A.

Phases of Investigation

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Identify the different Phases of investigation

2. Explain the importance of these Phases in the conduct investigation
3. Identify the different Elements of crime
4. Identify the standard method of recording investigative data

The main objective of a police investigator is to gather all facts in order to: Phase 1.
Identify the suspect/s through; (1) confession, (2) eyewitness testimony, and (3) circumstantial
evidence; Phase 2. Locate and apprehend the suspect/s and Phase 3. Gather and provide evidence
to establish the guilt of the accused. In proving the guilt of the accused in court, the fact of
existence of the crime must be established; the accused must be identified and associated with
the crime scene; competent and credible witnesses must be available and the physical evidence
must be appropriately identified. The investigator must know by heart the Elements of a specific
crime.

There are three elements of crime, crime exists through the presence of the following; (a)
Motive is the moving power or force which compels a person to commit and acts a definite
result. Generally, motive is immaterial in incurring criminal liability it is intent which is material.
Motive becomes material when the act brings variant crime; (b) Opportunity is the chance given
or time given to the offender in committing the crime. Without such chance or opportunity given
to the offender, there could be no crime committed. In many instances the victims are the one
making opportunity for the offender to commit such crime. (c) Instrumentality/capability
involves the use of materials and other means which are essential in the commission of the
crime. Thus, crime will occur if all the elements of crime exist. Further, if one elements of crime
is absent then crime will not and will never happen.

In the process of investigation, a standard method of recording investigative data is

strictly followed. The following are the standard method of recording investigative data;

a. Photographs
b. Sketching crime scenes
c. Written notes (what you have seen or observed)
d. Developing and lifting fingerprints at the crime scene
e. Gathering physical evidence
f. Plaster cast
g. Tape recording sounds
h. Video tape recording of objects and
i. Written statements of subject and witnesses.

CHAPTER 3: CRIME SCENE PROCESSING

A. Crime Scene Processing

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Define what is crime scene search

2. Identify the procedures conducted during crime scene processing
3. Explain the process conducted in securing a crime scene
4. Identify the purpose of the investigator’s notebook
1. Crime scene search-(a) Processing and securing a crime scene- processing a crime scene
includes the application of diligent and careful methods by investigator/policemen to
recognize, preserve and collect facts and items of evidentiary value that may assist in
reconstructing the crime that which actually occurred. The crime scene is the area
surrounding the place where the crime occurred. The processing of the area at the scene
includes all direct traces of the crime and this is determined by the type of crime committed
and the place where the act occurred. (b) Protecting the crime scene and the evidence-
Successful crime scene processing depends upon the policemen’s or investigator’s skill in
recognizing and collecting facts and items of value as evidence, and upon his ability to
protect, preserve and later to present these in a logical manner. This requires making careful
and detailed notes and sketches; written statements and transcribing verbal statements of
witnesses, suspects and marking and preservation of collected physical objects of
evidentiary nature. (c) Laboratory examination of object and substances located usually at
the crime scene. Objects and substances needing examination in some cases are carried,
intentionally, by suspects from the crime scene.
2. Investigator’s Notebook
(a) Purpose. Considering the mass of details and the number of cases which in some instances
an investigator is handling, it is very possible that we might forget some details. Many of the
details associated with the investigation, while not essential to the report might become
points of interest to the court when the case is brought to trial. Experienced investigators
employ a notebook to record the relevant details of the case. During trial, the court allows
investigators to consult their notes to refresh their memory.

Recording note: the data of the investigation should be recorded in a complete, accurate and
legible fashion so that in the event another investigator is required to assume responsibility for
the investigation, he can make intelligent use of the notebook.

B. Common Investigation Oversights

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Identify and explain the common investigation oversights

2. Explain the reason of this common investigation oversights
3. Identify and explain the recommended remedies of this common investigation oversight
4. Explain what is chain of custody

Common Investigation Oversights

a. Incomplete case folder- it is the lack of material documentation of the cases under
investigation. (Ex. Photograph, videotaping of evidence, police blotter etc.)
Recommended remedies: include the police reports in chronological order such as
police blotter, spot, progress and final investigation report. Also, append the scene of
crime operation reports, forensic reports and photograph. Further. If possible attach
the profile of victims and suspects as well as the status of the party involved and the
case.

