FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE

● Investigation
- the act or process of investigating or the condition being investigated. It also refers to a search or inquiry for
ascertaining facts, detailed or careful examination.

Investigator is someone who carries out investigations

● Criminal investigation
It is the systematic method of inquiry that is more a science than an art. The logic of scientific method must
however, be supplemented by the investigator's initiative and resourcefulness. The sequences of the
investigation should be regarded by a scientific, operating framework that requires improvising on the part of
the investigator.
Criminal Investigation is an Art – based on intuition, felicity of inspiration or by chance; and a
Science – based on adequate professional preparation and abundance of certain qualities

● Phase/Objective/Goal of Criminal Investigation

- Identify the suspected person
- Locate the suspected person
- provide evidence of his guilt

1.Police Power
● Power of the state to prosecute crime
● Power to promote the general welfare and public interest
Basic limitations of Police Power: due process and equal protection

2.Police and Prosecutor

● The POLICE are empowered to conduct investigations to give justice to suspects, whereas
PROSECUTORS are empowered to check the investigation conducted by the police and to dispose
of the case for the prosecution, following the due process of law.
Crime as an Act and as an Omission
● Crime - an act or omission in violation of law (General term)
● Felony - an act or omission punishable by the RPC
● Offense - an act or omission punishable by the special laws
● Misdemeanor - a nonindictable offense, such as violation of city ordinance
Crime as an Act, performed action in contrary with the law
Crime of Omission, failure to perform a certain action as required by law.
Elements of Crime in Criminal Investigation
● Motive- what induces the person to act
● Intent- the result or accomplishment of the act.
 ● Opportunity- the physical possibility that the suspect could have committed the crime.

- motive is not the element of a crime it is applicable only if there is doubt in the identity of a perpetrator under
RPC
- Motive is immaterial and does not preclude conviction, but for the purpose of attaining the objective of the
Confidential Informant, it is relevant.

DUE PROCESS OF LAW - it hears before it condemns, which proceeds upon inquiry and renders judgment only
after trial.
Substantive Due Process - It requires the intrinsic validity of the law in interfering with the rights of the
person to his life, liberty, or property
- Laws
- Bill of rights
- Miranda Doctrine 1966 – Miranda vs. Arizona. Established the rights of a person under custodial
Investigation. Failure to inform the rights of a person.
- Statutory right
- It must be noted that the elements of every crime should be considered as they will guide investigators
regarding the proper charge that should be brought before the prosecution office.
Procedural Due Process - It consists of the two basic rights of notice and hearing, as well as the guarantee of
being heard by an impartial and competent tribunal
- Ex. to be informed of the nature and cause of his arrest
- Remedial law
ARREST
● Arrest is the taking of a person into custody in order that he may be bound to answer for the commission of an
offense. (Rules of Court)
● Arrest; how made. — An arrest is made by an actual restraint of a person to be arrested, or by his submission
to the custody of the person making the arrest.
● No violence or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest. The person arrested shall not be subject to
a greater restraint than is necessary for his detention. (Rules of Court)

WARRANT OF ARREST
Execution of warrant. — The head of the office to whom the warrant of arrest was delivered for execution shall
cause the warrant to be executed within ten (10) days from its receipt. Within ten (10) days after the expiration of the
period, the officer to whom it was assigned for execution shall make a report to the judge who issued the warrant. In
case of his failure to execute the warrant, he shall state the reasons therefor. (Rules of Court)
Method of arrest by officer by virtue of warrant. — When making an arrest by virtue of a warrant, the officer shall
inform the person to be arrested of the cause of the arrest and of the fact that a warrant has been issued for his arrest,
except when he flees or forcibly resists before the officer has opportunity to so inform him, or when the giving of such
information will imperil the arrest. The officer need not have the warrant in his possession at the time of the arrest but
after the arrest, if the person arrested so requires, the warrant shall be shown to him as soon as practicable. (Rules of
Court)

