Law Summary
Purpose of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) SOP
- To clarify roles and responsibilities at the crime scene among First Responders (FR), Investigator-on-Case (IOC), and SOCO Team
- To organize procedures for preserving and collecting forensic evidence, and documenting witnesses
- To avoid errors and contamination in CSI as revealed by prior case reviews
- To enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring evidence admissibility in court
- To address procedural weaknesses identified through case reviews
Scope of Application
- Applies to all PNP-led crime scene investigations
- Procedures cover activities from FR arrival to scene release
- Mandatory for First Responders, Investigators, SOCO Team, and Special Investigation Task Groups (SITG)
Key Definitions
- Crime Scene: place where crime or incident occurred
- Crime Scene Investigation (CSI): investigative procedures from FR arrival to scene release
- First Responder (FR): earliest police personnel on site responsible for initial aid and scene security
- Investigator-on-Case (IOC): designated PNP personnel with full control of the crime scene investigation
- SOCO Team: forensic experts conducting scientific evidence collection and scene documentation
- Evidence: information or objects admissible in court including physical and testimonial
- Physical and Forensic Evidence: tangible items for court examination; legal proof supporting convictions
- Jurisdiction: legal authority over subject matter of investigation
General Policy and Overview
- CSI begins post-incident with securing and processing the scene
- FR secures and assesses scene; IOC assumes command upon arrival
- SOCO Team involvement requested as needed
- All procedures must preserve evidence integrity and observe legal standards
Roles and Responsibilities
First Responder (FR)
- First police to arrive; dispatched by local station
- Evaluates the scene and required emergency assistance
- Administers first aid and manages emergency evacuation
- Secures crime scene by cordoning off to prevent contamination
- Conducts preliminary witness interviews and takes dying declarations
- Arrests or detains suspects present
- Briefs and hands over scene to IOC; submits First Responder Report (CSI Form 1)
Investigator-on-Case (IOC)
- Takes full control of the crime scene
- Conducts thorough assessment and expands search as necessary
- Requests SOCO Team through proper channels if required
- Can proceed without SOCO team if laboratory unavailable, ensuring proper evidence collection
- Accomplishes required reports and coordinates scene release
SOCO Team
- Engages only upon official request by IOC
- Performs detailed scientific procedures: crime scene documentation, search, photography, sketching, evidence collection
- May suspend operations temporarily with scene security by Police Chief
- Provides initial findings briefing and final scene survey with IOC
- Submits SOCO Report (CSI Form 4) to IOC within 24 hours
Crime Scene Release Procedures
- IOC consults with SOCO team before lifting security cordon
- Ensures all evidence is collected to avoid re-entry without court warrant
- Accomplishes Release of Crime Scene Form (CSI Form 5) witnessed by SOCO Team Leader and property owner or local authority
- Turns over scene to rightful owner/local authority
- Investigator's report with attachments submitted within two days of incident
Standard Crime Scene Investigation Forms
- Form 1: First Responder's Report detailing initial findings and scene status
- Form 2: Request for Conduct of SOCO by IOC
- Form 3: Turnover of Collected Evidence from IOC to SOCO
- Form 4: SOCO Team's comprehensive report of forensic operations
- Form 5: Release of Crime Scene, signed by relevant parties
- Form 6: IOC's CSI form before lifting scene security
Penalties and Compliance
- Violations subject to administrative investigation and disciplinary action
- Unit commanders accountable under principle of command responsibility
- Criminal charges filed if actions violate Revised Penal Code or special laws
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All inconsistent rules or issuances repealed or amended
- SOP effective fifteen days after filing at the University of the Philippines Law Center
- Filed according to Executive Order No. 292, The Revised Administrative Code of 1987
Summary
This SOP establishes clear and systematic guidelines for conducting crime scene investigations by the Philippine National Police. It demarcates distinct functions among key players (FR, IOC, SOCO Team), standardizes procedural sequences, and mandates specific documentation to preserve evidence integrity and enhance judicial admissibility. Compliance with these protocols is strictly required under administrative and criminal penalties, reinforcing accountability and professionalism in law enforcement crime scene management.