FUNDAMENTALS OF

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

SP03 SIGNABON A. SONGDAY

Chief, Inspectorate & Legal Affairs Section
 Fundamentals of Investigation

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL
“To provide the participant with an
understanding of the fundamentals of crime
scene management as it pertains to the collection
and preservation of physical evidence. pertains to
the collection and preservation of physical
evidence.”
 Fundamentals of Investigation

In the performance of his duties, the investigator

must seek to establish the six (6) cardinal points of
investigation, of which are:

 What specific offense has been committed

 How the offense was committed
 Who committed it
 Where the offense was committed
I.
 When it was committed
 Why it was committed
 Tools of An Investigator in
Gathering Facts

Information
Data gathered by an investigator
from other persons including the
victim himself from
 Public records
 Private records
 Modus Operandi File
 Tools of An Investigator in
Gathering Facts

Interrogation
Skillful questioning of hostile
witnesses and suspects.
Instrumentation
Scientific examination of real evidence,
application of instrument and methods of the
physical sciences in detecting crime
The main objective of a police investigator is to
gather all facts in order to:
 Identify the criminal through

 Confession

 Eyewitness testimony

 Circumstantial Evidence

 Associate Evidence

 Trace and locate the criminal

 Proved by evidence the guilt of the suspects
 In proving the guilt of the accused in court, the fact of the
existence of the crime must be established
 The defendant must be identified and associated with the
crime scene
 Competent and credible witnesses must be available
 Physical evidence must be appropriately identified
 The proof of guilt will depend on the establishment of the
essential elements of the crime.
 The investigator must know by heart the elements of a
specific crime.
 Photographs
 Sketching crime scenes
 Written notes (what you have seen or observed)
 Developing and lifting fingerprints found at the
crime scene
 Gathering physical evidence
 Plaster cast
 Tape recording of sounds
 Video tape recording of objects
 Written statements of subject/s and witnesses.
 PURPOSE
 Considering the mass of details and the number of
cases which in some instances an investigator is
handling, it is very possible that he 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 handbook to
record the relevant details of the case
 During trial, the court allows investigators to consult
their notes to refresh their memory
 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 the
responsibility for the investigation, he can make
intelligence use of the notebook.
INTRODUCTION TO
CRIME SCENE
OPERATION
SP02 SIGNABON A. SONGADY
Chief, Inspectorate & Legal
Affairs Section
 DEFINITION OF TERMS

 Crime Scene – Is a portion of a territory where an

offense has been committed
 Crime Scene Search – is the process of searching
and locating physical evidence in the crime scene.
 Reasons Why Physical Evidence
Should Be Discovered in
Crime Scenes
 Physical evidence provides clues or leads upon which an
investigator will base his investigation.
 Establish the identity of the persons involved.
 Assist the investigator to destroy the alibi of the suspect.
 Establish the fact of the felony & prove the commission
thereof.
 Disprove fabricated reports & set free the innocent
person.
 Aid the investigator to arrive at the appropriate offense or
felony.
 Protection of the Crime Scene
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CRIME SCENE
 Record
 Time/date of arrival at the crime scene
 Location of the scene
 Weather condition
 Type and condition of lighting
 Direction of the wind and visibility
 Secure the crime scene by installing the crime
scene tape or rope (police line).
Protection of the Crime Scene
 Before touching or moving any object at the crime
scene
 Determine first the status of the victim, whether
he is still alive or already dead
 If the victim is still 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.
 After the victim is removed and brought to the
hospital for medical attention, measure, sketch,
and photograph.
Protection of the Crime Scene
 Only a coroner or medical examiner shall
remove the dead body unless unusual
circumstances justifies its immediate removal.
 Designate a member of the team or summon other
policemen or responsible persons to stand watch
and secure the scene, and permit only the
authorized person to enter the same.
 Identify and retain for questioning the person who
first notified the police and other possible witnesses.
Disprove fabricated reports & set free the innocent
person
Protection of the Crime Scene
 Determine the assailant through inquiry or observed
him if his identity is immediately apparent. Arrest
him if he is still in the vicinity.
 Separate the witnesses in order to get independent
statements.
 Protection of the Crime Scene

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
 Writes down the identification of the persons
involved and what he initially saw
 Protection of Crime Scene
SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE
 Each crime scene is different, according to the
physical nature of the scene and the crime or
offense involved
 A general survey of the scene is always made,
however, to note the location 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
Protection of the Crime Scene

