CDI10 TECHNICAL ENGLISH 2 For this SOP, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) shall refer to all the

investigative procedures undertaken at the crime scene commencing from

MODULE 3 the arrival of the PNP First Responders (FRs) to the arrival of the Duty
CONDUCT OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Investigator/IOC and the SOCO Team until the lifting of the security
cordon and release of the crime scene.
I. PURPOSE
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) is one of the most critical stages of II. INTENTS AND PURPOSES OF THIS SOP
any criminal investigation. The initial actions taken at the crime scene by The following are the intents and purposes of this SOP:
the First Responders, Investigators, and SOCO Team members at the outset of a. To define and delineate the functions and responsibilities
the investigation are vital. Often, their actions would determine the of the FRs. The IOC and the SOCO Team in the conduct
outcome of the investigation. However, while CSI is the most important of crime scene investigation;
investigation stage in collecting vital forensic evidence and information, b. To establish and harmonize the sequence of activities that
this initial stage is often the most chaotic and prone to errors. shall be conducted at the crime scene and identify the
accountabilities of each responsible personnel/team;
Case Reviews of major cases conducted by the Directorate for c. To set the standard forms that shall be required to be
Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) through the European accomplished by the FR, the SOCO Team, and the IOC,
Union-Philippines Justice Support (EPJUST) Program have revealed that which shall henceforth become an integral part of the
one of the major sources of confusion at the crime scene is the unclear case folder;
delineation of functions of the First Responder (FR), Investigator-on-Case d. To minimize the most common mistakes committed by
(IOC) and the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) Team of the PNP the investigators and ensure that potential physical
Crime Laboratory. While the PNP mandated the PNP Crime Laboratory to evidence is not contaminated or destroyed and
conduct SOCO as early as 1996, this relatively new doctrine of utilizing the potential witnesses are not overlooked;
SOCO team in the collection of forensic evidence at the crime scene e. To ensure that lives are saved and that the security and
necessitates the issuance of a protocol if only to lay down the functions, safety of the PNP CSI personnel (FR/IOC/SOCO) are
responsibilities, and accountabilities of each member of the CSI team. enhanced;
f. To ensure that the CSI procedures are conducted properly,
However, it is imperative to remember that the IOC is primarily efficiently, and effectively to ensure the admissibility of
responsible for the crime scene and takes control and supervision in the collected evidence in Court; and
overall crime scene investigation. Therefore, a systematic and organized g. To address and mitigate the investigation procedural
procedure for crime scene investigation is the key to ensuring that all weaknesses identified during the conduct of case reviews.
potential physical evidence is properly preserved and collected, all possible
witnesses are identified and documented, and all the necessary basic III. SCOPE OF APPLICATION
procedures are undertaken properly. This SOP applies to all crime scene investigations undertaken by
the PNP and provides the procedures to be observed by the FRs, IOC, and
SOCO Teams and the formats of the reports that they shall be required to

