Chapter Ii General Investigative Procedures: 2.2.1 Upon Receipt of Call/walk-In Complainants
Chapter Ii General Investigative Procedures: 2.2.1 Upon Receipt of Call/walk-In Complainants
2.1 PURPOSE
This investigative procedure is designed to adapt to the current trends in modern investigation, in line with the PNP
Integrated Transformation Program which seeks to improve and integrate the different manuals used by the PNP to serve
as guide in all aspects of police investigation.
It also aims to come up with a definite investigative procedure on specific cases from the time the incident
happened, until the case is filed, which will be adopted by the PNP investigators in pursuing their mandated tasks.
2.2 PROCEDURES
g. Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrollers or the nearest police precinct to act as first responder
equipped with “police line” to secure the place of incident, a camera; and
The First Responder shall perform his/her duty as stated in Chapter I Protocol 4.
In addition, check the condition of the victim while the other members of the first responders shall simultaneously secure
the area by putting a police line or any material (like rope, straw and etc).
a. If in serious condition
1. Bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency services;
2. Photograph and make a sketch of the victim (if the victim is dead);
However, if there is still a chance to ask more questions, then follow-up should be done. The statement,
once reduced into writing, shall be duly signed by or with thumb mark of the victim.
1. Bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency services;
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2. Get the identity and other data of the victim;
Note: The other member/s of the first responders shall remain at the crime scene to secure the premises.
1. Get the names of the persons who turned-over or arrested the suspect.
2. Isolate the arrested suspect/s and separate them from any probable witness of the incident.
5. If the suspect volunteers any statement, take note of the time, location and circumstances of the statements.
2. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the scene, condition of the weather, condition and
type of lighting, direction of wind and visibility.
4. Before entering the crime scene, all investigators must put on surgical gloves.
5. Before touching or moving any object at the crime scene in a homicide or murder case, determine first the status
of the victim, whether he is still alive or already dead. If the victim is alive, the investigator should exert effort to gather
information from the victim himself regarding the circumstances of the crime, while a member of the team or someone
must call an ambulance from the nearest hospital. Before removing the victim, mark, sketch and photograph his/her
relative position. Only a coroner or a medical examiner shall remove the dead body unless unusual circumstances justify its
immediate removal.
6. Designate a member of the team or ask other policemen or responsible persons to stand watch and secure the
scene, and permit only authorized persons to enter the same.
7. Identify and retain for questioning the person who first notified the police, and other possible witnesses.
8. Determine the assailant through inquiry or observe him if his identity is immediately apparent. Arrest him if he is
still in the vicinity.
b. Recording
The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts and details of the investigation the moment he
arrives at the crime scene. (He should record the time when he was initially notified prior to his arrival). He also writes
down the identification of persons involved and what he initially saw. He also draws a basic sketch of the crime scene and
takes the initial photograph (if a photographer is available, avail his services). This is to ensure that an image of the crime
scene is recorded before any occurrence that disturbs the scene.
GOLDEN RULE IN INVESTIGATION, do not touch, alter or remove anything at the crime scene until the evidence has been
processed through notes, sketches and photograph, with proper measurements.
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c. Searching for evidence
1. Each crime is different, according to the physical nature of the scene and the crime or offense involved.
Consequently, the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of the scene and with the
need to develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general survey of the scene is always made, however,
to note the locations of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender(s) and the size and
shape of the area involved
2. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated (In the interest of
uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement be used.) The investigator examines each item encountered
on the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value.
3. You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or contaminated if it is not
collected when discovered.
4. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven otherwise.
5. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be present is closely examined and that action is
taken to develop the prints.
6. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces conducive to making casts or molds. If possible,
photograph the impression and make a cast or mold
7. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence.
8. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and earth particles foreign to the area in which they are
found; for example, matter found under the victim‟s fingerprints.
9. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the processing of the scene. The search for
evidence is initially completed when, after a thorough examination of the scene, the rough sketch, necessary photograph
and investigative notes have been completed and the investigator has returned to the point from which the search began.
10. Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained have been evaluated.
11. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips about four (4) feet wide. The policeman may
first search the strip on his left as he faces the scene and then the adjoining strips.
12. It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be the immediate scene of the incident or
crime. For example, evidence may indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden by the offender
somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene.