WARRANTLESS ARREST
Arrest without warrant; WHEN LAWFUL. — A peace officer or a private person may, without a warrant, arrest a
person.
(a) When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit
an offense; (Inflagrante Delicto)
(b) When an offense has just been committed, and he has probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge of
facts or circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed it; and (Hot Pursuit)
(c) When the person to be arrested is a prisoner who has escaped from a penal establishment or place where he is
serving final judgment or is temporarily confined while his case is pending, or has escaped while being transferred
from one confinement to another. (Escapee)

In cases falling under paragraph (a) and (b) above, the person arrested without a warrant shall be forthwith delivered to
the nearest police station or jail and shall be proceeded against in accordance with section 7 of Rule 112. (Rules of
Court)

Method of arrest by officer without warrant. — When making an arrest without a warrant, the officer shall inform
the person to be arrested of his authority and the cause of the arrest, unless the latter is either engaged in the
commission of an offense, is pursued immediately after its commission, has escaped, flees or forcibly resists before
the officer has opportunity so to inform him, or when the giving of such information will imperil the arrest. (Rules of
Court)

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Search Warrant
A search warrant is an order in writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines, signed by a judge and
directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for personal property described therein and bring it before the
court. (Rules of Court)

COURT where application for search warrant shall be filed. — An application for search warrant shall be filed with
the following:
a) Any court within whose territorial jurisdiction a crime was committed.
b) For compelling reasons stated in the application, any court within the judicial region where the crime was
committed if the place of the commission of the crime is known, or any court within the judicial region where the
warrant shall be enforced.

However, if the criminal action has already been filed, the application shall only be made in the court where the
criminal action is pending. (Rules of Court)

Personal property to be seized— A search warrant may be issued for the search and seizure of personal property:
(a) Subject of the offense;
(b) Stolen or embezzled and other proceeds, or fruits of the offense; or
(c) Used or intended to be used as the means of committing an offense (Rules of Court)

Warrantless Search
Search incident to lawful arrest. — A person lawfully arrested may be searched for dangerous weapons or anything
which may have been used or constitute proof in the commission of an offense without a search warrant. (Rules of
Court)

Custodial Investigation
the practice of issuing an "invitation" to a person who is investigated in connection with an offense he is suspected to
have committed, without prejudice to the liability of the "inviting" officer for any violation of law. (RA 7438)

Deposition - a witness’ sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather information as part of the discovery process
and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial.

Admission (fact) - The term “admission” embraces any statement of fact made by a party which is against his interest
or unfavorable to the conclusion for which he contends or inconsistent with the facts alleged by him.
Confession (guilty) - a statement in which a person acknowledges that he is guilty of committing one or more crimes.
Extrajudicial confession means an admission made in proceedings outside court.

DETENTION
Arbitrary detention begins not merely from the moment a person is locked up in a prison cell but from the moment
such a person is deprived of his liberty without legal grounds. And it ends only when such a person is absolutely freed
from any restraint on his person.

Kinds of Arbitrary Detention:

● Detaining a person without legal grounds
● Delay in the delivery of detained persons, detained with legal grounds, to the proper judicial authorities
● Delaying release of a detainee
Before the complaint or information is filed, the person arrested may ask for a preliminary investigation in
accordance with this Rule, but he must sign a waiver of the provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, as
amended, in the presence of his counsel. Notwithstanding the waiver, he may apply for bail and the investigation must
be terminated within fifteen (15) days from its inception. (Rules of Court)

After the filing of the complaint or information in court without a preliminary investigation, the accused may,
within five (5) days from the time he learns of its filing, ask for a preliminary investigation with the same right to
adduce evidence in his defense as provided in this Rule. (7a; sec. 2, R.A. No. 7438)

CARDINAL POINTS OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

5 W and 1 H
Who committed it
What specific offense has been committed
When it was committed
Where the offense was committed
Why it was committed
How the offense was committed

Characteristic of a Good Investigator

● Good Communication
● Active Listener
● Critical Thinking
● Work under Pressure
● Critical Thinking
● Innovativeness
● Integrity
● Knowledge about rules on Evidence

Tools in Criminal Investigation:

1. Information
It is the knowledge/data which an investigator acquired from records and persons.
Sources of Information:
1. Regular source is acquired from open sources, records, files.
2. Cultivated source are information furnished by informants/informers.
3. Grapevine source are information given by the underworld characters such as prisoners or criminals.

