Republic of the Philippines Depa Dep a rtment of the the Interi Interior or and Loc a l G over ove rnment National Police Commission PHILIPPINE NAT NATIONA IONAL L POLICE IC E C RIM RIM E LA BO RATO RATO RY Camp Crame, Quezon City C IRC IRC ULAR NUMBER_01-06_ C LC – AD ADO - 01
SC ENE OF C RIME OP OPERATION ION MANUAL MANUAL
I. SC SC ENE OF C RIME OPERATIO ATION N (SO (SOC O): Scene of Crime Operation is a forensic procedure performed by tra tra ine ine d pers p erso o nnel of the PNP C rime ime Laborato Lab oratorry thr throug ough h sc sc ientifi ientific c method metho d s o f investigation for the purpose of preserving the crime scene, gathering information, documentation, collection, and examination of all physical evidence. II. AUTHORIT HORITY: II.1 II.1 C hap ha p ter 3, Sec tio tio n 24, 24, p a ra g ra p h c a nd Sec Sec tion tion 35 of RA 6975 6975.. II.2 PNP PNP C L SO # 01-95 01-95 d td No N o v 16, 16, 199 1995 5 III. MISSION: MISSION: The The SO C O shall ha ll p ro vid vid e forensic forensic e xper pe rtis tise to c rimin imina al investigation by preserving, securing, and if need be, by scientifically reconstructing the crime scene for the collection, documentation, and forensic examination of all collected physical evidence with the end in view of establishing fact/s relative to a criminal incident. IV. OBJEC OBJ ECT TIVES: IV.1. To conduct forensic investigations through the methodical means of collection, examination, preservation, and presentation of all evidence for the fina finall disp disp ositi ositio o n of o f c riminal iminal c a ses. IV.2. To enable the police investigating/line units to expeditiously identify and arrest the criminal perpetrators through the collected and examined physical evidence. IV.3. To establish the facts before the competent courts based on c ollec ollec ted and a nd examined examined phy p hys sic a l evide evidenc nce. e. IV.4. To strictly adhere to the protocols governing forensic science. IV.5. To progressively acquire new technology and human skills to ensure that the operational capabilities shall be consistent with the continuous and evolving threats to public safety.
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V. SOCO FUNCTIONS: V.1. It shall determine and delineate the crime scene. V.2. It shall preserve and ensure the protection of the crime scene. V.3. It shall conduct methodical search for all available evidence in the c rime scene. V.4. It shall method ically do cument the c rime scene. V.5 It shall methodically collect and transport all available physical evidence from the crime scene to the PNP Crime Laboratory for purposes of appropriate forensic examinations. V.6. As required, it shall present before any competent court and/or any legally mandated agency its forensic findings and the expert testimonies of the SOCO elements. VI. GENERAL SOCO PROCEDURES: VI.1 Preparation Prior to the Conduct of SOC O VI.1.1. Ensure the availability of packaging and collection materials necessary for typical search circumstance. VI.I.2. Prepa re the preliminary format for the paperwork needed to document the c onduct of the search. VI.I.3.
Discuss upcoming sea rch with the involved personnel.
VI.I.4. Ma ke preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at scene, if practicable. VI.I.5. C onsider the safety and comfort of sea rch personnel. Be prepared for probable impediments which maybe poised by weather or terrain. Ensure that ba sic crime scene search eq uipments are functional. These should consist of the communication, lighting, first aid, a nd sec urity equipments. VII.6. Ensure that all SOC O Tea m elements tasked to enter the crime scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective gears as maybe nec essary. VI.I.7. Assess the personnel assignments normally required to successfully process a c rime scene and ensure that such assignments are in keeping with the training, experienc e, attitude, and aptitude of each individual. VI.2. Crime Scene Approach VI.2.1. Be alert for discarded evidence. VI.2.2. Ma ke pertinent notes about the co ndition of the C rime Scene based on the systematic observation & scene assessment.
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VI.2.3. Establish frame-of-mind to take control of scene regardless of circumstance observed on arrival. VI.2.4. C onsider pe rsonnel safety. VI.3. Preliminary Crime Scene Survey. VI.3.1. The survey is an organizational stage to a planned search. VI.3.2. A cautious walk-through of accomplished by the Team Leader.
the scene
must be
VI.3.3. The SOC O Tea m Leader provides and ensures the op erationa l foc us of the Tea m. VI.3.4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques that should provide answers to the 5 W’s & 1H. VI.3.5. Organize methods rec ognize special problem area s.