13. After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the object or person actually attacked by
the offender. For example, a ripped safe, a desk drawer that has been pried open or a room from which items has been
stolen, would be processed after the remainder of the scene has been examined for traces of the offender
14. In a homicide case, the position of the victim should be outlined with a chalk or any other suitable material
before the body is removed from the scene. If the victim has been pronounced dead by a doctor or is obviously dead, it is
usually advisable to examine the body, the clothing and the area under the body after the remainder of the scene has been
searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator to evaluate all objects of special interest in the light of all other
evidence found at the scene.
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In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle. The three (3) Searchers A, B, and C,
proceed slowly at the same pace along paths parallel to one side of the rectangle. When a piece of evidence is
found, the finder announces his discovery and the search must stop until the evidence has been cared for. A
photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal.
At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lanes as shown in the above illustration.
The double strip or grid method of search is a modification of the Strip Search Method. Here, the rectangle
is traversed first parallel to the base then parallel to a side.
In this method, the three searchers follow each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the outside
and spiraling in toward the center
In this method, one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a quadrant, and then each quadrant is cut
into another set of quadrants
In this method of search, the area is considered to be approximately circular. The searchers gather at the
center and proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be repeated several times depending on
the size of the circle and the number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the area
to be observed as the searcher departs from the center
d. Collection of 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. All firearms (FAs) found to have tampered serial numbers (SNs)
shall be automatically subjected to macro etching at the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory (PNP-CL). A
corresponding request to the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) or EODmust be made for verification purposes.
The investigator places his initials, the date and time of discovery on each item of evidence for proper identification
Items that could not be marked should be placed in a suitable container and sealed.
e. Markings of Evidence
Any physical evidence obtained must be marked or tagged before its submission to the evidence custodian.
These are information to ensure that the items can be identified by the collector at any time in the future. This
precaution will help immeasurably to establish the credibility of the collector‟s report or testimony and will
effectively avoid any suggestions that the item has been misidentified.
NOTE: It is also important to note the place or location where the evidence was collected.
f. Evaluation of Evidence
Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all the evidence, individually and collectively. If necessary,
these pieces of evidence must be subjected to crime laboratory examination. Example: firearms for ballistic
examination, hair strands etc.
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g. Preservation of Evidence
It is the investigator‟s responsibility to ensure that every precaution is exercised to preserve physical evidence in
the state in which it was recovered/ obtained until it is released to the evidence custodian.
h. Releasing of Evidence
All collected evidence can only be released upon order of the court or prosecutor, as the case maybe.
i. Chain of Custody
A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of evidence, continuity of possession, or the chain of
custody, must be established whenever evidence is presented in court as an exhibit. Adherence to standard
procedures in recording the location of evidence, marking it for identification, and properly completing evidence
submission forms for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody. Every person who handled or examined the
evidence and where it is at all times must be accounted for.
As a rule, all seized evidence must be in the custody of the evidence custodian and deposited in the evidence room
or designated place for safekeeping.
The Process
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
(Change of Possession)
The Crime Scene→ Evidences (Seal,Tagging, Labeling & Markings)
↓
Evidence Log
↓
Evidence Collector (Officer on Case)
Letter Request
↓
Crime Laboratory Result
↓
Evidence Custodian
↓
Court order (Subpoena)
↓
Court Presentation
j. Transmittal of Evidence to Crime Laboratory
Proper handling of physical evidence is necessary to obtain the maximum possible information upon which
scientific examination shall be based, and to prevent exclusion as evidence in court. Specimens which truly
represent the material found at the scene,unaltered, unspoiled or otherwise unchanged in handling will provide
more and better information upon examination. Legal requirements make it necessary to account for all physical
pieces of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.
With these in mind, the following principles should be observed in handling all types of evidence:
1.The evidence should reach the laboratory in same condition as when it was found, as much as possible.
2.The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the best equipment available, good results cannot be
obtained from insufficient specimens.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no intermingling or mixing of known and unknown
material. Wrap and seal in individual packages when necessary.
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5. Mark or label each of evidence for positive identification as the evidence taken from a particular location in
connection with the crime under investigation.
6. The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained. Account for evidence from the time it is collected until it is
produced in court. Any break in this chain of custody may make the material inadmissible as evidence in court.
