1.

The act or process of examining a crime, problem, statement,  
carefully, especially to discover the truth or the action of
investigating something or someone; systematically
a careful search or examination in order to discover facts,

I. Protocol of investigation
Protocol 1: Jurisdictional Investigation by the Territorial Unit
Concerned
The Police Station, which has territorial jurisdiction of the area
where the crime incident was committed, shall immediately
undertake the necessary investigation and processing of the
crime scene, unless otherwise directed by higher authorities for a
certain case to be investigated by other units/agency.

Protocol 2: Official Police Blotter

a. A Police Blotter is an 18” x 12” logbook with hard-bound cover
that contains the daily register of all crime incident reports,
official summary of arrests, and other significant events
reported in a police station.
b. As a general rule, all crime incidents must be recorded in the
official police blotter.
c. A separate Police Blotter, however, shall be maintained for
offenses requiring confidentiality like violence against women
and children and those cases involving a child in conflict with
the law to protect their privacy pursuant to R.A. 9262 (Anti-
Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004) and R.A.
9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006).
d. The duty police officer shall record the nature of the incident in
the police blotter containing the five “W”s (who, what, where,
when and why) and one “H” (how) of the information and
inform his superior officer or the duty officer regarding the
occurrence of such incident.
e. In answering the above 5 Ws and 1 H and the Case
Disposition, all such material details about the incident, including
the nature of the action or offense; the Date, Time, and Place of
Occurrence; the names of the suspect/s,the victim/s, the
witness/es, if any; facts of the case; significant circumstances
that aggravate or mitigate the event or the crime should be
entered along with the identity of the officer to whom the case is
assigned (Officer-on-case); and, the status of the case.

Protocol 3: Investigation Team:

Organization and Equipment

a. All investigators in any police unit must be a graduate of

prescribed investigation course with a rank of at least PO2 (pre-
requisite to assignment).

b. Composition:
1. Team Leader;
2. Investigator/recorder;
3. Photographer;
4. Evidence custodian; and
5. Composite Illustrator/Artist
c. Equipment of the investigator:
1. Police line;
2. Video camera;
3. Voice recorder;
4. Camera;
5. Measuring device;
6. Gloves;
7. Flashlight;
8. Fingerprint kit;
9. Evidence bag;
10. Evidence tag;
11. Evidence bottles/vials; and
12. Investigator‟s tickler (contains the following)
a) Investigator‟s checklist
b) Anatomical diagram form
c) Evidence checklist
d) Turn-over receipt

Protocol 4: Duties of the First Responder

a. Proceed to the crime scene to validate the information
received;
b. Record the exact time of arrival and all pertinent data
regarding the incident in his issued pocket notebook and notify
the TOC;
c. Cordon off the area and secure the crime scene with a police
line or whatever available material like ropes, straws or human
as barricade to preserve its integrity;
d. Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger and
call for back up if necessary;
e. Identify possible witnesses and conduct preliminary interview
and ensure their availability for the incoming investigator-on-
case;
f. Arrest the suspect/s if around or in instances wherein the
suspect/s is fleeing, make appropriate notification for dragnet
operations;
g. Prepare to take the “Dying Declaration” of severely injured
persons with the following requisites:
1. That death is imminent and the declarant is conscious of
that fact;
2. That the declaration refers to the cause and surrounding
circumstances of such death;
3. That the declaration relates to facts which the victim is
competent to testify to; and
4. That the declaration is offered in a case wherein the
 declarant’s death is the subject of the inquiry. (Section 37,
Rule 130 of the Rules of Court).
h. Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital using
emergency services;
i. Account for the killed, wounded and arrested persons for proper
disposition;
j. Conduct initial investigation; and
k. Brief the investigator-on-case upon arrival and turn over the
crime scene.
l. Conduct inventory on the evidence taken at the crime scene;
Inventory receipt should be properly signed by the first
responder, SOCO and the investigator.

Protocol 5: Duties and responsibilities of the

Investigating Team
a. Take full control of the crime scene to include the conduct of
crime scene search; taking of photographs; making sketches;
lifting of fingerprints; markings of physical evidence; (Chain of
custody) the transmittal of evidence to crime laboratory;
interview of witnesses; gathering and evaluation of evidence;
follow-up of the case and the documentation and filing of
appropriate charges in court.
b. Establish a command post in the immediate vicinity of the
crime scene;
c. Designate a holding area in the immediate vicinity of the crime
scene (for the media, VIP‟s and other personalities present);
d. Conduct case conference with the first responder, SOCO, other
law enforcers and rescue personnel;
e. Note any secondary crime scene (if situation requires); and
f. Release the crime scene after investigation.