JALBUENA-SARMIENTO-RAMBOYONG II CDI10 TECHNICAL ENGLISH 2 1

prepare. The Special Investigation Task Groups (SITG) shall likewise f. Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) – A forensic procedure
observe this procedure. performed by the trained personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory
SOCO Team through scientific methods of investigation to
IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS preserve the crime scene, gathering information, documentation,
The following terms are operationally defined as used for a better collection, and examination of all physical and other forensic
understanding of this SOP: evidence;
a. Crime Scene - A venue or place where the alleged g. After SOCO Report – It is a report rendered and prepared by the
crime/incident/event has been committed; Team Leader of the PNP Crime Laboratory SOCO Team, which
b. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) is a comprehensive inquiry of conducted the scene of the crime operations;
a crime by conducting systematic procedures of various h. Crime Scene Search – This is a systematic method employed by
investigative methodologies that involve the recovery of the SOCO Team if the nature of the case is sensational or sensitive,
physical and testimonial evidence to identify the witnesses and the IOC, in the conducts the search at the crime scene and in
and arrest of the perpetrator(s) to identify the witnesses' the surrounding areas where the alleged crime/incident/event has
prosecution. CSI shall technically commence upon the arrival taken place for finding and recovering evidence. Several methods
of the FRs and conclude with the lifting of the security cordon of crime scene search can be employed, such as strip search, double
and release of the crime scene by the IOC; strip search, spiral search, zone or quadrant search, wheel method,
c. First Responder (FR) – Are members of the PNP or other law etc.;
enforcement agencies mandated and expected to be the first to i. Evidence – The means sanctioned by the Rules of Court of
respond to calls for assistance in incidents of crime. They ascertaining the truth respecting a matter of fact in a judicial
generally refer to police officers who have jurisdiction of the proceeding. These include but are not limited to documentary,
area where the incident or crime has taken place and will testimonial, electronic, and object evidence gathered in the course
proceed to the crime scene to assist the victim and to protect of the investigation;
and secure the incident scene; j. Physical Evidence - Evidence addressed to the senses of the
d. Criminal Investigator – A Police Officer who is tasked to Court that are capable of being exhibited, examined, or viewed by
investigate all criminal cases as provided for and embodied the Court. This includes but is not limited to fingerprints, body
under the Revised Penal Code/Criminal Laws and Special fluids, explosives, hazardous chemicals, soil/burned debris,
Laws. A well-trained disciplined, and experienced bombs, electronic parts used in the commission of the crime;
professional in the field of criminal investigation duties and k. Forensic Evidence - A form of legal evidence that can be used in
responsibilities; a court of law to convict a person of a crime and as a category of
e. Investigator-on-Case (IOC)/ Duty Investigator – Shall refer to any public presentation; and
PNP personnel duly designated or assigned to conduct the crime l. Jurisdiction – The word "jurisdiction" as used in the Constitution
inquiry by following a systematic set of procedures and and statutes means jurisdiction over the subject matter only
methodologies to identify witnesses and recover evidence, and unless an exception arises by its employment in a broader sense.
arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators. The IOC shall assume
full responsibility for the crime scene during the conduct of CSI; V. POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

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General Policy: e. If and when there is a suspect present in the area, the first
responder shall arrest, detain and remove the suspect from the area; and
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) shall refer to the post-incident f. The FR, upon the arrival of the IOC, shall turn over the crime
police operational procedures undertaken at the crime scene. It scene to the duty investigator/IOC after the former has briefed the
presupposes that the crime has been consummated, and therefore the investigator of the situation.
investigation is to be commenced by securing and processing the place of The FR shall prepare and submit the CSI Form "1" - First
occurrence. Responders Report to the IOC and be prepared to assist the IOC in the
investigation.
The CSI starts with the arrival of the PNP First Responders (FRs) to
the arrival of the Duty Investigator/IOC and the SOCO Team until the 2. Investigator-on-Case (IOC) /Duty Investigator:
lifting of the security cordon and release of the crime scene. a. Upon arrival at the crime scene, the IOC shall request a briefing
from the FR and make a quick assessment of the crime;
Specific Functions, Responsibilities, and Procedures: b. At this stage, the IOC shall assume full responsibility for the
crime scene and conduct a thorough assessment of the scene and inquiry
The following are the functions and responsibilities of the different into the incident. If necessary, the IOC may conduct a crime scene search
players during the crime scene investigation, as well as the procedures to outside the area where the incident happened, employing any of the
be observed: various search methods;
c. Based on the assessment, if the IOC determines that a SOCO
1. First Responder: team is required, he shall report the matter to his COP and request a SOCO.
a. The first Police Officers to arrive at the crime scene are the FRs Otherwise, the IOC shall proceed with the CSI without the SOCO team and
who were dispatched by the local police station/unit concerned after shall utilize CSI Form "4" – SOCO Report Forms in the conduct of the CSI;
receipt of the incident/flash/alarm report; d. The IOC may, by himself if the situation so demands, conduct
b. Immediately, the FR shall conduct a preliminary crime scene CSI if, there is no Provincial Crime Laboratory Office/Regional Crime
evaluation. This evaluation should include the scope of the incident, Laboratory Office in the province. The IOC must, however, ensure that the
emergency services required, scene safety concerns, administration of life- correct procedures in the collection of evidence are observed to ensure the
saving measures, and establishment of security and control of the scene; admissibility of the evidence;
c. The FR is mandated to save and preserve life by giving the e. The Police Station Operation Center, upon directive of the COP,
necessary first aid measures to the injured and their medical evacuation as shall request the SOCO team through the Provincial/City Operations
necessary. The FR shall likewise secure and preserve the crime scene by Center;
cordoning the area to prevent unauthorized entry of persons; f. It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial/City Operations
d. The FR shall take the dying declaration of severely injured Center to facilitate the request for the SOCO Team;
person/s if any. The FR shall make the initial assessment on whether a g. Upon the arrival of the SOCO Team, the IOC shall accomplish
crime has been committed and shall conduct the preliminary interview of the CSI Form "2" - Request for the Conduct of SOCO and submit the same
witnesses to determine what and how the crime was committed; to the SOCO Team Leader. The SOCO team shall not enter the crime scene