Methods of Identification
a. Verbal description
b. Photographic files (Rogues Gallery)
c. General Photograph
d. Cartographic Sketch

2. Interview/Interrogation
Interview (simple) - Is a conversation with a purpose, motivated by a desire to obtain certain information from the
person being interviewed as to what was done, seen, felt, heard, tasted, smell or known.
Interrogation (with force) - is a forceful/rigid questioning of a person suspected of having committed an offense or a
person who is reluctant to make full disclosure of information in his possession which is pertinent to the investigation.
Rules to be observed in questioning
a. One question at a time
b. Avoiding implied answer
c. Simplicity of the questions
d. Saving faces
e. Avoid close ended questions (yes or no)
f. Positive attitude

TECHNICAL AND LEGAL ASPECT OF A WITNESS

As General rule, the opinion of witness is not admissible, Except
Ordinary Witness - The opinion of a witness for which proper basis is given, may be received in evidence regarding:
(a) the identity of a person about whom he has adequate knowledge;
(b) A handwriting with which he has sufficient familiarity; and
(c) The mental sanity of a person with whom he is sufficiently acquainted.

The witness may also testify on his impressions of the emotion, behavior, condition or appearance of a person.
Expert Witness - he opinion of a witness on a matter requiring special knowledge, skill, experience or training
which he shown to possess, may be received in evidence

3. Instrumentation
Ways of identifying the criminals
● By confession and admission
● Eyewitness
● Circumstantial evidence
● Associative evidence

Physical Evidence (indirect)- these are the articles and materials which are found in connection with the
investigation and aid in establishing the identity of the suspect.
Corpus Delicti - Latin for the “body of the crime” It is the legal term used to describe/physical/or material evidence
that a crime has been committed
Associative Evidence - These are the pieces of evidence that will link the suspect to the crime scene.
Tracing Evidence (direct)- refers to evidence that is transferred from one person to another person or place.
Forensic Science - this is done through the aid of the expertise of different forensic services such as DNA,
Fingerprint, Odontology and the like.

ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE AND EXCLUSIONARY RULE

Evidence defined. — Evidence is the means, sanctioned by these rules, of ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the
truth respecting a matter of fact.
Evidence is admissible when it is relevant to the issue and is not excluded by the law of these rules.
● Relevance – tendency to make existence of any fact
● Competent – the capacity to reason, or to make decisions.

Electronic Evidence
These Rules shall apply to all civil actions and proceedings, as well as quasi-judicial and administrative cases.
Electronic documents as functional equivalent of paper-based documents.

Admissibility. – An electronic document is admissible in evidence if it complies with the rules on admissibility
prescribed by the Rules of Court and related laws and is authenticated in the manner prescribed by these Rules-Rule
on Electronic Evidence

“RULE 5: AUTHENTICATION OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS”

Section 1. Burden of proving authenticity. – The person seeking to introduce an electronic document in any legal
proceeding has the burden of proving its authenticity in the manner provided in this Rule.

Section 2. Manner of authentication. – Before any private electronic document offered as authentic is received in
evidence, its authenticity must be proved by any of the following means:

(a) by evidence that it had been digitally signed by the person purported to have signed the same;

(b) by evidence that other appropriate security procedures or devices as may be authorized by the Supreme Court or
by law for authentication of electronic documents were applied to the document; or

(c) by other evidence showing its integrity and reliability to the satisfaction of the judge.

