Cdi 211 Midterm 2ND Session

CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION
Identification of suspects and the actual culprits of the crime is one of the
primary tasks in criminal identification. Most criminal cases referred for
investigation have unknown suspects. The suspect’s action is known, but
positive identification has not been made. Even when the suspect’s identity is
known, identification procedures may be required to confirm information given
by victims or witnesses.
A. SCOPE OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

1. Suspects Identification
a. Positive identification -This uses information that identifies an
individual beyond question and is legally acceptable pertaining to and
originating from a particular individual. e.g., fingerprints
b. Tracing identification -This involves the use of all other information

that may be indicative of the personal identity of an individual. e.g., testimony
of a witness
2. Identification of actual suspects
B. METHODS / TECHNIQUES OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

1. FINGERPRINTS (Dactyloscopy) - The latent print lifted from the crime scene is
compared with the actual print of the suspect. If the two are the same, the
latent prints belong to the suspect.
2. ROGUES GALLERY - Use of photographic files/mug files wherein the witness

is invited to the police station and then requested to examine the photographic
files of known criminals.
3. GENERAL PHOTOGRAPH METHOD - The investigator shows to a
witness/victim a variety of faces that may not necessarily/directly represent the
face of the criminal. The photographs shown to the witness only represent
different features of faces. The image in the picture maybe similar and thus
include the various features such as:
a. degree of baldness
b. length and shape of nose
c. size of the ears
d. formation of the chin, jaw, and cheekbones
e. others
4. CARTOGRAPHY - The witness and the investigator develop a picture of the

criminal with the help of a skilled cartographer. Based on the description of the
witness, the artist draws a composite face that approximates the criminal’s
facial appearance.
5. POLICE LINE-UP OR SHOW-UP - This involves a process of letting/allowing a

witness to select the primary suspect from a group of chosen persons (suspect
and innocent person). This method is more convenient than other methods
since the “element of suggestion” is avoided or minimized in the identification
process.
C. STANDARD PROCEDURE ON POLICE LINE-UP

1. Four to ten persons are placed inside a line-up room. Combination of suspects
and innocent individuals wearing similar attire and, as much as possible in
similar manner of appearance of the offender as described by a witness. They
should have similar race, height, and body built.
2. These persons are allowed to select their position in a line-up. Each person
must be standing in front of a set of numerical that indicate the height (in feet
and inches).
3. A record is made from description and physical characteristics. They should
be photographed for the record.
4. The eyewitness is then allowed to view these persons in a line-up. He must
be allowed to freely identify the person whom he thinks is the one that he saw
committing a crime (as the case may be).
5. If he identifies one, the identification must be made in numbers not by
names. It must be noted that the names (or the personal identify of the person
in the line-up) are not divulged to the eyewitness.
6. While the eyewitness is making the identification, other people aside from
the investigator of the case should be present such as the prosecutor and the
counsel of the suspect. If it is possible, each of the suspects standing in the
line-up must have a counsel who will accompany the witness while he is making
the identification.
D. THE ACCURACY OF IDENTIFICATION MADE BY EYEWITNESSES DEPENDS ON

THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
1. The ability of the eyewitness to observe and remember the distinct
appearance of suspect.
2. The prevailing conditions of visibility and observation when the crime was
committed.
3. The time that lapsed between the criminal event and when the identification
was made.
E. TWO CATEGORIES OF CRIMINALS IENTIFIED BY A WITNESS
1. Known criminals/fugitives - These include group of criminals who have
existing record in the police files. If the criminal has an official record in any law
enforcement unit’s file, the address of his relatives, friends and other
acquaintances can be located. These persons could offer description about the
criminal. Background investigations can be conducted on them to gather more
personal data concerning the criminal.
2. Unknown criminals - Identification of unknown criminals should be

conducted discreetly or with caution. Available data or facts as to the
appearance/description of the criminal are sometimes vague such that
identification process is difficult.
F. ROPING OR UNDERCOVER WORK