Photography, or “writing or drawing with light”, is defined as the process or art of producing images of objects on
sensitized surfaces by the chemical action of light or of other forms of radiant energy, such as X-rays, gamma rays or cosmic
rays.
The photographer sets up his camera to photograph the floor area where a void pattern is located.
Crime scene photography should not just focus on the obvious. The purpose of crime scene photography is to document
what is there and where it is in relationship to the scene, whether it is obviously connected to
the crime or not.
However the photographer chooses to capture the image, the main reason for crime scene photography is to thoroughly
document the entire scene, the evidence, and any areas of special significance to the investigation.
Photography should be used as part of the documentation for all physical crime scenes, including traffic collisions,
burglaries, homicides, or any number of crimes against people or property. Photographs, however, can be misleading and
confusing to the viewer. Therefore, crime scene photographers must ensure their work is both ethical and honest while
capturing as much accurate information and detail as possible. Documenting all elements of a crime scene is a major
stepping stone when trying to piece together what happened, how it happened and who did it.
2. Evaluate conditions: Next, the photographer should evaluate the available light and weather conditions and adjust
camera settings appropriately. Crime scenes can be indoors, outside or both; they can be vehicles, include multiple rooms,
or any combination of locations, therefore no single camera setting will work for all crime scenes.
3. Shoot the scene: The photographer should take photographs before anything is disturbed, progressively working through
the scene from outside to close-up pictures. Many shots should be taken, from the entire scene, to medium shots to show
the relationship of evidence to the overall scene.
Just like a television program will show the viewer the outside of a building to establish where the characters are
going, the crime scene photographer should capture the whole scene first using wide-angle shots covering the entire
scene from the approach and through every area. Close-up images of evidence can be taken out of context, so
establishing the scene first with wide and medium shots is critical.
In addition, photographs should be taken looking up from the scene to capture evidence or environmental factors that
may be above the scene.
4. Photograph the victims: The next series of shots should include victims (if present) to show locations, injuries and
condition.
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5. Photograph the evidence: Then each piece of evidence should be photographed to illustrate where it was found. This
establishes the relationships of the evidence to the victim, the victim to the room and so on. These photographs should be
taken from straight above or straight on at right angles, eliminating potential distance distortions. Each piece of evidence
should be photographed with a scale to indicate size and without a scale.
6. Evidence markers: Photographs should be taken before evidence markers are placed, then again after. These initial shots
are important to prove that no one has tampered with the crime scene.
7. Re-shoot for new evidence: If investigators mark new evidence, the whole series of shots should be repeated, including
all evidence shots. These photos should include the entire piece of evidence and a scale to indicate size.
Alternate light sources (ALS) - such as lasers, blue or green lights and colored filters that help detect latent processed
latent fingerprints or other hidden evidence and illuminate for photographing
Oblique angle lighting - using a flashlight, camera flash or ALS at a very low angle to cast shadows that allow an imprint or
impression to be photographed
Macro lenses - can take very close-up images (1:1 or 1:2) of small items such as tool marks or trace evidence
Photographs should accurately document the lighting conditions at the scene. After those photos are taken, if necessary, a
photographer will add artificial light, like a flash, to compensate for a camera’s limitations in capturing the visible range of
light under certain conditions.
8. Shoot fast: Sometimes environmental factors such as rain, snow or traffic can make conditions difficult for photography.
The photographer must work quickly to capture as much visual documentation as possible from a deteriorating
scene.
9. Photograph the victim later: If a victim must be moved or requires treatment, the photographer can go back to
document the victim’s injuries. Various techniques using special lighting and colored filters can highlight injuries (bruising,
scarring) and healing status.
a.Overall photos of the scene are taken to show the approach to the area, street signs, and street light locations in relation
to the actual scene, street addresses and identifying objects at the scene. Pictures should also be taken of every room in the
house, even if their relationship to the crime scene is not readily apparent.
b. Photograph the scene in a clockwise pattern before altering the body's position or any other evidence within the scene.
Photograph the scene from at least 2 opposite corners, but from all four corners is even better. This way, nothing is missed
or hidden from view by intervening objects.
c. Photograph the body and the immediate vicinity around the body. If you have a camera boom, take pictures from ceiling
height down of the victim and any other evidence. This perspective often shows
things missed when viewed from ground or eye level.
