APPM order no 52-1: personal investigation by SHARADA AVADHANAM
The SDPO of districts and ACP of cities shall personally supervise
investigations of all grave crimes duly visiting the scenes of crime.
They should
hold inquest in death cases taken up for personal investigation and
write case dairies and
perform all functions of IO
taking responsibility
till such cases are finally disposed off in the courts.
Cases
Dacoity, Highway/ house/ train robbery,
Murder, Rape
All terrorist offences and those affecting securityCulpable homicide not amounting to murder
House breaking and theft over 50000/=
Any disturbance not or affray of a specially grave nature
Theft over 1 lakh , Robbery over 1000/=
Cases of counterfeit coins and currency notes
Organized crime of any description, Conspiracy cases
Cases of manufacture or use of bombs explosives arms ammunition whether political or not
Assault on police officers magistrates or judicial officers
Offences under section 400,401 of IPC
Serious road accidents
Professional poisoning and drug trafficking
death or injury by noxious gases
serious cases due to food poisoning or consumption of adulterated liquor or spurious drugs
Offences resulting in grievous hurt and serious mischief or arson committed on SC ST on caste consideration
Attempted suicide or death in suspicious circumstances by young married woman during the first seven years of marriage
trafficking in women and children
Cases of misappropriation involving property of value of 2 lakh or more of the govt department or undertaking or financial institutions banking or non banking
Major organized crime financial crime affecting public and involving public money of over 5 lakh

GRAVE CRIME INVESTIGATION : BASIC STAGES IN A CRIME SCENE SEARCH
Approach scene
‑Be alert for discarded evidence
‑Make pertinent notes
‑Establish frame of mind to take control of scene regardless of circumstances observed on arrival.
‑Consider personnel safety.
Secure and protect scene
‑Take control on arrival.
‑Determine extent to which scene has thus far been protected.
‑Check for adequate scene security even if advised that it has been protected prior to arrival

three specific areas of investigation, viz.
Collection of incriminating and relevant material from the scene of offence and from other places,
Collection of intelligence/information through the process of interview and interrogation, and,
Careful and meticulous documentation undertaken with an eye on the court process.

If the officer visits the scene of crime with pre conceived notions and theories,
it is very likely that he will overlook several important articles.
A very important aspect of the seizure of such incriminating articles or material, is the proper documentation and record in respect thereof.
Innumerable cases have failed in courts, because proper legal formalities were not observed, or at any rate, were not shown to have been observed, while effecting the seizures.
Sketch
Prpare
‑Sketch
‑Documentation of items on sketch
‑Evidence recorder
Evidence log
Evidence custodian
Person ‑ In‑charge
‑Administrative log
‑Narrative description
‑Preliminary survey
‑Scene security
‑Final decision making
Photographer
Photographs
Photographic log

Be prepared with
Clothing
Communication
Lighting assistance
Transportation
Food
Scene security
Equipment
Medical assistance
Shelter
A CHECK LIST
1. FIR: register. A copy to magistrate to conduct enquiry .
2. Investigation : Police start investigation and collect evidence, search and seizure , question witnesses; arrest suspects
3. Framing of charge sheet: After investigation, I.O. files a charge sheet, asking prosecution of accused under IPC. if a case is closed, report to court under s/173 Cr.PC.
Steps in non‑cognizable cases
where police need magistrate's instruction for starting investigation
1. Complaint is made to magistrate
2.Police are instructed by the magistrate
3. If enough evidence is found, magistrate issues summons for trial
4. Trial may or may not result in conviction and punishment of accused.

