3.2

• MAC rule

  1. Mutilate - do not remove anything from the crime scene
• Transient evidence


  Evidence which when not collected at appropriate time may diminish or loss its value such as urine, blood, semen, etc.
• Fragile evidence


  Evidence which may be broken if collected inattentively
• Methods of search


  The systematic procedure employed by the investigator team in order to recognise, collect, and preserve the evidence or any objects found in the crime scene that has a logical connection to the case
• Strip method


  Follow a straight path in an area, then turn and follow a parallel straight path, continue until entire area is searched
• Double strip method


  After entire area is searched using strip method, start another process from the other side at right angles
• Spiral method


  Start from outside and follow a circular shape until the entire circular area is searched
• Wheel method


  Start from the center and follow a straight path towards the outside
• Zone method


  Divide the crime scene into four quadrants and select the appropriate search method for each quadrant
• Marking of evidence


  The process of identifying and recognizing any objects in the crime scene by way of placing the letter symbol or number
• Tagging of evidence


  The process of labelling the physical evidence by way of placing the appropriate evidence tag containing the description of the item, the date and the initial of the collecting officer
• Collection of evidence


  The actual gathering and lifting of evidence from the crime scene to the custody of the appropriate office
• Photographs


  Depict the actual scenario of the crime scene and portray the proper placement of the individual evidence
• Investigator's notebook


  The pad of paper such as work pad, tickler, or notepad and the like which is used to remember the details regarding the commission of the crime and in any manner aids the investigator in refreshing his memory to recall matters related to the case under investigation
• Sketching the crime scene


  The process of drawing a representation of the crime scene
• Elements of a crime scene sketch

  • Title - basic information about the case

  Measurement - dimension and distance of relative objects

  Essential items - physical evidence found

  Legend - words or numbers to represent items

  Compass direction - north direction

  Scale of proportion - representation of actual size
• Floor plan or birds eye view sketch is commonly used in drawing a crime scene
• Cross-projection sketch is used in cases where some evidence was placed in the walls or ceiling
• Symbols used in crime scene sketches

  • Capital letters - for basic parts or accessories

  Numbers - for individual evidence
• Rectangular method


  Find fix post at right angle to serve as base
• Triangular method


  Find two fix points to the evidence that must be plotted or located
• Evaluation of evidence


  The process of assessing the significance of individual evidence that should be subjected for further examination
• Preservation of evidence


  The measures employed in order to maintain, protect, and safeguard the original state of physical evidence from the time it was collected up until the time that it will be released to appropriate personnel
• Evidence custodian


  The person who take charge with the responsibility and control in handling and disposal of evidence
• Releasing of evidence


  The discharge of individual evidence upon the order of the court and/or prosecutor
• Safekeeping


  The security or protection of physical evidence
• Evidence log


  Any material upon which the writing or note taking is done to keep and maintain the record and disposal of evidence
• Process of maintaining chain of custody

  1. Proper recording of areas or location from which evidence was gathered

  2. Proper marking of evidence for accurate identification

  3. Completing the evidence submission form for laboratory analysis
• What should be observed in releasing the crime scene

  1. All physical evidence must be properly marked, tagged, and labelled

  2. Ensure that proper inventory of all items is done

  3. Error should not be entertained as there is only one chance to process the crime scene

  4. Release the crime scene only after final survey and proper documentation
• Final survey


  The action taken by the investigating team to ensure that all items have been gathered which includes the proper documentation of all circumstances under which the physical evidence was collected
• Alter - do not change anything in the crime scene;
• Contaminate - do not add anything to the crime scene
• The following angles/views of photographs to properly appreciate the crime scene

  • General View, Medium View, Close-up View
• Birds eye view 


  a type of sketch drawn from above
• elevation sketch


  a type of sketch drawn to show the given side of an area.
• Exploded view sketch


  a type of sketch drawn to show the relationship or order of the whole parts.
• Progressive photography


  gradual shots of an individual evidence may be taken from a standard position in order to show the relationship of one evidence to another or how individual evidence is close or far from one another.