 Draws a basic sketch of the crime scene and

takes the initial photographs
 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
 Protection of Crime Scene
 In rooms, buildings and small outdoor areas, a
systematic search of evidence is initiated
 The investigator examines each item
encountered on the floor, walls and ceiling, to
locate anything that may be of evidentiary value.
Methods of Crime
Scene Search
 Strip Search Method
 The area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle

 The 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
 The evidence is photograph, collected and tagged
and the search proceeds at a given signal
 At the end of the rectangle, the searchers turn and
proceeds along new lanes.
Methods of Crime
Scene Search
 Double Strip or Grid Method
 A modification of the Strip Method
 The rectangle is traversed first parallel to the base
then parallel to a side
 Spiral Search Method
 The 3 searchers follow each other along the path of
a spiral, beginning on the outside spiraling in
towards the center.
Methods of Crime
Scene Search
 Zone Search Method
 One searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a
quadrant, then each quadrant is cut into another set
of quadrants.
 Wheel Search Method
 The area to be searched is considered circular or
oval
 The searchers gather at the center and proceed
outward along radii or spokes
 The procedure should be repeated several times
 Protection of Crime Scene
 In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the
area into strips about 4 feet wide
 The investigator may first search the strip on his
left as he faces the scene and then the adjoining
strips
 It may be advisable to make a search beyond the
area considered to be the immediate scene of the
incident
 After completing the search of the scene, the
investigator examines the object or person actually
attacked by the offender
 Processing and securing the Crime Scene
 Includes the application of diligent and careful
methods by an investigator/policeman to recognize,
identify, preserve and collect facts and items of
evidentiary value that may assist in reconstructing 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.
 Protecting the Crime Scene and the evidence
 Successful crime scene processing depends upon the
policeman’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 using procedures in taking photographs of the
scene; taking written statements and transcribing verbal
statements of witnesses, suspects and marking and
preservation of collected physical objects of evidentiary
nature.
 Laboratory examination of objects and substances
located usually at the crime scene
 Objects and substances needing examination in some

cases are carried, intentionally or unintentionally, by

suspects from the crime scene.
 The process of eliciting information from the witnesses
and confidential informants
 It is also the casual questioning of a person who is
cooperating with the police
 In most criminal cases, interview is first and
foremost method of obtaining information.
Sometimes, a great part of the investigator’s time is
devoted in conducting interview of persons who
posses some knowledge of the criminal case.
Procedures in Interviewing a Witness
Be a good listener. Permit the witness to finish his/her
answer before butting in

 Govern the interview

 Be courteous, efficient, friendly and strive for the true

and real facts

 Never forget to record the interview.

 Plan the interview and make an exact appointment if
necessary
 Arrange some degree of privacy. Avoid places where
conversation is overheard
 Have available facts on hand at the start of the
interview
 Conduct the interview the soonest time possible or the
earliest time the witness is available
 Encourage the witness to do the talking
 Is the vigorous questioning of a person who is
reluctant to give any information in spite of his/her
knowledge regarding a case
 PURPOSE
 To obtain a confession
To induce the suspect to make admission
 To induce the suspect to make an admission
 To learn the facts and circumstances regarding the

crime
 To learn the identity of any accessory of accomplice

 To develop information which will lead in the recovery

ofI . the fruits/proceeds of the crime

 To discover the details of other crimes where the

suspect had participated

 To learn of the existence and location of physical

evidence such as documents or weapons

 Attitude of an Interrogator
 Dominate the interrogation
 Avoid certain mannerisms

 The language of the interrogator must be in accordance

with the level of the subject’s mentality

 Wear clothes that inspires confidence

 Limit the number of persons inside the interrogation room

 Interrogation must be made in a room or in a place where

the interrogator has the psychological advantage

 Maintain a pleasant mood, never lose your temper
I.