Section 3. Proof of electronically notarized document. – A document electronically notarized in accordance with
the rules promulgated by the Supreme Court shall be considered as a public document and proved as a notarial
document under the Rules of Court.
CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION
Scientific ability of investigators to make useful observations of physical evidence in the crime scene through a
logical approach in theorizing as to how the crime was committed.
Stages:
- Appreciation
- Comparison
- Individualization
- Reconstruction
Modus Operandi - otherwise known as Method of Operation, refers to the manner and methods employed or used
as well as the sequence of various actions taken by the perpetrator in committing the crime.
Crime Scene Processing: Phase
1. Approach the crime scene
2. Secure and protect the crime scene
3. Preliminary survey of the crime scene
4. Narrative description of the crime scene
5. Photographing the crime scene
6. Sketching the crime scene
7. Evaluation of fingerprint evidence
8. Evaluation of physical evidence and clue material
9. Detailed crime scene search
10. Collection, recording, marking and preservation of physical evidence and clue material.
11. Final survey, and turnover of authority to the Officer In Charge of the case.
12. Release of the crime scene.
Chain of Custody – tracking record beginning with detailed scene notes that describe where the evidence was
received or collected.

PROPER HANDLING, COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE

Documentation of Physical Evidence at the Crime Scene - if the recovered pieces of physical evidence are not
properly documented, its origin can be questioned. No physical evidence shall be moved until its original condition
and position have been recorded by note, photograph, videotape and sketching.
Proper Collection of Evidence for Examination - evidence that could be subjected for DNA analysis is generally
limited to substances that are biological in nature. It should be remembered that not all biological materials submitted
to the DNA Forensic laboratory will provide sufficient DNA for analysis. Likewise, the biological activity of the
evidence will be lost if not properly collected.
Preservation - biological specimens which are not properly preserved will decompose and deteriorate. This will
seriously affect the outcome of the DNA typing.
Marking of Evidence – for the purpose of identification.
Individual Packaging and Sealing - improper packaging will possibly cause cross contamination. Substitution or
switching of evidence is also possible.
Proper Chain of Custody - the different persons responsible for the custody of the evidence from the time of
collection up to the time the evidence reaches the court is critical in a successful prosecution of a criminal case.

Method of search
A. Strip - the searchers will proceed at the same pace along the path parallel to one side of the rectangle.
B. Spiral - the searchers will follow each other in the path of a spiral, beginning in the outside and spiraling towards
the center. Clockwise/counter clockwise.
C. Zone- the area to be searched is divided into four quadrants and each searcher is assigned to one quadrant.
D. Wheel- for area to be searched approximately circular or oval
E. Point to point- searcher will stand in a straight line and move forward together.

SKETCH
Kinds of sketch
a. Locality - give a picture of the scene, the crime and its environs, including neighboring buildings, roads, etc.
b. Ground - picture of the scene of the crime with its nearest physical surrounding
c. Details - the immediate scene only
d. Exploded/ cross projection - gives the clear impression of the scene in cases where blood stains or bullet holes
are found

Elements of Sketch
- Measurement
- Compass direction
- Essential items
- Scale and proportion
- Legend
- Title
Types of Measurements
- Rectangular coordinates method
- Triangulation method
- Baseline method
- Compass point method
- Cross projection method

PHOTOGRAPH

TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Overall photographs - The camera should be carried clockwise until at least 4 general view photographs have been
taken.
Photographs of the deceased - The relationship of the body to the surrounding furniture.
Photographing of articles of Evidence Various objects will appear to have direct relation to crime.
2 photographs are needed for a significant object which is less than six inches in length. Close range, and
Approximately six feet from the object.
Special techniques – Photomacrography, photomicrography, are examples of special techniques employed in crime
scene recording.
Photomacrography – taking a magnified (enlarge) photograph of small object by attaching an extended
tube lens (macro lens) to the camera.
Photomicrography – taking a magnified photograph of small object through attaching a camera to the
ocular of a compound microscope so as to show a minute detail of the physical evidence.
Photographing the environs - Contiguous areas which may have been used in approach, pursuit, flight or struggle
should be considered as part of the crime scene. Therefore, be accorded appropriate attention.
Photographing the body after removal

STAGES OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

General view - It demonstrates what the crime scene looks like in its own environment to reveal the natural
surroundings of the location. It also includes the location of possible escape routes.
Medium-range view - Taken at a distance not greater than 20ft away from the subject or item being photographed.
This will establish the relationship of the item to the deceased.
Close-up - Taken at a distance less than 5ft and focus on small segments of a larger surface or on specific objects in
the crime scene.