b. No template for the conduct of investigation- Police personnel are not knowledgeable
enough about crime scene preservation and basic regulation. (SOP).
Recommended remedies: every police personnel should mandatorily undergo
investigation training giving priority to those in the field of units.
 c. Inadequacy of coordination- the S.O.C.O., investigators, prosecutors and other concerned
agencies work separately and independently in the conduct of their investigation.
Recommended remedies: case conferences should be encouraged at the start of the
investigation. The conferences should be attended by the SOCO, investigators,
prosecutors, IBP lawyers and other concerned agencies in order to ensure the
coordinated actions in the preparation of an air-tight case folder.

d. Failure to prosecute- pertains to absence of police investigator during trial to act as

prosecutors witness due to retirement and transfer of concerned investigator.
Recommended remedies: Proper turn-over of case folder’s handled by investigators,
who shall retire or be transferred as requisite before the issuance of office clearance.

e. Chain of custody- non-observance of proper documentation in the turn-over of evidence

from one officer to another or one office to another.
Recommended remedies: documentation on the turn-over of evidence with actual
receipt should be observed and non-observance should be basis for administrative
sanctions.

f. Less appreciation of electronic device- police investigators take for granted the electronic
devices such as cellphones, computers and other electronic devices can be processed to
give investigative leads.
Recommended remedies: proper training on the preservation and processing of
electronic devices should be prioritized for all investigators in the field.
C. General Investigative Procedures

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Identify and explain the general investigative procedures.

2. Identify and explain the purpose of the general investigative procedure.
3. Explain the responsibility of first responder at the crime scene.
4. Identify the investigation procedure at the crime scene.
5. Explain the proper searching, collection, recording, marking and preservation of evidence
gathered at the crime scene.
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 observe 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.

Procedures:
Upon receipt of call/walk in complaints;
The duty desk officer shall:
a. Record the time it was reported
b. Get the identity of the caller/complainant
c. Get the place of incident
d. Get the nature of the incident
e. Get the numbers of victim
f. Record a brief synopsis of the incident
g. Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrollers or nearest police precinct to act as first
responder equipped with police line to secure the place of incident
h. Inform the duty investigator (preferably one team of investigator)

At the crime scene:

 The first responder shall perform his/her duty as stated in chapter 1 protocol 4. In
addition check the condition of the victim while the other members of the first responder shall
simultaneously secure the area by putting a police line or any material (like rope, straw and etc.)

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) 3. Get the dying declaration; if
necessary ask three question; A.) Ano ang pangalan mo at address mo? B.) kilala mo ba ang
gumawa nito sayo? C.) sa pakiramdam mo ba ay ikamamatay mo ang tinamo mong sugat?

However if there is still a chance to ask more questions, then follow-up should be done. The
statement, once reduced to writing shall be duly signed by or with a thumb mark of the victim. If
not in serious condition bring the victim immediately to the nearest hospital using emergency
services, get the identity and other data of the victim and get initial interview from the victim

NOTE: the other members of the first responder shall remain at the crime scene to secure the
premises. If the suspect is arrested at the scene: A.) get the names of the person who turned over
or arrested the suspect. B) Isolate the arrested suspects and separate them from any probable
witness of the incident. C) Record what time the suspect was arrested. D) Wait for the
investigator to interview the suspect. E) If the suspect volunteers any statement, take note of the
time location and circumstances of the statements.

Investigation Procedure at the crime scene:

A. Upon arrival at the crime scene, (1). Receive the crime scene from the first responder. (2).
Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the crime scene, condition of the
weather, condition and type of lighting, direction of wind and visibility. (3). Photograph and/
or video the entire crime scene. (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. (6). Designate a member of
the team or ask other policemen or responsible person 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 witness. (8). Determine the
assailant through inquiry or observe him if his identity is immediately apparent. Arrest him if
he is still in the vicinity. (9). Separate witnesses inorder to get independent statements.

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. As a rule, do not touch,
alter or remove anything at the crime scene until the evidence has been processed through notes,
sketches and photographs with proper measurements.

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 o action, the probable entry and exit points used by the offender
and the size and shape of the area involved.
2. In rooms, building and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated (in
the interest of uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement must be used).
The investigator examines each item encountered on the floor, walls and ceiling to locate
anything that maybe of evidentiary values.
3. You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that maybe destroyed or
contaminated if it is not collected when discovered.
4. If any doubt exists as to the value on an item, treat it as evidence until proven otherwise.
5. Ensure that the item or area where the latent fingerprints may be present is closely examined
and that action is taken to develop the prints.
6. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary values in surfaces conducive to making cast
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 fingerprint.
9. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of processing 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 maybe 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 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.
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.
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 found to have tampered serial numbers shall be automatically subjected
to macro etching at the PNP crime lab. A corresponding request to the Firearms
and Explosive Office must be made for verification purposes. The investigator
places his initial the date and time of discovery on each item of evidence for
proper identification. Items should be placed in a suitable container and sealed.

