Question & AnswerQ&A (PNP STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. ODIDM 2011-03)
The IOC has the primary responsibility over the crime scene and takes control and supervision in the overall crime scene investigation, including conducting thorough assessment, inquiry, and deciding on the involvement of the SOCO team.
CSI refers to all investigative procedures undertaken at the crime scene from the arrival of the First Responders (FRs) to the arrival of the Duty Investigator/IOC and the SOCO Team until the lifting of the security cordon and release of the crime scene.
FRs are members of the PNP or other law enforcement agencies who are mandated and expected to be the first to respond to calls for assistance in cases of crime incidents. They secure the crime scene, administer first aid, and preserve evidence prior to arrival of IOC.
The SOCO Team conducts forensic procedures including preserving the crime scene, gathering information, documentation, collection and examination of physical and forensic evidence, photography, videography, crime scene sketching and other scientific investigative methods upon request from the IOC.
CSI formally starts upon the arrival of the PNP First Responders and concludes with the lifting of the security cordon and release of the crime scene by the IOC.
The IOC decides on the lifting of the security cordon after consultation with the SOCO Team Leader, ensures all evidence is collected, accomplishes the required forms, and formally releases the crime scene to the owner or person in authority with proper documentation.
The FR must evaluate the scene, provide emergency services and first aid, secure the crime scene by cordoning off the area, conduct preliminary interviews, take dying declarations if any, arrest suspects present, and prepare the First Responder's Report.
Violations are dealt with administratively, with unit commanders held responsible under command responsibility. Criminal charges may also be filed if warranted under the Revised Penal Code or special laws.
Key forms include: CSI Form 1 (First Responder's Report), CSI Form 2 (Request for Conduct of SOCO), CSI Form 3 (Turn-over of Collected Evidence), CSI Form 4 (SOCO Report Forms), CSI Form 5 (Release of Crime Scene Form), and CSI Form 6 (IOC's CSI Form).
The Police Station Operation Center requests the SOCO team upon the COP’s directive, and the Provincial/City Operations Center facilitates the request and deployment of the SOCO Team to the crime scene.