The crime scene sketch is an invaluable aid in recording investigative data. It is a permanent record that provides
supplemental information that is not easily accomplished with the exclusive use of crime scene photographs and notes. A
crime scene sketch depicts the overall layout of a location and the relationship of evidentiary items to the surroundings.
It can show the path a suspect or victim took and the distances involved. It can be used when questioning suspects and
witnesses.
The sketch is an actual drawing of the scene (could be as basic as a drawing or as advanced as a computer-generated
document).
Crime scene mapping is the process of taking and documenting the measurements.
ROUGH SKETCH- is the sketch made by theestigator at tge crime scene which is full of important details but without the
scale of propotion. This is used as the basis for the finished sketch.
– For indoor crime scenes, corners of the room make best reference point (Ex: The northwest corner of the room)
– For outdoor crime scenes, choose something permanent and immovable: a fire hydrant, telephone pole, corner of a
building, etc.
*All points require two measurements for a two-dimensional sketch. Three measurements are required for a perspective
(3-D) sketch.
1. Rectangular coordinates – an object is located by making a measurement at right angles from each of two walls. Works
well for indoor measurements.
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2. Transecting baseline - particularly useful in large, irregularly shaped outdoor areas.
*Transect the crime scene by laying down a tape measure along some convenient line so it crosses the entire area
*Locate this line in the diagram from fixed points at the scene.
*Locate objects in the crime scene by measuring their distance from this established baseline. Measurements must be
taken at right angles to the tape.
*Record how far along the baseline the distance out to the object was measured. This provides the two measurements
needed to locate the object.
Transecting Baseline. The blue transecting baseline AB is between two trees (trees can be marked with orange paint for
later identification). The two measurements needed for each point are (1) how far each item is from the baseline (green
lines north and south) and (2) how far east on the blue baseline from point A the objects are (distance to where the green
lines intersect the blue). (This is for illustration. Additional measurements would be collected for the body and the dock.)
3. Triangulation – measurements are taken from two fixed points at the scene to the object you desire to locate. For
example, item 1 in Figure below is located by taking measurements (length of the blue lines) from two corners of the
building.
*Assign each item a numbers or letters to represents the objects in the crime.
Examples:
FINISHED SKETCH- is the sketch with a scsle of proportion and drawn by a draftsman whcih can be used for court
presentation. Rough and finished sketches if requested by the court shall presented by the draftsman to clear doubts of the
jury.
*After doing a Rough Sketch at the crime scene, a Finished Sketch is constructed with care and concern for appearance
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To Scale or Not to Scale
“Drawn to Scale”diagrams
*To avoid a distorted view of the scene, measurements must be reduced in proportion so that they bear correct
relationship to each other.
*Select the scale of the diagram by fitting the longest dimension in the scene to the area of the paper being used.
*Graph paper should be used when creating this type of sketch. Each block represents a specified length of measurement.
Use convenient units for the scale (one block = 1 foot).
*Items are placed in the diagram based on approximation. This type of diagram may provide a distorted view of the scene.
Correct proportions and relationships between objects may not be maintained.
*Measurements are recorded on the sketch or in a chart.
*This rough sketch may be used to complete a scaled diagram later.
*These diagrams should be clearly marked “Not to Scale”.
*Measurements are usually taken from the head, hands, feet, and sometimes elbows, knees, chest, etc.
- The more measurements, the more accurate the sketch
- If the body is indoors, measure from walls
- If the body is outdoors, set up a grid and measure from the edges of the grid.
Types of Sketches:
1. Floor plan or “bird‟s-eye view”– consists of a bird’s-eye-view or floor plan sketch of the scene. This is the most common
type of sketch and consists of items on the horizontal plane.
2. Elevation drawing – portrays a vertical plane rather than a horizontal plane. Examples include bloodstain patterns on
vertical surfaces such as walls or cabinetry and bullet holes through windows.
3. Exploded view or cross-projection sketch – consists of a combination of the first two sketches. It is similar to a floor plan
except the walls have been laid out flat and objects on themhave been shown in their relative positions.
4. Perspective sketch – depicts the scene or item of interest in three dimensions. It is the most difficult sketch to create and
requires some artistic skill.