INTELLIGENCE
Information (raw data)- it is an evaluated material of every description including those derived from observation,
reports, rumors, imagery and other sources from which the intelligence is derived.
Intelligence - refers to collated, analyzed and evaluated information appropriately acquired for particular purposes,
also covers a wide range of areas in its application, such as Military Intelligence, Police Intelligence, Departmental
Intelligence

Cyber Intelligence - the tracking, analyzing, and countering of digital security threats.
Cryptography – is the art and science of making, devising and protecting codes and ciphers.
Cipher - is code or secret message which takes the form of an innocent text.
Crypt - is something hide or conceal
Cryptanalysis - A method of intelligence operation wherein coded messages is analyzed by experts.
Stakeout – a process wherein a part of the surveillant group clandestinely positions him in advantageous and fixed
position to clearly monitor and observe the subject and his activities. fixed surveillance
Tailing or Shadowing (secret) - is the act of following a person
Casing – is a reconnaissance or surveillance of building or places to determine its suitability for intelligence use

PRINCIPLE OF INTELLIGENCE
Principles are fundamental guides to action, broad statements of truth from which others are derived.
Objectivity – only the well guided succeed. A basic intelligence concept that there be unity between knowledge and
action. Action and decision are planned by knowledge and guided by it at every step.
Interdependence – intelligence is artificially subdivided into component elements to ensure complete coverage,
eliminate duplication and to reduce the overall task or manageable sizes; possesses a precise interrelationship.
Continuity – intelligence must be continuous so that the shape of what happens today could be studied of what was
happened before to enable us to predict the shape of things to come.
Communication – intelligence must be communicated to all decision makers in the manner that they will understand
for its most effective use.
Usefulness – must be shared and told well and must be convincing as to the facts and its significance must be shown.
Selection – it involves plowing through a maze of information for the purpose of picking the most promising of a
multitude of leads.
Timeliness – must be communicated to the decision maker at the appropriate time to permit its most effective use.
Security – is achieved by the measures which intelligence takes to protect and preserve the integrity of its activities.

Intelligence Cycle
- It is a cycle because the process which keeps on going every time there is an intelligence requirement.
It consists of four phases, namely;
Planning or collection effort. The principle in planning or the collection effort is based on the collecting agency’s
capability. This is to ensure that the coordinated search for information sought may be obtained to govern the future
conduct of the unit.
Collection of Information – is the procurement of information of which most of the vital factor is access of either the
agents or informants to the desired facts without arousing the attention of the subject or those given the task to protect
them.
Police Routine Activities – which are good source of information.
Patrol, Community relations programs, Informants, Checkpoints, Criminal investigation, Surveillance
operations
METHODS OF COLLECTION OF INFORMATION:
Covert method – is a clandestine (done secretively) means of obtaining information, these include the following
activities:
● Infiltration – gradual penetration into enemy domain and territory
● Surveillance – using satellite, photo, audio electronic gadgets and advance communications systems.
● Elicitation – it is made through interview, interrogation and instrumentation.
Overt method – is an open obtaining of information through government records, census and statistics, residential,
commercial business listings, and other available materials.

PROCESSING OF INFORMATION
is the process, through which information is managed, can increased our knowledge of a particular problem and
situation, and results in preventive and informed public policy.
- It is a step by which intelligence is transformed from raw facts or materials to intelligence data.
It Involves Three Processes;
Collation would entail the recording or organization of raw materials so that they may be readily compared to
other items.
Evaluation refers to the examination of raw materials in order to determine its reliability, credibility and
relevance to police operations. These include the following considerations;
- Is the source reliable?
- Is it needed for immediate or future purpose?
- Is it confirmed and collaborated by the source?
- In case of variance, what information is most likely correct?