E. Marking of physical Evidence:

Any physical evidence obtained must be marked or tagged before its submission
to the evidence custodian. These are information to ensure that the terms 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 suggestions that the item has been misidentified. Markings
on the specimen must at least contain the following: (1). Exhibit case number
 (2).Initials and or signatures of the collecting officer (3).Time and date of
collection.
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 ballistics etc.

G. Preservation of evidence:
It is the investigators responsibility to ensure that every precaution is exercised to
preserve physical evidence in the state in which it was recovered or obtained until
it is released to evidence custodian.
H. Releasing of evidence:
All collected evidence can only be released upon order of the court or prosecutor,
as the case maybe.

Chain of custody is a list of all people who came into possession of an item of evidence,
continuity of possession or the chain of custody. 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
safe keeping.

I. Transmittal of evidence:
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 materials found at the scene, unaltered,
unspoiled or otherwise unchanged in handling will provide more and better information upon
examination.

D. CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

Aims and Learning Outcomes
That student can:
1. Examine the evidence, testimony and documents required to prepare and process the filling
of case for each specific crime falling under Crimes against Property of the RPC
2. Carryout the testimony required to prepare and process the filling of case for each specific
crime falling under Crimes against Property of the RPC
3. Organize the documents required to prepare and process the filling of case for each specific
crime falling under Crimes against Property of the RPC
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
- Property crime is a category of crime, usually involving private property, which includes,
among other crimes, burglary, larceny, theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, shoplifting, and
vandalism. Property crime is a crime to obtain money, property, or some other benefit.
ROBBERY
A. What law punishes the crime of Robbery? - Revised Penal Code Article 293 - 298
B. What are the elements of the crime of Robbery?
1. The personal property belongs to another.
2. The unlawful taking of that property.
3. With intent to gain (animus lucrandi).
 4. Violence against or intimidation of any person or force upon things.
5. The offense can be committed by a band or with the use of firearms on a street, road or
alley or by attacking a moving train, street car, motor vehicle or airship or by entering or
taking the passenger conveyance by surprise.
6. Other analogous acts
What are the evidences needed to file the crime of robbery?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – stolen items, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence
ROBBERY IN AN INHABITED HOUSE OR EDIFICE FOR WORSHIP AND PRIVATE
BUILDING
A. What laws punish the robbery in an inhabited house or public or edifice devoted for worship
or in an uninhabited place or in a private building? - Article 299 - 302
B. What are the elements of robbery in an inhabited house or public or edifice devoted for
worship or in an uninhabited place or in a private building?
1. The culprit must enter the building where the object to be taken is found.
2. The entrance is affected by any of the following means through an opening not intended
for entrance, breaking any wall, roof or floor, outside door or window, using false keys,
picklocks or similar tools.
3. The entrance is not required when the doors (of furniture), wardrobes, chest or sealed
furniture are broken or taking such object away to be broken outside the place of robbery.
4. Other analogous acts
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of robbery in an inhabited house or public or edifice
devoted for worship or in an uninhabited place or in a private building?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – stolen items, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence
BRIGANDAGE
A. What law punishes the crime of Brigandage? - Revised Penal Code Article 306-307
B. What are the elements of Brigandage?
1. The offense is committed by at least four armed persons.
2. The offenders formed a band for the purposes of committing any or all of the following:
a) robbery in the highway; b) kidnap persons for ransom; c) attain any other purpose
through force and violence.
3. There is a preconceived or intended victim.
4. Other analogous acts
NOTE: Those who profit from the loot are liable as aiding and abetting a band of brigands. c.
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of Brigandage?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – stolen items, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence
THEFT (HURTO)
A. What law punishes the crime of Theft? - Revised Penal Code Article 308
B. What are the elements of Theft?
1. Any personal property belonging to another.
2. The personal property is taken with intent to gain.
3. The taking is without the owner’s consent.
4. Absence of or without violence or intimidation of persons or force upon things.
5. Other analogous acts
NOTE:
Theft is consummated when the offender is able to take possession of the thing. Once the thief
has full possession of the thing, even if he did not have a chance to dispose the same, theft is
consummated.
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of Theft?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – stolen items, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence
USURPATION
A. What law punishes the crime of Usurpation? - Revised Penal Code Article 312-313
B. What are the elements of the crime of Usurpation?
1. The offender takes possession or real property or real right.
2. The real property belongs to another.
3. The taking is through violence or by intimidation of persons.
4. The taking is with intent to gain.
5. Other analogous acts
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of Usurpation?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – real property rights, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence
CULPABLE INSOLVENCY
A. What law punishes the crime of Culpable Insolvency? - Revised Penal Code Article 314
B. What are the elements of Culpable Insolvency?
1. This offense is committed when a debtor absconds with his property, real or personal, to
the prejudice of his creditors.
2. Insolvency proceedings are not a requirement.
3. Other analogous acts
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of Culpable Insolvency?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – travel documents and transfer contracts
4. Other relevant evidence