Parts of Sketch
The following are parts of sketch that is usually practiced by the PNP. This is may vary depending on the sketcher and
purpose of te sketch.
1. Title- it refers to the crime committed or the indicident happend such us homicide case, vehicular accident, dorwning,
rape case and others.
2. Body- refers to the sketch proper to include the position of te victim and other items in the crime scene. It includes
proper measurements distances of objects in the crime scene.
3. Compass Direction (Orientation)- A standard arrow to indicate the north direction. To find the north without compass,
determine the east where the sunrise. Facing east, your LEFT SIDE is the north direction.
4. Nature of Case- refers to the status of the case whether currently committed or days have passed after its discovery.
5. Location of Incident- refers to e place where the incident happened.
6. Date/Time of incident- refers to the exact time and date of the incident. This can be gathered through interview from
eye witnesses and other persons in the area.
7. Name of the Victim- the part of the sketch where the name of the victim is written.
8. Name of the suspect- refers the part of the sketch where the name of the suspect is written.
9. Legend- This is usually palced at the buttom of sketch outside the sketch of the scene. Numbers represents the objects in
the crime or letters in order to unnecessarily crowd thegraphic presentation. thier descriptions are found in the legend.
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10. Signatory- the part of the sketch where the name of the sketcher and the team leader or the officer in charge are
written and signed.
11. Date and Time- refers to the extime the sketch was made.
Sketch of Locality- It deals with the vicinity of the crime scene in relation oto the environs, to include neighboring 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.
Sketch of Grounds- This is the kind of sketc which illustrates the scene of the crime with the nearest physical sorroundings,
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 natural structures.
Sketch of Details- it include the exactpostion and exact location of the physical evidencesin the crime scene. It describes te
immediate scene only like the room which the crime was committed and the details of items in the room.
Cross Projection- It also describe the immediate scene only specifically inside a room as the scene of the crime. The room is
treated as the cardboard box when 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.
a. To establish admissibility, the investigator must have personal observation of the data in question. In other words, the
sketch must be sponsored or verified.
b. REMINDER: Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos; they are but a supplement to them.
c. Write down all measurements.
d. Fill in all the details on your rough sketch at
the scene.
Final sketch may be prepared at the office.
e. Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the final sketch.
f. Indicate the North direction with an arrow.
g. Draw the final sketch to scale.
h. Indicate the PLACE in the sketch as well as the person
who drew it. Use KEY-capital letters of the alphabet for listing down more or less normal parts or
accessories of the place, and numbers for items of evidence.
l. Critical measurements, such as skid marks, should be checked by two (2) investigators.
m. Measurements should be harmony or in centimeters, inches, yards, meters, mixed in one sketch.
n. Use standard symbols in the sketch.
o. Show which way the doors swing.
p. Show with arrow the direction of stairways.
q. Recheck the sketch for clarity, accuracy, scale, and title, key.
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2.2.7 Procedures on lifting fingerprints
1.DO NOT ROLL the fingers when inking or taking the impression.
2.Use the same position as when rolling the fingers.
3.Ink the right thumb by pressing it straight down onto the ink surface (do not roll).
4.Ink the remaining four fingers simultaneously by pressing them onto the ink surface.
5.Repeat the same procedure with the left hand.
A. In cases where the crime scene needs special processing due to its significance or because of its sensational nature,
the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) specialists of the Crime Laboratory shall be requested.
B. If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory, biological weapons, radiological or chemical threats, the
appropriate agency should be contacted prior to entering the scene.
1. Significant Cases:
a) Bombing Incident
b) Initiated terrorist activities
c) Raids, ambuscade, liquidation
d) KFR case
e) Armed Robbery of Banks and other
f) Financial institution
g) Calamity/Disaster
h) Massacre
i) Heinous crimes (as defined by law)
j) Murder, Homicide, Arson, Rape with Homicide
2. Sensational Cases:
a) Elected Public Officials (Brgy Captain up to President of the RPc)
b) Appointed public officials with the rank of commissioner, secretary and undersecretary
c) Foreign diplomat
d) Any foreigner
e) PNP/AFP personnel
f) Former high-ranking government officials
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g) Other prominent figures such as movie stars, sportsstars, tri-media practitioners, prominent businessmen,professionals,
and prominent leaders of religious organizations.
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