers.
b. Conduct initial survey of the crime scene for evaluating potential evidence and
ve description of the place.
c. Determine search patterns to be used and designate assignments to evidence
jasherer.d. Designate command post location in or near the crime scene and ensure exchange of
r^crmation between searcher and investigator.
e.Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies for the security of the victims,
“enders/suspects and the scene of the crime.
f. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are made available for personnel
■ .olved in SOCO.
A Sketcher
Perform all sketches necessary during the crime scene processing.
: Evidence recorder/custodian
a. Prepare evidence recovery log and accomplish chain of custody of evidence.
b. Conduct packaging, preservation and transportation of gathered evidence to the
.'me Laboratory.
c. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with sketcher, photographer and
evidence
nerer.
d. Receive and record all evidence recovered.
e. Maintain custody and control of evidence.
f. Observe the proper custody of evidence.
g. Coordinate transmittal of evidence to case investigators or to Crime Laboratory per
riency guidelines.
K. Evidence recovery personnel
a. have significant evidence photograph before it is collected.
b. Keep team leader always apprised of significant evidence located.
c. Initial and date all evidence and turn it over to the evidence recorder/ custodian after
Toting where the item was located
d. Coordinate evidence nomenclature with evidence recorder/custodian and sketch
spared.
e. Ensure that appropriate safety measures are adhered to especially with respect to
amper clothing including gloves.
EQUIPMENT
* BASIC EQUIPMENT
a. Crime scene tape or rope (police line)
b. Measuring device - ruler and measuring tape
c. Recording materials - chalk, sketcher and paper pad
- The use of scientific methods, physical evidence, deductive reasoning and their
~errelationships to gain explicit knowledge of the series of events that surround the
xmmission of a crime.
”YPES OF RECONSTRUCTION
PHYSICAL RECONSTRUCTION - The physical appearance of the crime scene is
■^constructed from the description of witnesses and the indication of the physical evidence.
STEPS IN RECONSTRUCTION
' Recognition of evidence is arguably the most important. “Unless the potential evidence can
:e recognized, no further reconstruction can be carried out.”
: Documentation and collection of evidence are the heart of any successful scene
- .estigation, and form the basis for the reconstruction.
ARREST - The taking of a person into custody so he can answer for the commission of an
r^ense.
<Vho are exempt from arrest?
Duty of Arresting Officer - It shall be the duty of the officer executing the warrant without
.“necessary delay to arrest and to deliver him to the nearest police station or jail.
"echniques in Making Arrest
d. Consider the possibility that the subject is wanted for another crime
2. Methods of Arrest
a. With Warrant of Arrest - The officer shall inform the person to be arrested of
the cause of the arrest and of the fact that a warrant has been issued for his arrest,
except when he flees or forcibly resist before the officer has opportunity so to inform him
or when the giving of such information will imperil the arrest. The officer need not have
the warrant in his possession at the time of the arrest but after the arrest, if the person
arrested so requires, the warrant shall be shown to him as soon as practicable.
b .Without Warrant of Arrest - The officer shall inform the person to be
arrested of his authority and the cause of his arrest, unless the person to be arrested is
then engaged in the commission of an offense or is pursued immediately after its
commission or after an escape, or flees or forcibly resist before the officer has
a. When, in the law enforcer’s presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is
actually committing, or is attempting to commit an offense.
b. When an offense has in fact been committed, and the officer has personal
knowledge of facts indicating that the person to be arrested has committed it.
c. When the person to be arrested is a prisoner who has escaped from a penal
establishment or place where he is serving final judgment or temporary confined
while his case is pending, or has escaped while being transferred from one
confinement to another.
e. When the arrest is made by a bondsman for the purpose of surrendering the
accused.
f. When the accused released on bail attempts to leave the country without court
permission.
g. Violation of conditional pardon, punishable under Article 159 of the Revised Penal
Code.
AMO MAY EXECUTE ARREST? Among others, members of the PNP and the NBI may effect
arest.
- No violence or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest, and the person
nested shall not be subjected to any greater restraint than is necessary for his detention (Sec.
1 Rule 113).
I. Making the arrest - Use good judgment in connection with the arrest and assume that the
i. bject is armed and will take your life if given an opportunity.
I
cnange of custody, the suspect should aiso be medically examined by a medico-legal officer or,
n the absence of such medico-legal officer, by any government physician in the area.
SUMMONING ASSISTANCE FOR THE ARREST
- Any officer making a lawful arrest may verbally summon as many person as he deems
-ecessary to aid him in making the arrest. Every person so summoned shall aid him in the
-aking of such arrest., when he can render such and without detriment to himself (Sec. 10,
Rule 113).
RIGHT OF PERSON ARRESTED
- Republic Act No. 7438 states the rights of a person arrested, detained or under
custodial investigation.
SEARCH - An examination of an individual's person, house, papers or effects, or other buildings
nd premises to discover contraband or some evidence of guilt to be used in the prosecution of
= criminal action.
