CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
� It is the conduct of processes, more particularly, the recognition, handling,
preservation and documentation of physical evidence to include the identification
and interview of witnesses and the arrest of suspect/s at the crime scene.
What Constitute a Crime Scene?
� A. The crime scene can be understood to include all areas in which the
criminal, any possible victim, and any eyewitness move during the time the crime
was committed.
� B. The boundaries must be established so that the entire crime scene can
be effectively preserved.
� C. In some crimes, however, the crime scene may actually comprise several
different sites.
THE CRIME SCENE
A crime scene can be defined as a location at which an offense was committed and
where the potential for evidence of that crime may exist. A crime scene may include
a home, automobile or a remote location in the woods.
Crime Scene Locations
1. Indoor crime scenes
? affords the crime scene protection from weather
? allows to take time and process the scene in a slow, methodical manner
without concern for weather influences.
2. Outdoor crime scene
most vulnerable to weather condition
3. Nighttime outdoor crime scene
presents the most problems
BASIC PRINCIPLES IN THE INITIATION OF AN EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATION
� Rapid response to the crime scene by patrol officers.
� Anything and everything should be considered as evidence.
� After the scene is secured, immediate and appropriate notification must be
made to the Scene of Crime Operation.
First Responder
Must be able to properly preserve the crime scene in order to get maximum
scientific information that will help in the successful prosecution of the
perpetrator of the crime.
The First Responder shall:
Cordon the area
Evacuate injured persons to the nearest hospital;
Cordon off crime scene with whatever available materials like ropes, straws, human
barricade, police line;
Prepare to take the �dying declaration� of severely injured person, if any;
Prevent entry/exit of persons within the cordoned area; and
Prepare to brief the CSI Team Leader of the situation upon their arrival.
Composition of the CSI Team
Team Leader
Evidence Collectors
City or Municipal/Health Officer
Crime Photographer
Sketcher/Measurer
Evidence Custodian/Security Officer
Security and Protection of the crime Scene
Team Leader
� Coordinate with the investigator � assume control
� Conduct initial walk-through for purpose of making a preliminary survey.
� Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignment for each members.
� Designate command post location
� Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence.
Photographer
� Photograph entire area before it is entered.
� Photographs victims, crowd and vehicles.
� Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage using
measurement scale when appropriate.
� Photograph major evidence items before they are moved
� Photograph all latent prints and other impression evidence
� Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.
Sketcher
� Diagram immediate area of scene and orient sketch with north.
� Set forth on sketch major items of evidence.
� Indicate adjacent buildings, rooms, furniture and so forth as needed.
� Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements
� Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not
drawn to scale) is recorded on sketch
Evidence Recorder
� Prepare the evidence recovery log
� Coordinate evidence packaging and preservation
� Receive and record all evidence
� Maintain chain of custody
� Function as the Evidence Custodian
Evidence Collectors
� Balance of team members
� Conduct search
� Collect and package evidence
� Make sure all items collected are photographed, located on sketch, and logged
Specialists
� Consider what specialists might be necessary to assist with the processing of
the crime scene
� Specialists include pathologists, anthropologists, entomologists, botanists,
geologists, fingerprint specialists, bomb technicians, engineers etc...
Preparation
Basic Equipment
-Police line
-Marker
-Camera with film
-Evidence collection kit
-Video camera and tape recorder
-Measuring device e.g. ruler and measuring tape
-Flood lights, hand gloves, masks, eye goggles, hairnet
