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Republic of the Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government

National Police Commission PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

CRIME LABORATORY Camp Crame, Quezon City

CIRCULAR NUMBER_01-06_ CLC – ADO - 01

SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION MANUAL I. SCENE OF CRIME OPERATION (SOCO): Scene of Crime Operation is a forensic procedure performed by trained personnel of the PNP Crime Laboratory through scientific methods of investigation for the purpose of preserving the crime scene, gathering information, documentation, collection, and examination of all physical evidence. II. AUTHORITY: II.1 Chapter 3, Section 24, paragraph c and Section 35 of RA 6975. II.2 PNP CL SO # 01-95 dtd Nov 16, 1995 III. MISSION: The SOCO shall provide forensic expertise to criminal 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. OBJECTIVES: IV.1. To conduct forensic investigations through the methodical means of collection, examination, preservation, and presentation of all evidence for the final disposition of criminal cases. 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 collected and examined physical evidence. 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 crime scene. V.4. It shall methodically document the crime 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 SOCO VI.1.1. Ensure the availability of packaging and collection materials necessary for typical search circumstance. VI.I.2. Prepare the preliminary format for the paperwork needed to document the conduct of the search. VI.I.3. Discuss upcoming search with the involved personnel. VI.I.4. Make preliminary personnel assignments before arrival at scene, if practicable. VI.I.5. Consider the safety and comfort of search personnel. Be prepared for probable impediments which maybe poised by weather or terrain. Ensure that basic crime scene search equipments are functional. These should consist of the communication, lighting, first aid, and security equipments. VII.6. Ensure that all SOCO Team elements tasked to enter the crime scene must be wearing surgical gloves and other protective gears as maybe necessary. VI.I.7. Assess the personnel assignments normally required to successfully process a crime scene and ensure that such assignments are in keeping with the training, experience, attitude, and aptitude of each individual. VI.2. Crime Scene Approach VI.2.1. Be alert for discarded evidence. VI.2.2. Make pertinent notes about the condition of the Crime 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. Consider personnel 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 the scene must be accomplished by the Team Leader. VI.3.3. The SOCO Team Leader provides and ensures the operational focus of the Team. VI.3.4. Select appropriate narrative description techniques that should provide answers to the 5 W’s & 1H. VI.3.5. Organize methods and procedures needed to recognize special problem areas. VI.3.6. Identify and protect transient physical 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 received from the investigator on case. 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 encountered. VI.4.3. Ensure that collection and packaging equipment is sufficient for task at hand. 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. Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently. VI.4.7. Evaluate whether or not the scene and evidence appears intentionally contrived. VI.5 Narrative description of the Crime Scene VI.5.1. The narrative is a running, general terms description of the condition of the crime 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 unorganized attempt to recover 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 close- up views of the scene is established. VI.6.4. Photograph evidence in place before its collection and packaging. VI.6.5. Photograph items, places etc., to corroborate the statement of witnesses, victims, suspects. VI.6.6. Take photographs from eye level, when feasible, to represent scene as would be observed 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 records of items, conditions and distance/size relationships – diagram supplement photographs. VI.7.2. Number designations on sketch should be coordinated with same number designations on evidence log. VI.7.3. The sketch should contain sufficient measurements 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. Conduct search 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. Mark evidence locations on diagram/sketch. VI.8.4. Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery. VI.8.5. Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene. VI.9. Physical Evidence Recording and Collection

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VI.9.1. Tag and photograph evidence in place before collection. 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 search jointly with all personnel for completeness. VI.10.2. Double-check documentation to detect inadvertent errors. VI.10.3. Check to ensure all evidence is accounted for before departing the scene. VI.10.4. Ensure all equipment used in the search is gathered. VI.10.5. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult access areas have not been overlooked in detailed search. VI.11. Turn-Over/Release of Crime Scene to Investigator-On-Case VI.II.1. Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided. VI.II.2. Release the scene with the notion that there is only one chance to perform the job correctly and completely. VI.II.3. Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey and proper documentation. VII. SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS TO THE GENERAL PROCEDURES VII.I. In clandestine laboratories and bombing cases/incidents, 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 sequence of the crime scene investigation 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 Special Rescue/CBRN Team of the Bureau of Fire Protection 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 SOCO 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 Crime Laboratory. It shall immediately assess the forensic specialists needed to be deployed at the crime scene and relay the assessed requirements to HQs PNP Crime Laboratory.