It is a form of investigation in which the investigator assumes a different and
unofficial identity (a cover story) in order to obtain information. The general
objective of an undercover investigation is to obtain more information.
It is a work that requires the assumption by a police agent of an identity in
keeping with the situation to be explored. The agent must drop his real identity
and adopt another. He must talk with other people (preferably suspects), listen
to them, observe all they do, and when necessary, live with them.
G. SURVEILLANCE
The discreet observation of places, persons, and vehicles for the purpose of
obtaining information concerning the identities or activities of subjects.
H. OBJECTIVES OF SURVEILLANCE
1. To detect criminal activities.
2. To discover the identity of persons who frequent the establishment and
determine their relationship.
3. To discern the habits of a person who lives in or frequents the place.
4. To obtain evidence of a crime or to prevent the commission of a crime.
I. SHADOWING OR TAILING
It is the act of following a person. Its objectives are:
1. To detect evidence of criminal activities.
2. To establish the association of a suspect.
3. To find a wanted person.
4. To protect a witness.
J. TYPES OF SHADOWING EMPLOYED DEPENDING UPON THE OBJECTIVE OF

THE SURVEILLANCE
1. LOOSE TAIL is employed when a general impression of the subject’s habits
and associates is required.
2. ROUGH SHADOWING without special precautions; may be used when the
criminal must be shadowed and he is aware of this fact, or where the subject is
a material witness and must be protected from harm or other undesirable
influences.
3. CLOSE TAIL surveillance is one in which extreme precautions are taken
against losing the subject.
K. OBJECTIVES OF UNDERCOVER WORK

1. Obtaining evidence - The undercover workers observe criminal activities,
listen to conversations, photograph documents, and perform many other
useful services for the purpose of obtaining evidence.
2. Obtaining information
3. Checking informant
4. To conduct fixed surveillance
5. Checking loyalty - On basis of information acquired from associates, the
undercover can determine the true color of the subject’s vice and thus dispel
false impressions based on understatement or exaggerations.
6. To check subversive organizations
7. Security check - The undercover investigator can listen to the conversation
of social groups to check on security leaks or careless observations.
8. Preliminary to search or raid - The agent determines the presence of
contraband for example or by observing criminal activities. He can assist the
surreptitious entry of the raiders or searchers.
L. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS OF UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR

1. Well-trained and experienced
2. A calm, collected and resourceful individual with good judgment and wit
3. Complete self-confidence to feel absolutely certain that he can successfully
play the part of the character he will assume.
4. Courage and ability to meet unforeseen situations with quick, sound
decisions.
5. Will power to avoid drugs and excessive use of intoxicants
6. Ability to avoid unwise entanglements with women involved in the case or
associated with the subject.
M. PREPARATION OF ASSIGNMENT
1. Study the subject
2. Knowledge of the area
3. Subversive organization
4. Cover story - A fictitious background and history including the names,
addresses, and description of the assumed places of education, employment,
associates, neighborhoods, trades, and travel
5. Physical details - Personal possessions should be obtained for the
undercover investigator which are appropriate to the character assumed to
include clothes, a pocketbook, a watch, a ring, a suitcase, stubs of tickets,
photographs, and amount of money. The investigator must not possess any
article which will suggest his true identity.
6. Testing - The investigator should memorize all details in connection with his
assumed role and functions portion of his biography. Tested by prolonged
questioning and surprise inquiries.
7. Disclosure of identity - The investigator should be instructed not to disclose
his identity or he should remain undercover if arrested by civilian authorities. A
plan or act should also be laid out against the contingency of accidental
disclosure of identity.

Cdi 211 Midterm 2ND Session

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CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

A. SCOPE OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

b. Tracing identification -This involves the use of all other information

2. Identification of actual suspects

B. METHODS / TECHNIQUES OF CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION

2. ROGUES GALLERY - Use of photographic files/mug files wherein the witness

4. CARTOGRAPHY - The witness and the investigator develop a picture of the

5. POLICE LINE-UP OR SHOW-UP - This involves a process of letting/allowing a

C. STANDARD PROCEDURE ON POLICE LINE-UP

D. THE ACCURACY OF IDENTIFICATION MADE BY EYEWITNESSES DEPENDS ON

2. Unknown criminals - Identification of unknown criminals should be

F. ROPING OR UNDERCOVER WORK

J. TYPES OF SHADOWING EMPLOYED DEPENDING UPON THE OBJECTIVE OF

K. OBJECTIVES OF UNDERCOVER WORK

L. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS OF UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATOR

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