JALBUENA-SARMIENTO-RAMBOYONG II CDI10 TECHNICAL ENGLISH 2 3

unless the IOC makes the official written request wherein he assures the c. The IOC shall ensure that appropriate inventory has been
SOCO team of his presence and support; and provided by the SOCO Team and shall only lift the security cordon and
h. The IOC shall brief the SOCO Team upon their arrival at the release the crime scene only after completion of the documentation process;
crime scene and shall jointly conduct the preliminary crime scene survey. d. The IOC or the COP shall turn over the crime scene to the owner
of the property or where a crime scene is a public place, to any local person
3. SOCO Team: in authority;
a. The SOCO Team shall not join any operations conducted by the e. The IOC and the SOCO Team shall fill-up the forms specified in
local police or accompany the FRs or the IOC in going to the crime scene. this SOP. The IOC shall accomplish and submit the Investigator's Report
They will only respond upon request through the Operations Center and with all the required attachments to the COP within two (2) working days
after the IOC has already made a proper assessment of the crime scene; from the date of incidence; and
b. Upon receipt of the Request for Conduct of SOCO, the SOCO f. The CSI Report shall be the first entry in the Case Folder for the
Team, shall then conduct the scene of the crime operations, which include, investigation of the incident.
among others, the narrative description of the crime scene, photography,
videography, crime scene search, crime scene sketch, crime scene location VI. STANDARD CSI FORMS
sketch, physical evidence recording and collection, and other procedures
necessary; a. CSI Form "1" – (First Responder's Report Form) To be
c. In case the SOCO Team needs to temporarily suspend the accomplished by the FR detailing, among other things, his rank, name,
processing, the Chief of Police shall be primarily responsible and initial information gathered, and anything that was moved in the crime
accountable for securing the crime scene and ensuring its integrity until the scene prior to the arrival of the investigator. Further, Form 1 should be
return of the SOCO Team and the conclusion of the CSI; signed by a witness. Form 1 should always be included as part of the FR's
d. After the termination of the SOCO, the SOCO Team Leader shall kit.
brief the IOC on the initial results and, after that, conduct the final crime b. CSI Form "2"– (Request for the Conduct of SOCO) To be
scene survey together with the IOC; and accomplished by the IOC and submitted to the SOCO Team Leader at the
e. The SOCO Team shall accomplish the CSI Form "4" - SOCO crime scene.
Report Forms and furnish the IOC with copies of the same before leaving c. CSI Form "3" – (Turn- over of Collected Evidence from IOC to
the crime scene. SOCO Team) To be accomplished by the IOC certifying that the
4. Release of the Crime Scene items/physical evidence found, collected and initially marked, and
a. The IOC shall decide on the lifting of the security cordon and the inventoried by the investigator at the crime scene were properly turned-
release of the crime scene upon consultation with the SOCO Team Leader, over to SOCO Team Evidence Custodian.
and he shall be responsible for ensuring that all pieces of potential evidence d. CSI Form "4" – (SOCO Report Forms 1-4) The initial findings of
were collected by the SOCO Team as any re-entry into the crime scene after the SOCO Team shall be contained in the SOCO Report Forms 1 to 4, which
its release to the owner will require a Search Warrant issued by the Court; shall be accomplished immediately after completion of the SOCO. A copy
b. The IOC shall accomplish the CSI Form "6" – IOC/Investigator's of the said reports shall be provided to the IOC within 24-hour after the
CSI Form before the cordon shall be lifted; release of the crime scene. The IOC may also use those forms without a
SOCO Team.

