FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE

Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

MODULE 8
ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE FOR CRIME SCENE SEARCH OPERATION

I. Preparation
1. Evaluate the current ramifications of crime scene searches (e.g. obtaining of search warrant)
2. Discuss upcoming search with involved personnel before arrival at scene, if possible.
3. Select when feasible person-in-charge prior to the arrival at scene
4. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel – do not be caught unprepared when
encountering dangerous scene inclement weather (e.g. clothing, communication, lighting
assistance, shelter, food, medical assistance, scene security and equipment)
5. Organize communication with services of an ancillary nature (e.g. medical examiner,
prosecuting attorney) in order that question which surface during the crime scene search
maybe resolved. Take steps to organize command post headquarters for communication,
decision making, etc., in major/complicated investigations.

II. Basic stages in Crime Scene Search

1. Approaching the crime scene
2. Securing and protecting the crime scene
3. Initiating preliminary survey or determine scene boundaries
4. Evaluating physical evidence possibilities
5. Preparing narrative description
6. Depicting scene photographically
7. Acquire diagram or sketch of crime scene
8. Conducting detailed search or record and collecting physical evidence
9. Conducting final survey

III. Approaching the Crime Scene

1. Be alert for discarded evidence
2. Make pertinent note as to possible approach/escape routes

IV. Securing and Protecting Crime Scene

1. Take control on the scene upon arrival
2. Determine the extent to which the scene has thus far been protected
3. Ensure adequate scene security
4. Obtain information from personnel who have entered the crime scene and have knowledge
relative to its original conditions. Document who has been at the scene
5. Take extensive notes. Do not rely on memory
6. Keep out unauthorized personnel. Begin recording who enters and leaves

V. Initiate Preliminary Survey

1. The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the entire search
2. A cautious walk-through of the scene is accomplished
3. The person-in-charge maintains definite administration and emotional control
4. Select appropriate narrative description technique
 FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

5. Acquire preliminary photograph

6. Delineate extent of the search area. Usually, It is advisable to expand the initial perimeter
7. Organized method procedures needed to recognize special problems in the areas
8. Determine personnel and equipment needs. Make specific assignment.
9. Identify and protect transient physical evidence
10. Develop a general theory of the crime scene
11. Make extensive notes to document the scene’s physical and environmental conditions,
movement of personnel, etc.

VI. Evaluating Physical Evidence Possibilities

1. Based upon what is known from the preliminary survey. Determne what evidence is likely to
be present.
2. Concentrate on the most transient evidence and work to the least transient
3. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to possible
out-of-view locations. Look for purposely hidden items.
4. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently
5. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears internally “contrive”.

VII. 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 the 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 drivesways// in house, drapes, pulled open or shut.
3. Do not permit narrative report to degenerate into a sporadic and unorganized attempt to
recover physical evidence. In most circumstances, it is recommended that the evidence
should not be collected at this point.
4. Methods of narrative:
a) Written
b) Audio
c) Video

VIII. Conducting a Detailed Search or Record and Collection of 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 and zone or
quadrant method) is recommended when possible.
4. Photograph all items before collection and 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 initialled by the investigator collecting
the evidence
8. Do not handle evidence containers at the crime scene
9. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene
 FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

10. Do not forget entrance and exit areas at the scene for potential evidence
11. Be sure to obtain appropriate known standards (e.g. fiber sample from carpet)
12. 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.
13. Four basic principles:
a)The best search options are typically the most difficult and time consuming
b) You cannot over-document the physical evidence
c)There is only one chance to perform the job properly
d) There are two basic search approaches, in this order
e)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.

I. Collecting, Marking, Tagging, and Preserving Evidence

- During crime scene processing, it is important that the investigating officer is knowledgeable on
the proper collection and handling of evidence.

A. Collection of liquid substance/blood

1.Use a clean, disposable pipette or eyedropper for each samples collected
2.Place the ample in a container, avoiding air space because air will cause the blood to dry
3.If the amount if blood is minimal, collection may best made by placing the sample in a
normal saline solution (1 tablespoon halt in 1 quart of distilled water)
4.Refrigerate sample in saline solution as soon as possible
5.Do not mixed areas where samples are collected

B. Collection of Dried Blood

1.On absorbent surface bring in the entire object or cut out the strained area and bring to
the laboratory
2.On non-absorbent surface, scrap up the sample and place in a container, or possible
submit the entire article
3.If samples is scrapped from the surface, also scrap a portion of the surface where no
blood is present and submit in a separate container for control in case some substance
on the surface causes difficulty in tests.

C. Collection of Wet Blood on Clothing

1.Do not fold the clothing as it may destroy the stain pattern
2.Do not package while the stain is wet
3.Allow the clothing to dry before packaging
4.Do not expose to sunlight or high temperature as they may destroy factors which will
determine blood typing

CRIME SCENE SEARCH

 FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

I. First to be observed before searching start:

1. Determine what type of searching patterns is most appropriate to the crime scene
2. Determine the number of searching team and members of the searching team
3. Mark/tag position of physical evidence with designated evidence number

II. Type of Searching Methods:

1. The Quadrant or Zone Method

- In this method, one searcher is assigned to a quadrant then each quadrant is cut into
another set of quadrant
2. Strip Method
- In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangular. The searcher (3
searchers-A,B,C) proceeds slowly at the same place 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. 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, first parallel to the base, then parallel to the side.
4. Spiral Method
- In this method, the searchers follow each other along path of a spiral beginning on the
outside and spiralling in towards the center or vice versa.
5. Wheel Method
- In this method of search, the area is considered to be approximately circular. The
searchers gather 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.
- Disadvantages of the Wheel Search Method

III. Conducting Final Survey

1. This survey is a critical review of all aspects of the search
2. Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.
3. Double check documentation to detect inadvertent errors
4. Check to ensure all evidences are accounted for before departing the scene
5. Make sure that possible hiding places with difficult access have not been overlook in the
detailed search
6. 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.

IV. Releasing the Crime Scene

1. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey
2. At a minimum, documentation should be made of:
a) Time and date of release
 FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

b) To whom released
c) By whom released
3. Ensure that an appropriate inventory has beeb provided as necessary, considering the legal
requirements, to the person to whom the scen 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 release (e.g. blood
pattern analyst and medical examiner).
FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

FINISHED SKETCH

ROUGH SKETCH

SAMPLE FIGURES
 FUNDAMENTALS OF INVESTIGATION & INTELLIGENCE
Prepared By: Jasper Ian A. Lagasca, RCrim.

Recommended Legend Symbols

for Crime Scene Sketches