Protocol 6: Investigation of Suspects

a. Procedures when arrest is made
1. Secure the person arrested (handcuff at the back);
2. Inform the arrested person on the cause of his arrest and his
rights as provided for in the Constitution;
3. Conduct thorough search for weapons and other illegal
materials against the suspect/s;
4. Use reasonable force in making arrest;
5. Confiscated evidence shall be properly documented and
marked;
6. Bring the arrested person to the Police Station for
investigation.

b. Booking procedures of the Arrested Person/Suspect

1. The arrested suspect shall be fingerprinted, photographed and
subjected to medical examination to include liquor and drug
tests.
2. Conduct record check.

Protocol 7: Taking of Sworn Statements of Suspects

The execution of a suspect’s “WAIVER” as stipulated in Art 125 of
the RPC shall always be done in the presence of his chosen
counsel or any independent counsel.

Protocol 8: Taking of Sworn Statement/s of the Witnesses

a. Sworn Statement or Affidavit of complainant/s and witness/es
must be taken immediately by the investigator-on-case.
b. Affidavit of Arrest of arresting officers must be taken
immediately not later than 24 hours.
c. In Inquest cases, the investigator-on-case and the arresting
officer/s shall observe Art. 125 of the RPC.

Protocol 9: Preparation of Reports and Filing of Charges

The Investigator-On-Case shall submit the following:
a. Spot Report within 24 hrs to HHQ;
b. Progress Report;
c. After Operation Report;
d. Final Report after the case is filed before the prosecutor‟s
office/court; and
e. Accomplishment Report.

Protocol 10: Procedure in the Release of Crime Scene

a. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been made;
b. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final
survey and proper documentation of evidence, witness/es,
victim/s and suspect/s; and
c. If the crime scene is within a private property, the same must
be released to the lawful owner witnessed by any barangay
official. In case of government facility, it should be released to
the administrator.

Protocol 11: Follow-up of Case

The investigator shall conduct police operation to identify and
apprehend suspect/s based on the results of the initial
investigation conducted.

Protocol 12: Preparation of Case Investigation Plan

(CIPLAN)
The conduct of police operation involving sensational cases, high
profile and heinous crimes must be covered by Case Investigation
Plan.

Protocol 13: Attendance to Court Duties

The investigator-on-case and arresting officers shall endeavor to
ensure their attendance during court hearings while COPs/Heads
of Units shall supervise and ensure the attendance of witness/es.

Protocol 14: Uniform of the Investigator 2y1-3

Prescribed uniform should be worn by investigators when
conducting investigation so as to identify them as PNP personnel.

PART II

III. 3 TOOLS OF AN INVESTIGATOR IN GATHERING

FACTS
a. Information – Data gathered by an investigator from other
persons including the victim himself and from:
1. Public records;
2. Private records; and
3. Modus Operandi file.

b. Interview – Skillful questioning of witnesses and suspects.

End 2y2-9/12,20
c. Instrumentation – Scientific examination of real evidence,
application of instrument and methods of the physical sciences in
detecting CRIME 2c

II. Phases of investigation

The objectives of the investigator provide a convenient
division of the investigation into three phases:
(1) the criminal is identified;
(2) he is traced and located; and
(3) the facts proving the guilt are gathered for court
presentation. This division is made for convenience of
discussion, since the three phases are not necessarily
separated in time but are usually fused throughout the
investigation. 

III. Standard Methods of recording investigative data

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

IV. Crime Scene Processing

a. The Crime Scene Search
1. Processing and Securing a Crime Scene –
Processing a crime scene includes the application of diligent and
careful methods by an investigator/policeman to recognize,
identify, preserve and collect fact 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.

2. Protecting the Crime Scene and the Evidence –

Successful crimes 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;
written statements and transcribing verbal statements of
witnesses, suspects and marking and preservation of collected
physical objects of evidentiary nature.

3. 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

V. Investigator’s note book

a. Purpose: Considering the mass of details and the
number of cases which in some instances an investigator is
handling, it is very possible that 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 notebook to record the relevant details of the case.
During trial, the court allows investigators to consult their notes
to refresh their memory.

b. Recording Note: The data of the investigation should

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

VI. Common investigation oversights

a. Incomplete Case Folder – lack of material
documentation of the case under investigation.