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 e. CSI Form "5" – (Release of Crime Scene Form) This shall be
accomplished by the IOC or the COP and witnessed by the SOCO Team
Leader and confirmed by the property owner or representative of the local
authority. A copy of the crime scene release form shall be provided to the
owner.
f. CSI Form "6" – (IOC/Investigator's CSI Form) The IOC shall
accomplish this at the OSCP before lifting the security cordon.

VII. FLOW CHART

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ADDITIONAL NOTES: 5. Coordinate with the concerned officials as required by the
situation.
WHO IS THE FIRST RESPONDER? 6. Assess the situation and call for backup, if necessary.
7. Plan the approaches to be executed.
The First Responder is a police officer who is the first to arrive at The First Responder must carry a pocket notebook for the recording of
the crime scene to provide initial police actions on information or vital information containing the 5Ws and 1H gathered at the crime scene
complaint regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases. prior to turn over to investigating unit concerned.

WHAT ARE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CASES? ACTIONS OF THE FIRST RESPONDERS

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Cases are acts or omissions A. The crime is in progress.
committed in violation of the following laws and other laws that may be 1. Upon arrival at the crime scene:
enacted in relation with GBV. Take note of your time of arrival, weather condition, and other
collateral information. Locate victim/s, complainant/s,
1. Republic Act No. 9262: Anti- Violence Against Women and
suspect/s, and witnesses.
Children Act of 2004
Protect and secure the crime scene by cordoning it off with
2. Republic Act No. 9208: Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003
police line or available materials like ropes, straws, human
3. Republic Act No. 8353: Anti-Rape Law of 1997 in relation to RA
barricade, wood, and chain; evacuate injured persons to the
8505 – Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998
nearest hospital; prepare to take a “dying declaration” of the
4. Republic Act No. 7610: Special Protection of Children Against
severely injured person, if any (POP Rule 18 Sec. 1 paragraphs
Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act of 1992
a, b, and c).
5. Republic Act No. 9775: Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009
6. Republic Act No. 9995: Crime of Photo and Video Voyeurism Act
2. In cases where victim/s or suspects/s sustained physical
of 2009
injury: Facilitate medical evacuation to the nearest
hospital/clinic for treatment prior to formal turnover.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF POLICE FIRST
RESPONDERS? 3. In case of an escalated situation, e.g., hostage-taking and
armed suspect:
1. Receive the information/complaint. Use of Force: Issue a warning before using force against the
2. Record the information/complaint or directive. offender. This will help identify the police officer and give an
3. Validate the veracity of the information. offender opportunity to surrender. In an armed confrontation,
4. Inform the supervisor/higher authority about the incident. only necessary and reasonable force is used to overcome

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 resistance, subdue clear and imminent danger or justify the a. of victims to the police/investigation units e.g., WCPD of
force/act under the principles of self-defense, defense of proper jurisdiction
relative, or defense of stranger (POP, Rule 8). b. of suspect/s and confiscated items to investigator on case
9. Execute Affidavit of arrest and turnover of confiscated
Hostage Situation: Secure and isolate the area by prohibiting evidence to an investigator on case.
unauthorized persons to enter the scene. Record witnesses’ 10. Submit
names, addresses, and other information and direct them to a  First Responder’s Report to Investigating Unit concerned
safe place (POP, Rule 26). (copy furnish your immediate supervisor)