and
procedures
needed
to
VI.3.6. Identify and protect transient physica l evidence. VI.3.7. Make an extensive narrative notes on the physical and environmental conditions of the crime scene based on the exact locations of items found thereat and condition of the crime scene as rec eived from the investiga tor on c ase. VI.4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence VI.4.1. This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene and becomes detailed in preliminary survey stage. VI.4.2. Based on preliminary survey, establish evidence types most likely to be enc ountered. VI.4.3. Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is sufficient for task at ha nd. VI.4.4. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the great variety of possible evidence. VI.4.5. Focus first on the easily accessible areas in open view and progress eventually to possible out-of-view locations. VI.4.6. C onsider whether the evidence app ea rs to have moved inad vertently.
been
VI.4.7. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence app ea rs intentiona lly c ontrived. VI.5 Narrative description of the Crime Scene VI.5.1. The narrative is a running, general terms description of the c ondition of the c rime scene.
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VI.5.2. Photography supplements narrative description of the crime scene. VI.5.3. Do not permit narrative effort to degenerate into a sporadic and unorga nized attempt to rec over physical evidence. VI.6. Crime Scene Photography / Videography VI.6.1. Begin photographing the crime scene as soon as possible. VI.6.2. Document the photographic effort with a photograph log. VI.6.3. Ensure that a progression of overall, medium and closeup views of the scene is established .
and
VI.6.4. Photograph evidence in place before its collection packaging.
VI.6.5. Photograph items, places etc., to corroborate the statement of witnesses, victims, suspects. VI.6.6. Take photograp hs from eye level, when fea sible, to represent scene as would be ob served by normal view. VI.6.7. Prior to lifting latent fingerprints, photographs should be taken. VI.7. Sketch of Crime Scene VI.7.1. The diagram establishes permanent rec ords of items, conditions and distance/size relationships – diagram supplement photographs. VI.7.2. Number designa tions on sketc h should be with same number de signa tions on evidence log.
coo rdinated
VI.7.3. The sketch should contain sufficient mea surements and details to be used as a model for drawn to scale diagram, or indicate a disclaimer if not drawn to scale. VI.8. Detailed Crime Scene Search VI.8.1. C onduct sea rch in a general manner and work to the specifics regarding evidence items. VI.8.2. Photograph all items before collection and enter notation in photographic log. VI.8.3. Ma rk evidence loc ations on diagram/sketc h. VI.8.4. Do not handle evide nce excessively after
rec overy.
VI.8.5. Sea l all evidence c ontainers at the crime scene. VI.9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection 4
VI.9.1. collection.
Tag
and
photograph
evidence
in
place
before
VI.9.2. Methodically record the recovered evidence. Mark evidence (mark item itself whenever feasible) VI.9.3. Place identifying marks in evidence containers. VI.10. Final Crime Scene Survey VI.10.1. Discuss completeness.
search
jointly
with
a ll
personnel
for
VI.10.2. Double-check documentation to detect inadvertent errors. VI.10.3. C hec k to ensure before depa rting the scene.
all evidenc e is accounted for
VI.10.4. Ensure all equipment used in the sea rch is ga thered. VI.10.5. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult a ccess areas have not been overlooked in detailed sea rch. VI.11. Turn-Over/Release of Crime Scene to Investigator-On-Case VI.II.1. Ensure that approp riate inventory has been provided . VI.II.2. Relea se the scene with the notion that there is only one chanc e to pe rform the job correc tly and completely. VI.II.3. Release is accomplished only after completion of final survey and prope r doc umentation.