Practical suggestions: crime scene management
Preparation
Accumulate packaging and collection of materials necessary for typical search circumstances.
Prepare the preliminary format to document the conducting of the search
All specialists should be aware of proper handling of all forms of evidence.
Evaluate the current legal ramifications of crime scene searches.
Discuss the search with involved personnel before arrival at scene.
Identify a person in charge and make preliminary personnel assignments prior to arrival at scene.
Personal responsibility assignments.
Initiate preliminary survey
The survey is an organizational stage to plan for the entire search.
Cautiously, walk through the scene.
Maintain administrative and emotional control (person‑in­ charge).
Select appropriate narrative descriptive technique.
Acquire preliminary photographs.
Delineate extent of the search area ‑usually expand initial perimeter.
Organize methods & procedures needed ‑ Recognize special problem areas.
Determine manpower & equipment needs ‑ make specific assignments.
Identify & protect transient physical evidence ( hairs, fibers, dust ).
Develop a general theory of the crime.
Make extensive notes to document the scene's physical and environmental conditions, assignments, movement of personnel, etc.
Obtain information from logical personnel who have entered scene & have knowledge relative to its original conditions.
Identify one individual who is designated as the person‑ in ‑charge for final decision making & problem resolution.
Take notes ‑ Do not rely on memory.
Keep out unauthorized personnel ‑ Begin recordings who enters and leaves.
Ensure all personnel‑consider the great variety of possible evidence, not only evidence within the scope of their respective specialties.
Focus first on the easily accessible area in open view & progress eventually to possible out of view locations ‑ look for purposely hidden items.
Consider whether the evidence appears to have been moved in inadvertently. Evaluate whether or not the scene & evidence appear intentionally contrived.
Evaluate Physical evidence possibilities
This evaluation begins upon arrival at scene & becomes detailed in the preliminary survey stage.
Based on the preliminary survey, establish evidence types most likely to be encountered.
Ensure collection & packaging equipment is sufficient for task at hand ‑a given scene may require special techniques not normally used.
Focus first on evidence that could be lost
(e.g., detached from garment) and leave the least transient forms of evidence to be last.
Depict Scene Photographically
Plan before photographing
Begin photograph as soon as possible
Document photographic efforts with photographic log
Ensure that progression of overall, medium & clasp views of the scene is established.
Use a recognized scale devise to size determination.
Prepare narrative description
The narrative is a running, written description of the condition of the crime scene in general terms.
Represent the scene in a general to a specific reference scheme.
Use photograph to supplement narrative description.
Use a systematic approach in recording the narrative descriptions. No item is too in significant.
Do not permit the narrative efforts to deberate into a sporadic and unorganized attempt to recover physical evidence.
Methods of narrative include, written, audio &video.
Photograph the evidence before collection & packaging it.
Be observant of and photograph areas adjacent to the crime scene ‑ points of entry, exits, windows etc..
Consider feasibility aerial photography. Photograph items, places to corroborate the statements of witness, victims & suspects. Take photographs from the eye level when feasible to represent the scene as normal view.
Points to Consider
Use two‑dimensional photograph supplemented by diagrams sketches
Do not hesitate to photograph some thing, which has no apparent significance.
Film is relatively cheap compared to importance of providing evidence to investigation.
This sketch should contain sufficient measurements and details to be used as a model for a drawn to scale diagram, if necessary.
Be sure to select the sketch technique before beginning the sketch ‑ ensure that enough room is allowed to include all pertinent information & measurements.
General Progressions of Sketches:
Lay out of the basic perimeter.
Set forth fixed objects, furniture etc.
Insert evidence as it is recovered.
Record appropriate measurements.
Set forth key/ legend, compass orientation, etc.
Typical material on the rough sketch.
Specific location. Date. Time.
Case identifier. Prepare / assistants.
Weather conditions.
Scale or scale disclaimer.
Compass orientations
Evidence Measurements.
Key/ legends.
Do not handle excessively after recovery
Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.
Different type‘ of containers may need different containers.
Do not forget entrance and exit areas for potential evidence.
Be sure to obtain appropriate known standard (call for expert advice).
Always make a complete evaluation of the scene of crime.
Constantly check paper work, packaging notations, other pertinent recording of information.
Have at least two persons: See evidence in place before collection & Observe being recovered
Mark evidence (mark item itself whenever feasible).
Place identifying marks on evidence containers. If feasible, have one person as evidence custodian.
Conduct detailed search/records and collect physical evidence
Use specialized search methods when possible (I.e. strip, grid, spiral, quadrant or zone).
Photograph all items before collection and enter notations in the photographic log (scale device should be used).
Mark evidence location on the sketch / diagram.
Complete the evidence log with appropriate notations for each item of evidence.
Physical evidence
is the most important & critical area in all the contemporary law enforcement agencies.
The facts and most of the tangible evidence are derived from here.
Recovering & maintaining the integrity of the crime exhibits.
Laboratory is required to provide scientific interpretation of evidence.
Each evidence must be planned, organized & performed keeping central issue in mind ‑ its effective use to detect the truth.
For more information, contact F.S. L.
Final Survey
This survey is critical review of all aspects of search.
Discuss the search jointly with all personnel for completeness.
Double‑check the documentation to detect any advertent errors.
Ensure that photographs are taken of the scene showing the final conditions after completion of the search.
Check all to ensure
all evidence is accounted for before departing the scene.
Release Crime Sceneonly after the completion of the final survey.At minimum, documentation be made of• Time/date of release/• To whom released,• By whom released.
Ensure that evidence found at the scene is gathered according to legal requirements.
Ensure that evidence is documented & marked for future requirements.
Once the scene has been released, reentry may require court permission.
Only the scene ‑ in ‑ charge be authorized to release the scene.
Ensure that all personnel follow this rule.
Consider the notion that there is only one chance to perform the job correctly and completely.
Seek advice of experts if crime scene evidence work is complete
Checklist from scientific investigation point of view for property offences like robbery Dacoity:
Identification of the property lost should be mentioned correctly in the complaint itself for the purpose of identifying it after recovery
When any weapon is seized from scene of offence it should be examined for fingerprints
If the weapon is seized after the arrest of the accused, it must be looked for presence of finer prints and should be sent later for presence of any stains.
In scene of offence whenever telephone is available the last dialed number should be ascertained and verified in cases of robbery at STD booths petrol bunks and wine shops.
Scene of crime should be thoroughly examined
for presence of material objects
Struggle marks at scene of offence as well as on the body of the victim or accused are to be carefully taken note of
The accused shall be arrested at the earliest point of time so that the properties may be recovered and this will enable the fixing and connecting the accused with the crime.
In cases of series of robberies and dacoities it must be looked for inter-se fingerprints and coordination of FPB in other states are to be sought.
If the lock was broken, particulars of marks on it should be examined and inferences be drawn as to the instrument used there from.
The physical evidence that is commonly encountered at the scene of property offences are :
Paint , Glass,
Soil ,Dust,
Tool marks,
Fibers,
Foreign material left by the culprit ,
Foot prints ,
Fingerprints.
Dowry deaths are commonly encountered as
deaths due to burns, by fire, or
asphyxial deaths especially hanging or drowning
predominantly homicidal deaths such as strangulation by ligature or throttling are generally seen.
Occasionally dowry death is by fatal poisoning.
Checklist for investigation:
If the victim is not able to speak her verbal signs shall be recorded by video to use it as dying declaration later. May be reduced to writing in the presence of doctor.
If the victim is not in a position to sign as fingers are burnt, toe impressions are recorded. This fact is to be mentioned in the statement recorded.
Immediate inspection of scene of offence to avoid alterations.
SOC shall be video graphed and photographed.
Sketch and observation mahajar are to be drawn.
Search for suicide note written.
Bolt from inside or outside to be noted.
Hanging scenes, look for the presence of more than one ligature and its shape.
Material objects used for tying knot are to be seized.
If it is an incident by means of fire, the stove match box cylinder kerosene bottle to be seized along with wearing apparel of the lady and Container of poison if any.
Inspect scene for struggle marks like broken bangles fallen hair
Examine parents to verify the demand for dowry or valuables.
Questions to be asked to the FM doctor conducting PM.
Whether injuries or ante-mortem of post mortem.
Whether burns of ante-mortem or post mortem
Whether there is any struggle marks
Whether hanging is ante-mortem or post mortem
Whether the victim was subjected to intercourse, if so, collect rape evidence
Whether she consumed poison, if so preserve the viscera for FSL
Post mortem to be done by team of two doctors
Death in encounters or in police custody:
Poisoning
History of self harm
Acute pain Abdomen
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Collapse
Delirium
Paralysis
Jaundice /liver failure
Discoloration of skin
Cyanosis