ESTAFA
A. What law punishes the crime of Estafa? - Revised Penal Code Article 315
B. What are the elements of Estafa?
1. There is deceit.
2. There is damage or prejudice to the offended party.
3. The deceit is through unfaithfulness or abuse of confidence.
4. Some by means of false pretences or fraudulent acts or means.
5. Other analogous acts
What is the evidence needed to file a crime of Estafa?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
3. Object Evidence – stolen items, weapons and other devices
4. Other relevant evidence

ARSON
A. What are the laws governing Arson?
 PD 1613 which repealed Arts. 3 to 320-b of the RPC
 RA 7659 as regards the imposition of death penalty.
B. What are the elements of the crime of Arson?
1. Any person burning a structure (edifice or building or dwelling).
2. The burning is intentional and with intent to damage the property.
3. Other analogous acts
What are the evidences needed to file the crime of Arson?
1. Testimonial Evidence – Affidavit of complainant and witnesses
2. Documentary Evidence – photographs, videos, police reports and other documents
 3. Object Evidence – flammable substances and burned debris with forensic reports
4. Other relevant evidence
CHAPTER 4: CRIME SCENE SEARCH
A. Methods of Crime Scene Search

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Identify the different methods of crime scene search

2. Explain the importance of the different methods of crime scene search
3. Identify which method of search is suited for different areas.
4. Explain the purpose of crime scene search

If the area to be searched is limited indoors with few contents or any other situation,
which will preclude a systematic search, no standard procedure of search is recommended. Any
method of choice will do provided that alertness, knowledge and experience of the participating
investigators are present.

Choosing a search pattern is critical and depends on the locale, size of the area, and the
apparent actions of the suspect, victim, and any others having access to the scene, that is,
witnesses (Saferstein 2004). The number of personnel available also affects the type of search,
with some methods requiring more personnel than others.

The primary purpose of a crime scene search is to develop associative evidence that
could link a suspect to the scene or a victim, and to answer questions crucial to the investigation,
such as who perpetrated the crime, how the crime was committed, the circumstances surrounding
the commission of the crime, and why the crime was committed. Additionally, police search
crime scenes to identify evidence through which a psychological profile of the suspect can be
developed, to identify an object(s) that does not logically belong at the crime scene and that
could potentially be linked to a suspect, and to identify the suspect’s modus operandi (MO), or
motive for committing the crime (Oster-burg and Ward 2004; Swanson, Chamelin, and Territo
2003). It is important to note that although these principles apply to all crime scenes, more
specific tasks may be undertaken, depending on what type of crime has been committed.

Spiral/Circle Method- the searchers follow each other the path of a spiral, beginning
from the outside and spiralling towards the center. This method can be done in two ways the
Inward spiral or centripetal method and the Outward spiral or Centrifugal method.

Strip search method- in this method the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle.
The three 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.
 Zone search/ sector method- in this method, one searcher is assigned to each
subdivision of a quadrant and then quadrant is cut into another set of quadrants. This method is
advisable to be used in open and big areas.

Wheel search method (pie or spoke method) 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 number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the
area to be observed as searcher departs from the center.

Double strip/Grid search method- 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.

B. Procedures in Taking Photographs and sketch

Aims and Learning Outcomes

That student can:

1. Identify the procedure in taking photograph in the crime scene.

2. Explain what is Sketch
3. Identify the procedures in taking sketch of the crime scene
4. Identify and explain the different kinds of sketch
5. Explain the importance of sketching the crime scene.