the
VII. SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PROCEDURES VII.I. In clandestine labo ratories and bombing c ases/incide nts, the EOD should clear the area first and declare it secured prior to the conduct of SOCO. Moreover, these are considered as special situations whereby the Forensic Chemical Officer (FOCO) shall be tasked to undertake the initial scene assessments and advice the SOCO Team Leader as to how the sequenc e of the crime scene investiga tion shall be undertaken. VII.2. In suspected and/or reported chemical, biological, radiological, and/or nuclear (CBRN) situation, the SOCO Team shall directly coordinate with the Spe cial Rescue/ C BRN Tea m of the Bureau of Fire Protec tion prior to the conduct of crime scene investigation. This shall be the standard operational procedure pending the capability acquisition of the PNP Crime Laboratory for CBRN situation. VII.3. In mass victim situation, the SOC O Team, in addition to its fundamental function, shall act as the first responder of the Interim Disaster Victim Identification Task Group (IDVI TG) of the PNP C rime Laboratory. It shall immediately assess the forensic specialists needed to be deployed at the crime scene and relay the assessed req uirements to HQs PNP C rime Laboratory. 5
VII.4. Situation/incidents may occur whereby the functional expertise of a forensic specialist is critical and/or would provide better command of the SOCO. The SOCO Team Leader must immediately take cognizance of these situations and put to task the forensic specialist in assessing the situation and rec ommending as to how the SOC O shall be sequentially conduc ted. VII.5. The PNP C rime Laboratory strictly adheres to the c ardinal forensic protocol of objectivity albeit such adherence does not preclude the basic human sensibilities and respect for the dea d. The SOC O Team shall exped ite the transfer of a cadaver in the crime scene to an accredited morgue for further forensic examinations after its position has been accurately sketched, photographed, properly documented, and all other essential forensic procedures needed to be performed at the crime scene had been completed . Further, the SOC O Tea m shall exercise ethical judgment by ensuring that no photograph of the c ada ver shall be taken other than for the purpose of criminal investiga tion VIII. TYPES OF SEARCH VIII.1. Quadrant or Zone sea rch method
In this method, one searcher is assigned to a quadrant, then ea ch qua drant is cut into another set of quadrants. VIII.2. Strip or Line search method
In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle. The searcher proceeds slowly at the same pace along path 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 of. A photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and
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tagged and the sea rch proc eeds at a given signal. At the end of the rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along new lanes as shown in the abo ve illustration. VIII.3. Spiral search method
In this method, the sea rchers follow ea ch other along the pa th of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiralling in toward the center. VIII.4. Grid or double strip search method
The grid or d ouble strip method of sea rch is a modification of strip search method. Here, the rectangle is traverse first parallel to the b ase then parallel to the side. This is ideal for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Operation. VIII.5. Wheel search method
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In this method of sea rch, 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 the number of searchers. One shortcoming of this method is the great increase in the area to be observed as the searcher departs from the center. Another is the possibility of evidence contamination or destruction with the likelihood that the searchers will step on them as they converge at the center. IX. SOCO TEAM ORGANIZATION IX.1. Basic Individual Attribute The Scene of C rime of O peration is considered as a specialized type of police operation wherein PNP personnel may opt to take as their Primary Police Occupational Specialization (POS). Being such, designation to the SOCO Team shall be based on CIA (Conduct, Industry, and Aptitude) Parameters. IX.2. Training All personnel projected to be detailed with the SOCO Team must undergo the Scene of Crime Operation Course. The SOCO C ourse shall be a mandatory course for all PNP C rime Laboratory personnel mandated to be detailed with SOCO Team prior to their detail with the different technical division and/or crime laboratory office. They must also undergo mandatory training on basic First Aid C ourse. IX.3. Basic SOC O C omposition/ Tasks IX.3.1 Team Leader - Responsible for the performance and work product of the SOC O and its individual members at crime scenes. - Assume C ontrol – ensure safety of personnel and sec urity at scene, including the designation of a trained individual responsible for assessing potentially hazardous conditions/environments at the scene. - C onduc t initial work-through for purpo ses of safety, making preliminary survey, evaluation of potential evidence, and preparing a narrative d escription. - Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between sea rch a nd investiga tive personnel. - Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignments for team members. - Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a coo perative spirit is maintained. - Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel – consider shift planning.