Recommended Remedies – include the police reports in

chronological order such as police blotter, spot, progress
and final investigation report. Also, append the scene of
crime operation reports, forensic reports and
photographs. Further, if possible, attach the profile of
victim/s and suspect/s, as well as the status of the party
involved and the case.
b. No template for the conduct of investigation – police
personnel are not knowledgeable about crime scene
preservation and basic investigation.

Recommended Remedies – every police personnel should

mandatorily undergo investigation training giving priority
to those in the field units.

c. Inadequacy of coordination – the SOCO, investigators,

prosecutors and other concerned agencies work
separately and independently in the conduct of their
investigation.

Recommended Remedies - case conferences should be

encouraged at the start of the investigation. The
conferences should be attended by the SOCO,
investigators, prosecutors, IBP lawyers and other
concerned agencies in order to ensure the coordinated
actions in the preparation of an airtight case folder. End
2y1-1

d. Failure to prosecute – pertains to absence of police

investigator during trial to act as prosecutor’s witness due
to retirement and transfer of concerned investigator.

Recommended Remedies – proper turn-over of case

folders
handled by investigators who shall retire or be
transferred, as requisite before the
issuance of office clearance.
 e. Chain of Custody – non-observance of proper
documentation in the turn-over of evidence from one
officer to another or one office to another.

Recommended Remedies – documentation on the turn–

over of evidence with actual receipt should be observed
and non-observance should be the basis for administrative
sanctions.

f. Less appreciation of electronic evidence – police

investigators take for granted the electronic devices such
as cellphones, computers and other electronic devices can
be processed to give investigative leads.
Recommended Remedies – proper training on the
preservation and processing of electronic devices should
be prioritized for all investigators in the field.

VII. Procedure Upon receipt of Report/complaint

GENERAL INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES
1 PURPOSE
This investigative procedure is designed to adapt to the
current trends in modern investigation, in line with the
PNP Integrated Transformation Program which seeks to
improve and integrate the different manuals used by the
PNP to serve as guide in all aspects of police investigation.
It also aims to come up with a definite investigative
procedure on specific cases from the time the incident
happened, until the case is filed, which will be adopted
by the PNP investigators in pursuing their mandated
tasks.

2 PROCEDURES
 Upon receipt of call/walk-in complainants Duty Desk
Officer shall:
a. Record the time it was reported;
b. Get the identity of the caller/complainant;
c. Get the place of the incident;
d. Get the nature of the incident;
e. Get the number of victim/s;
f. Record a brief synopsis of the incident;
g. Direct the nearest mobile car/beat patrollers or the
nearest police precinct to act as first responder equipped
with “police line” to secure the place of incident a camera;
and
h. Inform the duty investigator (preferably one team of
investigators)

Procedure at the crime scene

The First Responder shall perform his/her duty

A. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CRIME SCENE

1. Receive the crime scene from the first responder.
2. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the
scene, condition of the weather, condition and type of lighting,
direction of wind and visibility.
3. Photograph and/or video the entire crime scene.
4. Before entering the crime scene, all investigators must put on
surgical gloves.
5. Before touching or moving any object at the crime scene in a
homicide or murder case, determine first the status of the
victim, whether he is still alive or already dead. If the victim is
alive, the investigator should exert effort to gather information
from the victim himself regarding the circumstances of the
crime, while a member of the team or someone must call an
 ambulance from the nearest hospital. Before removing the
victim, mark, sketch and photograph his/her relative position.
Only a coroner or a medical examiner shall remove the dead
body unless unusual circumstances justify its immediate
removal. CORONER an official who investigates violent,
sudden, or suspicious deaths
6. Designate a member of the team or ask other policemen or
responsible persons to stand watch and secure the scene, and
permit only authorized persons to enter the same.
7. Identify and retain for questioning the person who first notified
the police, and other possible witnesses.
8. Determine the assailant through inquiry or observe him if his
identity is immediately apparent. Arrest him if he is still in the
vicinity.
9. Separate witnesses in order to get independent statements.

B. RECORDING
The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts
and
details of the investigation the moment he arrives at the crime
scene. (He should record the time when he was initially notified
prior to his arrival). He also writes down the identification of
persons involved and what he initially saw. He also draws a basic
sketch of the crime scene and takes the initial photograph (if a
photographer is available, avail his services). This is to ensure
that an image of the crime scene is recorded before any
occurrence that disturbs the scene. As a rule, do not touch, alter
or remove anything at the crime scene until the evidence has
been processed through notes, sketches and photograph, with
proper
measurements.

C. SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE

1. Each crime is different, according to the physical nature of the
scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently, the
scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing physical
characteristics of the scene and with the need to develop
essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general
survey of the scene is always made, however, to note the
locations of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and
exit points used by the offender(s) and the size and shape of
the area involved. End 2y1-3

2. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic

search of evidence is initiated (In the interest of uniformity, it
is
recommended that the clockwise movement be used.) The
investigator examines each item encountered on the floor,
walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary
value.

3. You should give particular attention to fragile evidence that

may be destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected when
discovered.

4. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as

evidence until proven otherwise.

5. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may be

present is closely examined and that action is taken to develop
the prints.

6. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in

surfaces conducive to making casts or molds. If possible,
photograph the impression and make a cast or mold.
7. Note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and
treat them as evidence.

8. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and

earth particles foreign to the area in which they are found; for
example, matter found under the victim‟s fingerprints.

9. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion

of the processing of the scene. The search for evidence is
initially completed when, after a thorough examination of the
scene, the rough sketch, necessary photograph and
investigative notes have been completed and the investigator
has returned to the point from which the search began.

10. Further search may be necessary after the evidence and the
statements obtained have been evaluated.

11. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into

strips about four (4) feet wide. The policeman may first
search
the strip on his left as he faces the scene and then the
adjoining strips.

12. It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area

considered to be the immediate scene of the incident or
crime.
For example, evidence may indicate that a weapon or tool
used in the crime was discarded or hidden by the offender
somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene.

13. After completing the search of the scene, the investigator

examines the object or person actually attacked by the
offender. For example, a ripped safe, a desk drawer that has
 been pried open or a room from which items has been stolen,
would be processed after the remainder of the scene has
been
examined for traces of the offender.

14. In a homicide case, the position of the victim should be

outlined with a chalk or any other suitable material before the
body is removed from the scene. If the victim has been
pronounced dead by a doctor or is obviously dead, it is
usually
advisable to examine the body, the clothing and the area
under the body after the remainder of the scene has been
searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator to
evaluate all objects of special interest in the light of all other
evidence found at the scene.
D. COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE
This is accomplished after the search is completed, the rough
sketch finished and photographs taken. Fragile evidence should
be collected they are found. All firearms (FAs) found to have
tampered serial numbers (SNs) shall be automatically
subjected to macro etching at the Philippine National Police
Crime Laboratory (PNP-CL). A corresponding request to the
Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) must be made for
verification purposes. The investigator places his initials, the
date and time of discovery on each item of evidence for proper
identification. Items that could not be marked should be placed
in a suitable container and sealed.

E. MARKINGS OF EVIDENCE
Any physical evidence obtained must be marked or tagged
before its submission to the evidence custodian. These are
information to ensure that the items can be identified by the
collector at any time in the future. This precaution will help
 immeasurably to establish the credibility of the collector‟s
report or testimony and will effectively avoid any suggestions
that the item has been misidentified.

Markings on the specimen must at least contain the

following:
1. Exhibit Case Number
2. Initials and or signature of the collecting officer.
3. Time and date of collection.

NOTE: It is also important to note the place or location where

the
evidence was collected.

F. EVALUATION OF EVIDENCE
Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all the
evidence, individually and collectively. If necessary, these pieces
of evidence must be subjected to crime laboratory examination.
Example: firearms for ballistic
examination, hair strands etc.

G. PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every
precaution
is exercised to preserve physical evidence in the state in which it
was recovered/obtained until it is released to the evidence
custodian.

H. RELEASING OF EVIDENCE
All collected evidence can only be released upon order of the
court
or prosecutor, as the case maybe.
I. CHAIN OF CUSTODY
A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of
evidence, continuity of possession, or the chain of custody, must
be established whenever evidence is presented in court as an
exhibit. Adherence to standard procedures in recording the
location of evidence, marking it for identification, and properly
completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is
critical to chain of custody. Every person who handled or
examined the evidence and where it is at all times must be
accounted for. As a rule, all seized evidence must be in the
custody of the evidence custodian and deposited in the evidence
room or designated place for safekeeping.