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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 recommending as to how the SOCO shall be sequentially conducted. VII.5. The PNP Crime Laboratory strictly adheres to the cardinal forensic protocol of objectivity albeit such adherence does not preclude the basic human sensibilities and respect for the dead. The SOCO Team shall expedite 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 SOCO Team shall exercise ethical judgment by ensuring that no photograph of the cadaver shall be taken other than for the purpose of criminal investigation VIII. TYPES OF SEARCH VIII.1. Quadrant or Zone search method

In this method, one searcher is assigned to a quadrant, then each quadrant 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 search proceeds at a given signal. At the end of the rectangle, the searcher turns and proceeds along new lanes as shown in the above illustration. VIII.3. Spiral search method

In this method, the searchers follow each other along the path of a spiral, beginning on the outside and spiralling in toward the center. VIII.4. Grid or double strip search method The grid or double strip method of search is a modification of strip search method. Here, the rectangle is traverse first parallel to the base 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 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. 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 Crime of Operation 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 Course shall be a mandatory course for all PNP Crime 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 Course. IX.3. Basic SOCO Composition/Tasks IX.3.1 Team Leader - Responsible for the performance and work product of the SOCO and its individual members at crime scenes. - Assume Control – ensure safety of personnel and security at scene, including the designation of a trained individual responsible for assessing potentially hazardous conditions/environments at the scene. - Conduct initial work-through for purposes of safety, making preliminary survey, evaluation of potential evidence, and preparing a narrative description. - Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel. - Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignments for team members. - Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and make sure a cooperative spirit is maintained. - Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for personnel – consider shift planning.

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- Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene. Act as PIO/Spokesperson at the Crime Scene. - Responsible for the consolidation/compilation of reports, documents, and evidence gathered by the reinforcing SOCO Team that provide support at the Crime Scene. - Continuously re-evaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation. - Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence. IX.3 2. Photographer - Photograph entire area 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 Recovery Personnel. - Photograph all latent fingerprints, and other impression evidence, before lifting and casting is accomplished. - Photograph blueprints, maps and previous photographs of scene, as required. - Take final photographs to show final condition as released. IX.3.3 Sketcher - 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 Collectors/processors. - 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 sketch. - Ensure necessary administrative information, such as scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale), is recorded on sketch.

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IX.3.4. Evidence Log Recorder/Custodian - Prepare evidence recovery log. - Coordinate evidence nomenclature with the Sketcher, Photographer and Evidence Collector/processors. - Record all evidence. - Receive all evidence - Undertake evidence packaging and preservation - Maintain chain-of-custody of evidences. - Coordinate transmittal of evidence to the concerned laboratory technical division for examination IX.3.5. Driver/Security - Coordinate 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/Collector – 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 specialists are needed to process the scene. IX.4. Forensic Specialists Forensic Specialists refer to the PNP Crime Lab personnel who by academic preparation, series of specialized trainings, and/or occupational exposure had acquired the required technical expertise in any of the following PNP Crime Laboratory’s core competencies: IX.4.1. Biological Science or any of its branches IX.4.2. Physical 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

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X. SOCO EQUIPMENTS AND OTHER LOGISTICAL SUPPORT X.1 SOCO Team Element’s Uniform – The individual elements uniform shall be constituted by the following: X.1.1 SOCO 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 (Raincoat with reflector) 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 SOCO 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 part of the SOCO capability to respond to medical emergencies. X.2.4 Radio Communication Equipment – This shall be the standard issued communication equipment to afford communication between the SOCO Team and the Crime Laboratory Office. X.2.5. SOCO Kit X.2.6. PBI Kit X.2.7 One (1) Long Firearm – The SOCO Van shall have one (1) long firearm with one (1) corresponding basic ammunition load as team defense equipment to be handled by the security personnel. XI. SUPPLETORY ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND PROCEDURES XI.1 Stand on the Tri-Media and Prescribed Relationship The PNP Crime Laboratory as a part 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 scene, only the SOCO Team Leader 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

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inferences or interpretations. In the absence of concrete objective data, the Team Leader shall courteously beg off to answer 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 investigation. XI.1.2 The SOCO Team Leader must exercise professional 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 cleared first from the Director, PNP CL. XI.1.4 The PNP Crime Laboratory recognizes 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 Protection and Preservation Trainings – The PNP Crime Laboratory shall continuously conduct periodic crime scene protection 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 Office Primary Responsible (OPR) and reinforcing SOCO Teams from HQs PNP CL and other RCLOs/DCLOs shall provide support. X1.4 Coordination - Direct 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 SOCO Program of Instructions shall be undertaken to ensure that it is current and prospective. XII. Effectivity: This circular shall take effect on May 1, 2006 and rescinds the previous SOCO Manual.