Whether
request is made by Sub Divisional Magistrate or by some body else?
What is the request to depute one doctor or two doctors or form an internal board of same institution or family was permitted to have their own forensic pathologist to be present during the autopsy.
Whether arrangement of videography and Photography has been made?
Whether NHRC guideline or guidelines as prescribed by department of law and justice or health as the case may be, have been followed or not?
Whether Injuries or findings are recorded in proper manner or not?
Whether spot of dead body recovery has been visited and crime scene report has been given or not?
Whether Postmortem report was given well I in time or not?
Check list for death scene investigation:
Locate and view the body
Ensure death is pronounced
Prepare observation notes before panchas
Draw sketch and photograph and Collect the evidences
Identify secure and preserve evidence in proper containers, with labels and preservatives
Check for drag marks
Document the post mortem changes
Collect hair from head of accused ,
Collect control samples
Fingernails
Swab bite mark areas
Collect exemplar hairs
Examination of the dead body at the scene
Inquest and
Autopsy

Look for the features suggestive of homicide
Bolting or locking of a room outside
Effacement of physical evidence
Evidence of struggle at crime scene
Disarray of furniture
Breakage of articles
Trampling of grass
Multiple foot impressions in the ground if the soil is loose
Signs of struggle in the dead body
Clothing
Tears rents loss of buttons blood and other body fluid stains
Foreign fibers
Fallen hair
Broken nails
Injuries
Defence wounds

SELECTION OF THE TEAM
A medium sized team comprising of officers
who are capable of operating on the same wavelength and as members of a harmonious group
is ideally suited for the investigation of complicated cases of a serious nature.
It is equally necessary that
all the members of the team
enjoy
the unqualified confidence and
support of
the leader of the team and
vice versa.
PREPARATION
training,
re‑training,
guidance and
experience.
detective, like the poet, is born
What makes a detective is a combination of
strong common sense,
keen power of observation,
empathy or the capacity to understand the thoughts and feelings of others,
capacity to keep one's cool in stress situations
physical and mental stamina and
integrity (including intellectual honesty).

THE SYSTEM
success were those who had the privilege of operating systems which were harmonious and well oiled.