J. TRANSMITTAL OF EVIDENCE TO CRIME LABORATORY

Proper handling of physical evidence is necessary to obtain the
maximum possible information upon which scientific examination
shall be based, and to prevent exclusion as evidence in court.
Specimens which truly represent the material found at the scene,
unaltered, unspoiled or otherwise unchanged in handling will
provide more and better information upon examination. Legal
requirements make it necessary to account for all physical pieces
of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in
court. With these in mind, the following principles should be
observed in handling all types of evidence:
1. The evidence should reach the laboratory in same condition
as when it was found, as much as possible.
2. The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the
best equipment available, good results cannot be obtained
from insufficient specimens.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison
purposes.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no
intermingling or mixing of known and unknown material. Wrap
 and seal in individual packages when necessary.
5. Mark or label each of evidence for positive identification as the
evidence taken from a particular location in connection with
the crime under investigation.
6. The chain of custody of evidence must be maintained.
Account for evidence from the time it is collected until it is
produced in court. Any break in this chain of custody may
make the material inadmissible as evidence in court.

METHODS OF CRIME SCENE SEARCH

a. Strip Search Method

b. Double Strip Search Method
c. Spiral Search Method
d. Zone Search Method
e. Wheel Search Method
Methods of Crime Scene Search
a. Strip Search Method
Strip Search Method
In this method, the area is blocked out in the form of a rectangle.
The three (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 evidencehas been cared for. A
photographer is called, if necessary. The evidence is collected and
tagged and the search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of
the rectangle, the searchers turn and proceed along new lanes as
shown in the above illustration.

b. Double Strip Search Method

The double strip or grid method of search is a modification of the
Strip Search Method. Here, the rectangle is traversed first parallel
to the base then parallel to a side.

c. Spiral Search Method

In this method, the three searchers follow each other along the
path of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiraling in toward
the center.

d. Zone Search Method

In this method, one searcher is assigned to each subdivision of a
quadrant, and then each quadrant is cut into another set of
quadrants.

e. Wheel Search Method

In this method of search, the area is considered to be
approximately circular. The searchers gather at the center and
proceed outward along radii or spokes. The procedure should be
repeated several times depending on the size of the circle and 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.

2.2.5 Procedures on taking photographs

a. Overall photos of the scene are taken to show the approach to
the area, street signs, and street light locations in relation to the
actual scene, street addresses and identifying objects at the
scene. Pictures should also be taken of every room in the house,
even if their relationship to the crime scene is not readily
apparent.
b. Photograph the scene in a clockwise pattern before altering the
body's position or any other evidence within the scene.
Photograph the scene from at least 2 opposite corners, but from
all four corners is even better. This way, nothing is missed or
hidden from view by intervening objects.
c. Photograph the body and the immediate vicinity around the
body. If you have a camera boom, take pictures from ceiling
height down of the victim and any other evidence. This
perspective often shows things missed when viewed from ground
or eye level.
d. Keep a photo log.

Procedures on making a sketch

a. To establish admissibility, the investigator must have personal
observation of the data in question. In other words, the sketch
must be sponsored or verified.
b. REMINDER: Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos;
they are but a supplement to them.

c. Types of sketches:
1. Floor plan or “bird‟s-eye view”;
2. Elevation drawing;
3. Exploded view; and
4. Respective drawings.
d. Write down all measurements.
e. Fill in all the details on your rough sketch at the scene. Final
sketch may be prepared at the office.

f. Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the final
sketch.
g. Indicate the North direction with an arrow.
h. Draw the final sketch to scale.
i. Indicate the PLACE in the sketch as well as the person who
drew it. Use KEY-capital letters of the alphabet for listing down
more or less normal parts
or accessories of the place, and numbers for items of evidence.
j. Indicate the position, location and relationship of objects.
k. Methods or systems of locating points (objects) on sketch:
1. Rectangular coordinates. (Measurements at right angles from
each of two walls).
2. Coordinates constructed on transecting base line. Choose
relatively fixed points for your base line.
3. Triangulation. (Measurements made from each of two fixed
objects to the point you want to plot or locate so as to form an
imaginary triangle. Sketch will show as many imaginary
triangles as there are objects plotted).
l. Critical measurements, such as skid marks, should be checked
by
two (2) investigators.
m. Measurements should be harmony or in centimeters, inches,
yards,
meters, mixed in one sketch.
n. Use standard symbols in the sketch.
o. Show which way the doors swing.
p. Show with arrow the direction of stairways.
q. Recheck the sketch for clarity, accuracy, scale, and title, key.
Procedures on lifting fingerprints
a. Dusting for Latent Fingerprints
1. Pour a small amount of powder into a piece of paper or a
shallow bowl.
PNP Criminal Investigation Manual 2011 2 - 12 -
2. Touch the tip of the brush to the powder being careful not to
pick up too much.
3. Apply the powder to the surface gently, using short strokes.
4. When a print begins to appear, begin making the brush
strokes to conform to the pattern of the ridges.
b. Lifting of Latent Fingerprints
1. Pull off approximately 3 inches of tape from the roll.
2. Begin pressing the tape from the leading edge with a back and
forth motion of a finger.
3. Continue pressing the tape an inch or more past the latent.
4. To make the lift, use a steady, even pull.
5. Once the tape is pulled beyond the latent print and the print is
lifted, stop so that the leading edge is still in contact with the
surface.
6. The print should be mounted on some form of backing
material.
c. Taking Plain Impressions
1. DO NOT ROLL the fingers when inking or taking the
impression.
2. Use the same position as when rolling the fingers.
3. Ink the right thumb by pressing it straight down onto the ink
surface (do not roll).
4. Ink the remaining four fingers simultaneously by pressing them
onto the ink surface.
5. Repeat the same procedure with the left hand.
2.2.8 SOCO Assistance
a. In cases where the crime scene needs special processing due
to its significance or because of its sensational nature, the Scene
of the Crime Operation (SOCO) specialists of the Crime
Laboratory shall be requested. PNP Criminal Investigation Manual
2011
2 - 13 -
b. If the situation involves a clandestine drug laboratory,
biological
weapons, radiological or chemical threats, the appropriate agency
should be contacted prior to entering the scene.
1. Significant Cases:
a) Bombing Incident
b) Initiated terrorist activities
c) Raids, ambuscade, liquidation
d) KFR case
e) Armed Robbery of Banks and other
f) Financial institution
g) Calamity/Disaster
h) Massacre
i) Heinous crimes (as defined by law)
j) Murder, Homicide, Arson, Rape with Homicide
2. Sensational Cases:
a) Elected Public Officials (Brgy Captain up to President of the RP)
b) Appointed public officials with the rank of commissioner,
secretary and undersecretary
c) Foreign diplomat
d) Any foreigner
e) PNP/AFP personnel
f) Former high-ranking government officials
g) Other prominent figures such as movie stars, sports stars, tri-
media practitioners, prominent businessmen,professionals, and
prominent leaders of religious organizations. PNP Criminal
Investigation Manual 2011 2 - 14 -

Release of Crime Scene

Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided.
a. Release the scene with the notion that there is only one chance
to perform job correctly and completely.
b. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final
survey
and proper documentation. “Give the pupils something to do,
not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to
demand thinking; learning naturally results.” (John Dewey)
PNP
PROCEDURES ON TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
a. Overall photos of the scene are taken to show the approach to
the area, street signs, and street light locations in relation to the
actual scene, street addresses and identifying objects at the
scene. Pictures should also be taken of every room in the house,
even if their relationship to the crime scene is not readily
apparent.

b. Photograph the scene in a clockwise pattern before altering the

body's position or any other evidence within the scene.
Photograph the scene from at least 2 opposite corners, but from
all four corners is even better. This way, nothing is missed or
hidden from view by intervening objects.

c. Photograph the body and the immediate vicinity around the

body. If you have a camera boom, take pictures from ceiling
height down of the victim and any other evidence. This
perspective often shows things missed when viewed from ground
or eye level.

d. Keep a photo log.

PROCEDURES ON MAKING A SKETCH

a. To establish admissibility, the investigator must have personal
observation of the data in question. In other words, the sketch
must be sponsored or verified.

b. REMINDER: Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos;

they are but a supplement to them.

c. Types of sketches:
1. Floor plan or “bird‟s-eye view”;
2. Elevation drawing;
3. Exploded view; and
4. Respective drawings.
d. Write down all measurements.
e. Fill in all the details on your rough sketch at the scene. Final
sketch may be prepared at the office.

Finished product of the rough sketch. • Prepared for courtroom

presentation and. often will not show all measurements and
distances originally recorded on the rough sketch.
 Procedure  wherein  the  court  decides  the  case  through  the evidence and affidavits presented by the
parties