Child Abuse Cases: Take immediate action but under no B. After commission of crime
circumstances shall be beyond 48 hours upon receipt of 1. Upon arrival at the crime scene:
complaint, report, or information; coordinate with and report a. Take note of your time of arrival, weather condition, and
case to local social welfare officer and concerned stakeholders; other collateral information. Locate victim/s,
prepare rescue operation plan and execute the plan with complainant/s, suspect/s, and witnesses.
concerned stakeholders (POP, Rule 27). b. Protect and secure the scene by cordoning area with
available materials like ropes, straws, human barricade,
4. In case of armed confrontation: police line, wood and chain; evacuate injured persons to
a. Secure site of confrontation nearest hospital; prepare to take the “dying declaration” of
b. Take photographs. severely injured person, if any (POP, Rule 18 Section 1
c. Check if the situation still poses an imminent danger. paragraphs a, b, and c).
d. Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital. 2. Arrest/restrain suspect, keep in isolation, and observe proper
e. Ensure all persons who died on the spot are not moved handling of children in conflict with the law.
from their original position. 3. Take photos of entire crime scene.
f. Suspect should be arrested and kept in isolation (Rule 10, 4. Inform SOCO Team Leader where victim’s body was
POP). originally found at the crime scene (SOCO
Handbook/Manual).
5. Use: Proper restraining procedures whenever applicable. 5. Record names of witnesses, addresses, other information.
6. Conduct a bodily search on the suspect: 6. Provide police assistance to victims in coordination with their
a. Search must be done by an officer of the same gender. relatives and friends; turn them over to the
7. Provide police assistance – to victims in coordination with their police/investigation units, e.g., WCPD of proper jurisdiction.
relatives and friends. 7. Conduct a bodily search on the apprehended suspect:
8. Formal turnover:  Search must be done by an officer of the same gender.
8. Formal turnover:

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  Of suspect/s and confiscated items to the investigator on 1. Sino po ang sumaksak (bumaril, pumalo, etc.) sa inyo?
the case 2. Naniniwala po ba kayo na kayo ay mamamatay nang dahil sa
9. Execute: tinamong sugat?
Affidavit of arrest inventory and turnover of confiscated 3. Ano po ba ang nangyari at sinaksak (binaril, pinalo, etc.) kayo?
evidence to investigator on case. Questions to be asked when the victim CANNOT identify the
assailant:
10. Submit:
First Responder’s Report to the Investigating Unit 1. a. Ano po ang suot niyang damit?
concerned (copy furnish your immediate supervisor) b.Gaano po siya kataas?
c. Mga ilang taon na po siya?
d. Hugis ng mukha
DYING DECLARATION- This is prepared if the victim to a crime e. Tabas ng buhok
believes he will die as a result of the injuries he sustained. The questions f. Mga ibang pagkakakilanlan
should be simple, very brief and direct. It consists only of three to five g. Saan po siya tumakbo?
questions and answers. Because the victim is injured and the investigator h. Naniniwala po ba kayo na kayo ay mamamatay nang dahil
does not know when he might die, the first question then the investigator sa tinamo ninyong sugat?
has to ask is for the victim to be able to identify the persons who injured i. Ano po ba ang nangyari at sinaksak (binaril, pinalo, etc.)
him. Afterward, a couple of questions may be asked and the heading, as kayo?
well as the witnesses to the signature or thumb mark (if the victim is unable
to write), will be filled up.

Dying declarations are usually made inside Operating Rooms in REFERENCES:

hospitals or clinics. The investigator, therefore, has to follow protocols
when inside the room like the use of gowns and sterilized sandals or  Revised PNP Criminal Investigation Manual 2010
slippers.  PNP Field Manual on Investigation of Crimes of Violence and
other Crimes (2011)
Contents of the Declaration  CLC-ADO-01 re Scene of the Crime Operation;
 Primer on Protocol for Explosives-Related Incidents Investigation
1. Identity of the assailant 2010
2. Consciousness of an impending death  European Union-Philippines Justice Support (EPJUST)
3. Surrounding circumstances of the incident Program/TF USIG Case Review Results
Questions to be asked when the victim CAN identify the
assailant?

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JALBUENA-SARMIENTO-RAMBOYONG II CDI10 TECHNICAL ENGLISH 2 9