 Never divulge the case to the subject

 Avoid clashes of personalities

 Suspect every answer of the subject. Never believe, just

listen
 Friendly approach – You play that you are the
suspect’s friend, let him explain, just listen
 Shifting the blame – Is the subject has committed a
crime for the first time, tell him that it could have happen
to anyone and you can even tell that it is not his fault
 Role of Mutt and Jeff (Sweet and Sour) – One
interrogator acts as the bad and the other the good guy.
 Creating a feeling of increase anxiety – This is
applicable if the subject is in a state of emotional
confusion
 Exaggerating fear – Persistently point out that the suspect
cannot win and he will be subsequently convicted
 Greater or lesser guilt – If a suspect is charged with two or
more offense, you should focus on the minor one. It would
induce him to talk about the graver one
 Line up – The victim is made to point at the suspect and is
coached
 Reverse line up – The suspect is pointed by fictitious witness
for a crime he never did
 Bluff or split pain – This is used if there are two or more
suspect. They are separated and tell the subject that his
companion has already confessed
 REPORT WRITING
GENERAL:
A report of investigation is an objective statement of the
investigator’s findings. It is an official record of the
information relevant to the investigation which the
investigator submits to his superiors. The effectiveness of
an investigator is judged to a large extent by his reports of
investigations. The reputation of an investigator is
measured by the kind of report he submits. The report in
finished cases provides the vehicle for higher headquarters
to take action on the matter.
 REPORT WRITING
PURPOSE OF AN INVESTIGATION REPORT:
The investigator writes his report in order to achieve the
following objectives:
a. Record- The report provides a permanent official
record of the relevant information obtained in the course of
the investigation.
b. Leads – it provides other investigators with
information necessary to further advance their own
investigation.
c. Prosecution Action – it is a statement of facts on
which the designated authorities may base a criminal,
corrective or disciplinary action.
 REPORT WRITING
CRITERIA:
An investigation report is subject to close scrutiny at all
levels of command. It must meet certain criteria, some of
which are:

a. It must be grammatically correct.

b. Abbreviations must be used appropriately and
correctly.
c. The report should avoid slang, colloquialisms or
unnecessary technical terms.
 REPORT WRITING
REQUISITES OF A GOOD INVESTIGATION REPORT:
a. Accuracy – It should be a true representation of the
facts to the best of the investigator’s ability. Information
both favorable and unfavorable to the suspect should be
included.
b. Completeness – The question of the 5 Ws and 1 H
should be answered. The elements of the crime should be
established and the additional facts developed should tend
to prove these elements. It should be documented by
appending important statements/letters, findings of other
agencies, and laboratory reports.
c. Brevity – Irrelevant or unnecessary materials should
be omitted.
 REPORT WRITING
d. Fairness – The investigator should take the facts as
he finds them, and if ever he has theories, it must be
consistent with these facts.

e. Form and Style – The arrangement of the materials

presented should be in a manner which will make the
report easy to read. Form includes proper paragraphing,
underscoring, capitalization and heading. It should be
written in the third person, the investigator referring himself
as “the investigator.”
 REPORT WRITING
TYPES OF REPORT WRITERS:

a. Those who write without thinking.

b. Those who write and think at the same time.

c. Those who think first and write afterwards.

 REPORT WRITING
HOW INVESTIGATORS ARE RATED ON REPORT
WRITING:
1. Points considered:
a. Conciseness – brief, condensed
b. Clarity – clearness
c. Organization – parts are arrange so that it
could work as a whole
d. Thoroughness – done with great attention of
details
e. Adequacy and pertinence of leads – sufficient
 REPORT WRITING
2. Errors of Form:

a. Misspelling
b. Typographical errors
c. Wrong file number
d. Wrong block
e. Others of the same nature
 REPORT WRITING
2. Errors of Substance:
a. Delay in the investigation
b. Delay in Reporting
c. Omission in investigation whether intentional
or not
d. Misstatement of facts
e. Incomplete description
f. Neglect to state that subject is dangerous or
has homicidal tendencies
g. Failure to cover leads
h. Inadequate interviews
 REPORT WRITING
i. Lack of imagination in solving the case
j. Improper handling of evidence
k. Failure to report having done things which
obviously were done
l. Failure to include essential facts which juris-
diction, prosecutive action taken and basis
for investigative steps taken
m. Failure to include essential facts which were
undoubtedly available and known to the
investigator
NOTE: The investigator should not be faulted too much for
errors of form, but errors of substance are seriously
considered because of their effects on the lives of people
and the agency itself.
 Presentation of arrested persons before the media or
the conduct of press conference in connection with such
arrest shall be done only on the following instances:
 When the arrest is made “en flagrante delicto” or
caught in the act and the crime committed is heinous. In
short, arrested persons for minor crimes even if caught in
the act may not be presented before the media;
 In case of warrantless arrest, presentation before the
media of arrested persons under this category shall be
done only after such arrested person shall have been
inquested and that probable cause shall have been
established by the investigating prosecutor or judge, as the
case maybe
 When the arrest is incidental to the service of a valid
search warrant issued by a competent court.
HANK
OU !!!