Interpretation is the determination of the significance of the intelligence data in relation to the other data at hand
in order to draw conclusions. These includes
- Analysis is done by shifting and sorting of all available intelligence materials
- Integration is the combination of all analyzed data to form a logical picture or theory.
- Deduction is the formulation of conclusion from theories as a result of integration.

DISSEMINATION AND USE OF INTELLIGENCE

The intelligence duly processed must be presented to the commander to enable him to formulate decisions and
plans and is distributed to all higher, adjacent and lower offices in the time for it to be of value.
Criteria for Dissemination of Intelligence:
Timeliness – must be disseminated accordance with its urgency
Propriety – must be disseminated in accordance with right user
Security – security measures must be used for classified matters.
EVALUATION GUIDE
Evaluation of Source of Information:
Reliability Accuracy
A – Highly Reliable 1 – Confirmed Information
B – Usually Reliable 2 – Probably True
C – Fairly Reliable 3 – Possibly True
D – Not Usually Reliable 4 – Doubtfully True
E – Unreliable 5 – Improbable
F – Cannot be judged 6 – Cannot be judged

Evaluation of Accuracy of the Item:

Reliability Accuracy
1 Confirmed by other source
2 Probably True
3 Possibly True
4 Doubtfully True
5 Improbable
6 Truth Cannot be judged

Evaluation as to the Source of Information:

Reliability Accuracy
T Direct observation by the other Unit Commander

U Penetration or Resident Agent

V AFP/ PNP Troops Involved in Encounter Operation

X Government or Civilian Employee

Y Member of the Populace
Z Documentary

AREAS OF POLICE INTELLIGENCE

refers to the output or end product resulting from the collection, evaluation, analysis, integration and interpretation
of all available facts which concerns the activities of criminal elements and its activities significant to police planning
and operation.
Strategic Intelligence - refers to a long term or future use of processed information. It is the knowledge essentials
to internal security, crime suppression and prevention and public safety.
Line or Tactical Intelligence - refers to processed information which is immediate in nature. It is essential to the
accomplishment of police objectives
Counter Intelligence - it deals primary with the building of the organization against internal enemies. It is
essential to the formulation, preparation and execution of police plans, policies and programs
a. Passive counter intelligence - Secrecy discipline, movement control, camouflage and proper handling of
information is practices.
b. Active counter intelligence – covers reconnaissance, patrolling, sabotage, espionage, interior guard duty
and fortification of vital facilities.

SURVEILLANCE
Is the designated or secret observation of places, persons and vehicles for the purpose of obtaining
information concerning the identities or activities of the subject.
CATEGORIES OF SURVEILLANCE
1. Loose Surveillance - also known as discreet surveillance. Observation of the subject or object is not continuous.
It may be called off when the subject becomes suspicious.
2. Close Surveillance - Continuous observation of the subject is maintained at all times, even if he appears to
become suspicious.
3. Combination of Loose and Close Surveillance -Circumstances which usually depend on a specific act of the
subject may necessitate a change from a loose surveillance to a close surveillance without prior notice.

METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE
1. Moving Surveillance - a moving surveillance is conducted when the person, object or activity being watched
moves from one place to another. In this situation, the surveillant actually follows the subject of interest.
2.Fixed Surveillance - is conducted when the person, object or activity being watched is not expected to move from
one area. The surveillant may, however, move from one vantage point to another on the immediate area