Procedures in Taking Photograph of the Crime Scene- (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 two opposite corners, but from all
four corners is even better. This way nothing is hidden from view by intervening objects. (c)
Photograph the body and the immediate vicinity around the body. If you have 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 eyes level. (d) Keep a photo log.

Procedures in Taking Sketch

Sketch is the graphic representation of the scene of the crime with complete measurement
of the relative distances of relevant objects and conditions obtaining therein. Sketching the crime
scene is very vital in investigation because it helps to refresh the memory of the investigator,
express the precise location of objects and their relationship to other objects, and assists the
prosecutor and the judge in understanding the condition at the crime scene, to supplement
photographs and to assist in the questioning of witnesses and suspects.

Procedure in taking sketch-(a) to established admissibility the investigator must have

personal observation of the data in question. In other words, the sketch must be sponsored or
verified. Reminder sketch are not substitute for photos or notes but are supplements for them. (b)
Fill in all details on your rough sketch at the scene. Final sketch may be prepared at the office.
(c) Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the final sketch. (d) Indicate the north
direction with an arrow. (e) Draw the final sketch. (f) 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. (g)Methods or
systems of locating points (objects) on sketch: 1. Rectangular coordinates (measurement at right
angles from each of two walls). 2. Coordinates constructed on transecting baseline. Choose
relatively fixed points for your base. 3. Triangulation (measurement made from each of two fixed
objects to the point you want to plot or locate so as to form an imaginary triangle. Sketch will
show as many imaginary triangles as there are objects plotted). (h) Critical measurement such as
skid marks should be checked by two investigators. (I) Measurement should be harmony or in
centimetres, inches, yards, meters, mixed in one sketch. (j) Use standard symbol in sketch. (k)
Show which way the door swing. (l) Show with arrow the direction of stairways. (m) Recheck
the sketch of clarity, accuracy, scale and title key.

Two kinds of sketch:

1. Rough sketch- 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 taken with a scale of proportion. Drawn by draftsman it can be
used for court presentation. Rough and finished sketches requested by the court shall be
represented by the draftsman to clear doubts of the jury.

C. Procedures in Lifting Fingerprints

Aims and Learning Outcomes
That student can:

1. Identify and explain the procedures in lifting fingerprints in the crime scene
2. Explain what is fingerprints
3. Identify what are the different fingerprints found at the crime scene
4. Explain the proper releasing of crime scene
 Fingerprint is an impression designated by the ridges on the inside of the last join of the
finger or thumb on any smooth surfaces through the media of an ink, sweat or any reagent
capable of producing visibility.

Fingerprint are consists of ridges, depression and separation. These remain unchanged
and consistent throughout life; each fingerprint is unique and cannot be forged. According to
Dutelle (2014), the three distinct types of prints found at the crime scene are;

a. Plastic Fingerprint are a type of fingerprint formed if the fingers come in contact with
a soft material such as soap, wet putty, wet cement, wet paints, dust or melted wax, a
ridge impression may left sufficient for performing comparison.
b. Patent Fingerprints are easily identifiable as fingerprints by the unassisted eyes.
Fingers that have been in contact with a colored material such as toner, ink, blood, paint,
oil or chocolate leaves visible prints.
c. 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 surface that if visualize would constitute a usable impression of
the friction ridges.

Procedures in lifting fingerprints:

1. Dusting for latent fingerprints:

a. Pour a small amount of powder into a piece of paper or a shallow bowl
b. Touch the tip of the brush to the powder being careful not to pick up too much
c. Apply the powder to the surface gently, using short strokes
d. When a print begins to appear, begin making the brush strokes to conform to the pattern
of the ridges.
2. Lifting of latent fingerprints:
a. Pull of approximately 3 inches of tape from the roll
b. Begin pressing the tape from the leading edge with a back and forth motion of a
finger
c. Continue pressing the tape an inch or move fast the latent.
d. To make the lift, use a steady, even pull
e. Once the tape is pulled beyond the latent print and the print is lifted, stop so that the
leading edge is still in contact with the surface
f. The print should be mounted on some form backing material
3. Taking plain impression:
a. Do not roll the fingerprints when inking or taking the impression
b. Use the same position as when rolling the fingers
c. Ink the right thumb by pressing it straight down onto the ink surface (do not roll)
d. Ink the remaining four fingers simultaneously by pressing them onto the ink surface
e. Repeat the same procedure with the left hand
Releasing of crime scene:
Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided.
a. Release the scene with the notion that there is only one chance to perform job correctly
and completely
b. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey and proper
documentation.