SEARCH WARRANT - An order in writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines,
cgned by a judge and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for personal
:-operty described therein and to bring it before the court (Sec 1, Rule 126).
TEMS TO BE SIEZED - A search warrant may be issued for the search and seizure of the
"diowing personal property:
a. Property subject of the offense;
c. The officer seizing the property must issue a detailed receipt of the things seized
from the person in whose possession it was found, or in the absence of such person,
he must, in the presence of at least one (1) witness, leave such receipt in the place
where such things were seized. (Sec 10, Ibid).
c. 1 In compliance with this procedure, it has been standard practice to issue
a
RECEIPT FOR PROPERTY SEIZED after a seizure. The receipt is signed by the
seizing officer only and two (2) witnesses. Recent Supreme Court decisions,
however, declare that such receipt when signed by the accused, is in effect an
extrajudicial confession of the commission of the offense charged. (People vs. de
las marinas, G. R. No. 87215, 30 April 91; and People vs. Manyao G. R. No.
84525, 6 April 92). Consequently, if the accused does not sign such receipt, it
may still be used in evidence. Moreover, if the accused DID in fact sign the
receipt, but he signed it with the assistance of a lawyer of his choice, that act
would constitute a valid waiver of his right against self-incrimination.
c. 2 It must be noted that in the case cited above, the crime charged is
possession of prohibited drugs. Thusfthe signature of an accused on the receipt
is a declaration against interest and a tacit admission of the crime charged, as,
mere unexplained possession of prohibited drugs i^lpunisbabjaThe
therefore not a hardand harsh^ule as far as the “Receipt of Property (Seized? is
concerned. If the crime charged ispossession of unlicensed forearm s, for
example, the doctrine .would/apply^ln other cases, it will not apply.
d. Thereafter, the officer must immediately deliver the things or property seized to the
judge who issued the warrant, together with an inventory duly verified under oath.
(Sec 11, Ibid).
LAWFUL WARRANTLESS SEARCHES AND SEIZURES
1. When there is consent or waiver. To be a valid waiver, the right must exist, the owner must
be aware of such right, and he must have an intention to relinquish it.
2. When the evidence to be seized is in “plain view.” The discovery of the evidence must be
inadvertent or unintentional.
3. Customs search or searches made at airports/seaports in order to collect duties. This
warrantless search is allowed due to urgency.
4. Search of moving vehicles may be made without a warrant because it would be
impracticable to secure a search warrant before engaging in "hot pursuit.”
5. Routine searches made at or in the interest of national security, such as border checks or
checkpoints.
6. Stop-and- search or stop-and-frisk, where the search precedes the arrest, and as allowed
on grounds of reasonable suspicion.
7. Search incidental to a lawful arrest. A person lawfully arrested may be searched for
dangerous weapons or anything may be used as proof of the commission of an offense, without
a search warrant. (Sec 12, Rule 126).
SEARCHES OF PERSON ARRESTED
TYPES OF SEARCHES
1. Wall Search - The purpose is to place the subject in an “off-balance” position requiring the
use of both arms and legs to keep him from falling to the ground. This is the safest type of
search. It does not necessarily require a wall, any object that can support the weight of the
subject (such as a car) can be used. The procedures are:
a. Require subject to place both hands on the wall slightly higher than his waist. Spread
hands as far apart as possible. Palms should be placed against the wall, fingers
extended.
b. The subject’s feet must be extended back away from the wall as far as possible.
Spread then far apart as possible, toes pointed out. Buttocks should not be on arched
position.
2. When applying handcuffs, give the following orders to the subject and follow this
Drocedure:
a. First order: “Take your right hand off the wall and place it on your back.”
Fasten the handcuff to this hand and firmly hold the other handcuff.
b. Second order; “Move up and put your hand against the wall.” Allow the subject
to move closer to the wall, making certain his feet remain back far enough him “off-
balance.”
c. Third order: “Take your other hand off the wall and place it on the small of your
back." Fasten the other handcuff and double-lock both handcuffs.
e. Final order: “Stand up and face the wall.” Help the subject in doing this.
Legal Basis: A raid must be legal, having its basis in lawful process and conducted in a
egai manner. This will be in the form of a search warrant or warrant of arrest. The raid may be
in pursuit of a person reasonably believed to be guilty of a felony when it is known that the
•‘elony has just been committed.
DON’TS IN A RAID
1. Don’t take unnecessary chances.
2. Don’t underestimate the ability or courage of the subject.
3. Don’t raid when not property prepared.
4. Don’t endanger the lives of bystanders.
5. Don’t use raiders not well-acquainted with each other.
6. Don’t forget gas masks when employing teargas.
7. Don’t be unnecessary rough on the subject.
8. Don’t shoot to kill unless very imperative.
9. Don’t touch the evidence unless seen by witnesses, or by the owner or occupant of the place.