TECHNIQUES OF SURVEILLANCE
1. Foot Surveillance - employs the use of a single, or more than one surveillant where the surveillant and the subject
travel on foot and the surveillant has to shadow him or tail for the rest of the operation.
One-Man Surveillance
Two-man or “AB” Surveillance
Three-man or “ABC” Surveillance
Leapfrog Surveillance - Two or more surveillant are used to conduct this technique. This is a variation of the “AB”
and “ABC” methods. It is simple to execute and greatly reduces the chances of the subject recognizing the
surveillance.
Progressive Surveillance - This is used when extreme caution is necessary. It can be presupposed by the
surveillants that the subject will resort to every method to elude possible surveillance. It is a slow technique and
limited to subjects who follow habitual daily routines.
2. Vehicle Surveillance - may involve the use of one or more automobiles, or other conveyances normal to the
area.
One Vehicle Technique - one vehicle follows the subject alone to observe his movements and to stay far enough to
avoid ready detection.
Two Vehicle Technique - one vehicle follows the subject at a varying distance and another on a parallel street. The
two vehicles can exchange place from time to time.
Four Vehicle Techniques - provides greater flexibility than the two-vehicle technique. The “eye ball” keeps track of
the subject while another vehicle follows the “eye ball”.

Undercover Operation (work or roping) – it is a form of investigation in which the investigator assumes a different
and unofficial identity in order to obtain information.
- Natural
- Artificial Cover
Source of Information - is the application of various sources of information in connection with the criminal
investigation.

COMMON SOURCES OF INFORMATION

1. PEOPLE AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION
a. Regular Source - these are information gathered through people who have come directly to the attention of the
police, commonly the complainant, witness or victim.
b. Cultivated Source - these are information generally taken through the use of informants and informers.
c. Grapevines Source - these sources of information are gathered from those who are in the underworld or
ex-convicts.
2. RECORD AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION
a. Government source - these are sources taken from the government agencies or any from its instrumentality.
b. Private Source - these sources of information are usually taken from the different private entities and
business organizations, public utilities such as water or electric bills and all other private sectors.
c. Internet Source- these modern sources of information are done through searching specific details by typing the
desired key or phrase in the different search engines.

TYPES AND MOTIVES OF INFORMANTS

1. Rival-elimination Informant – and informant is usually an anonymous caller who tries to inform the police
regarding a particular criminal activity to eliminate a rival or competitor. The elimination of rivals can provide an
opportunity to a group of individuals to monopolize an illegal business in order to increase their income.
2. False Informant – an informant who reveals information usually of no consequence or untrue in order to mislead
the police or investigation of the case at hand.
3. Frightened informant – an informant who gives information to the police because of the belief that his safety and
the safety of his loved ones might be compromised. This frightened informant is usually molded by fear of
self-interest.
4. Self-aggrandizing Informant – and informant who has many contacts in criminal circles and feels importance
by giving information to the police. A type of informant surprisingly provides information regarding a crime to win
favorable attention from the media which could put him in the spotlight, making him an instant celebrity.
5. Mercenary Informant – and informant who has something to sell. In return for any information, a mercenary
informant receives monetary reward or material gain.
6. Double-Crosser Informant – and informant uses his seeming desire to give information as an excuse to talk to
the police in order to get information from them than he gives, a type of informant who knows how to manipulate
the police by giving a bit of information with the intention to acquire information with great interest.
7. Legitimate Informant – an informant those covertly and overtly provide information to law enforcers about
criminal activity in a legitimate establishment. Legitimate informants mainly include operators of licensed premises
who do not want their place of business to become hangouts of dangerous criminals.

Legal Limitation in Obtaining Information

The power given by the state to police officers in gathering information is so huge that it may be prone to abuse. To
protect the privacy of an individual citizen, the law prohibits certain police actions such as the following:
● Republic Act 4200 (Anti-Wire Tapping)
Safeguards the constitutional right to privacy communication. It prohibits and penalizes wiretapping and
other related violations of the privacy of communication.
● Republic Act 10173 (Data Privacy Act)
An act protecting individual in information and communications systems in the government and the
private sector.
● RA 7438
An act defining certain rights of a person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation as well as the
duties of the arresting, detaining and investigating officers, and providing penalties for violation thereof.
● And other relevant laws