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- C ontrol access to the scene and designa te an individual to log everyone into the scene. Act as PIO/ Spo kesperson at the C rime Scene. - Responsible for the consolidation/compilation of reports, documents, and evidence gathered by the reinforcing SOCO Team that provide support at the C rime Scene. - C ontinuously re-evaluate efficienc y of sea rch during entire course of operation. - Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence. IX.3 2. Photographer - Photograph entire a rea before it is entered. - Photograph victims, crowd and vehicles. - Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate. - Photograph major evidence items before they are moved. Coordinate this effort with the Sketcher, Evidence Custodian and Evidence Rec overy Personnel. - Photograph all latent fingerprints, and other impression evidenc e, before lifting and c asting is accomplished. - Photograph blueprints, maps and previous photographs of scene, as required. - Take final photographs to show final cond ition as relea sed . IX.3.3 Sketc her - Diagram immediate area of scene. It must be oriented to the North. - Set forth on sketch major items of evidence and coordinate evidence nomenclature with Evidence Custodian and Evidence C ollec tors/ proc essors. - Indicate adjacent buildings, rooms, furniture, and so forth, as needed. - Designate and label areas to be searched and advise team leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas. - Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and list assistant (s) on sketc h. - Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is rec orded on sketc h. 9
IX.3.4. Evide nce Log Rec order/C ustodian - Prepare evidence rec overy log. - Coordinate evidence nomenclature with the Sketcher, Photographer and Evidence Collector/processors. - Rec ord all evidence. - Rec eive all evidence - Undertake evidence pa ckaging and preservation - Ma intain chain-of-custody of evidenc es. - C oordinate transmittal of evidence laboratory technical division for examination
to the c onc erned
IX.3.5. Driver/Security - C oordinate with the supply PNCO to ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained - Provide physical security to the SOCO elements and equipments IX.3.6. Evidence Processor/C ollec tor – This generally refers to the different forensic specialists, who by virtue of their specialization, are necessary to identify, collect, examine, and present before the courts evidence at the crime scene. The services of these forensic specialists shall be attached to the SOCO Team depending on the SOCO requirements of the reported crime scene. There are crime incidence where not all forensic spec ialists are needed to proc ess the scene. IX.4. Forensic Specialists Forensic Specialists refer to the PNP C rime Lab p ersonnel who by academic preparation, series of specialized trainings, and/or occupational exposure had acquired the required technical expertise in any of the following PNP C rime Laboratory’s core c ompetenc ies: IX.4.1. Biologica l Scienc e or any of its branches IX.4.2. Physica l Science or any of its branches IX.4.3. Physical Identification IX.4.4. Firearms Identification IX.4.5. Fingerprint Identification IX.4.6. Document Examination IX.4.7. Polygraph Examination IX.4.8. Forensic Photography 10
X. SOCO EQUIPMENTS AND OTHERLOGISTICAL SUPPORT X.1 SOC O Team Element’s Uniform – The individua l elements uniform shall be constituted by the following: X.1.1 SOC O Uniform _ It shall be the UESB approved uniform X.1.2 Personal Equipment Rig X.1.3 Firearm X.1.4 UV Blacklight/ 3 ALS/Polylite X.1.5 Hand Gloves/shoe covers X.1.6 Poncho (Raincoa t with reflec tor) X.2. Team Equipment - The SOCO Van must contain the following basic equipments X.2.1 Search Light X.2.2 Medical Litter – This shall be utilized by the SOC O Team in moving the injured from the crime scene to the vehicle that would transport it to the nearest hospital in the absence of first aid responders. X.2.3 Medical First Aid Kit – This shall be standardized equipment as pa rt of the SOC O capa bility to respond to medica l emergenc ies. X.2.4 Radio C ommunication Equipment – This shall be the standard issued communication equipment to afford communication between the SOC O Tea m and the C rime Laboratory Office. X.2.5. SOC O Kit X.2.6. PBI Kit X.2.7 One (1) Long Firea rm – The SOC O Van shall have one (1) long firearm with one (1) corresponding basic ammunition load as team defense equipment to be handled by the sec urity personnel. XI. SUPPLETORY ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND PROCEDURES XI.1 Stand on the Tri-Med ia a nd Prescribed Relationship The PNP C rime Laboratory as a pa rt of the law enforcement institution shall respect the inherent right to information of the public albeit consequential to this fundamental respect is the affirmation that objectivity shall govern the conduct of crime scene investigation. Hence, the following are the prescribed rules on media inquiries: XI.1.1 On crime sce ne, only the SOC O Tea m Lea der is authorized to provide answers to the inquiries from the media. The reply must only state the available facts. The Team Leader must not, in whatever manner, relay any information that could elicit multiple and subjective 11
inferenc es or interpretations. In the absence of conc rete ob jec tive data, the Tea m Lea der shall courteously beg off to a nswer inquiries and inform the media that the inquiries shall be answered after laboratory examinations had been conducted and with clearance from the criminal investigator on case and /or line or investigating unit conducting the investiga tion. XI.1.2 The SOCO Team Leader must exercise professiona l maturity to ensure that his reply to the media inquiries must not in whatever manner impede on the conduct of the criminal investigation. XI.1.3 Post Crime Scene Investigation inquiry from the media shall be c leared first from the Direc tor, PNP C L. XI.1.4 The PNP C rime Labo ratory rec og nizes the vital role that the media play in enhancing the community awareness of protecting and preserving the crime scene. Efforts in direct coordination with the media shall be initiated for this purpose. X1.2 Crime Scene Protec tion and Preservation Trainings – The PNP C rime Laboratory shall continuously conduct period ic crime scene protec tion trainings for the first responders. X1.3. Precedence of Authority – The organic SOCO Team of the RCLO or DCLO having responsibility over the area of incident shall be the O ffice Primary Responsible (OPR) and reinforcing SOC O Tea ms from HQs PNP C L and other RC LOs/DCLOs shall provide support. X1.4 C oo rdination - Direc t and lateral coordination with PNP units and other law enforcement units for the purpose of crime scene protection, preservation, and evidence collection is highly encouraged. X1.5 Training Designs – Periodic evaluation of the SOC O Program of Instructions shall be undertaken to ensure that it is current a nd prospe ctive. XII. Effectivity: This circular shall take effect on May 1, 2006 and rescinds the previous SOCO Manual.
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