🔍 CRIME DETECTION

Extrajudicial Confession (in Writing)

A confession made by a suspect outside the court, admissible only if in writing and with counsel.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The government agency that exercises control and supervision over fiscals and prosecutors.

Interrogation

The formal and systematic questioning of a suspect to determine guilt or innocence.

Undercover Work

A form of investigation where the investigator assumes a different and unofficial identity.

Close Tail

A type of surveillance where extreme precautions are taken to avoid losing the subject.

Loose Tail

A type of surveillance used to observe general habits and associates of a subject.

Stakeout

A surveillance activity conducted from a fixed location while waiting for a suspect or observing actions.

Search

The examination of a person, place, or premises to discover evidence or contraband.

Corroborative Evidence

Evidence that supports or strengthens other evidence of a different kind but relating to the same fact.

Case Preparation

The process of organizing and presenting all collected evidence logically to the prosecutor.

Entrapment

The act of trapping and capturing a lawbreaker during the execution of a criminal act.

Excellent Memory

A special qualification required for an undercover agent.

Surveillance

The discreet observation of persons, places, or vehicles to gather information about suspects.

Custodial Investigation

The questioning of a person by law enforcement officers after being taken into custody.

Service of Warrant (Any Time)

A warrant of arrest may be served at any day and at any time of the day or night.

Pro-active Measures

Police actions using undercover agents, electronic surveillance, and stakeouts to detect crimes.

Criminal Investigation

A police activity aimed at identifying, apprehending offenders, and gathering evidence.

Follow-up Investigation

An extension or continuation of the preliminary investigation.

Interrogation (Purpose)

Conducted primarily to obtain admission or confession of guilt.

Probable Cause

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed.

10 Days Validity of Search Warrant

The period within which a search warrant is valid from the date of issuance.

Corpus Delicti

The fact that a crime has been committed at a specific time, place, and by a specific person.

Opportunity Denial

Crime prevention by reducing opportunities and warning citizens against vulnerabilities.

Confession

A direct acknowledgment of guilt made by a suspect.

Confession (Guilty Acknowledgment)

A statement admitting the truth of the crime or essential elements of it.

Admission

A self-incriminating statement that falls short of a full acknowledgment of guilt.

Background Interview

A simple interview used to gather personal information about a subject.

Modus Operandi

The method of operation used in committing a crime.

Motive

The factor that induces a person to commit a criminal act.

Tools of Criminal Investigation

Information, interrogation, and instrumentation used to establish guilt.

Interview

The simple questioning of a cooperating person in an investigation.

Chain of Custody

The process that tracks all persons who handled evidence from the time of the crime to its disposition, minimizing contamination.

Physical Evidence

Evidence that links a suspect to a crime scene (e.g., fingerprints, blood, impressions).

Documentary Evidence

Articles and materials found during an investigation that help establish the identity of the perpetrator or circumstances of the crime.

Interrogation Techniques

Approaches used to question suspects; includes sympathetic approach, emotional appeal, and friendliness. (Financial assistance is NOT a valid technique)

Wheel Method

A crime scene search method suitable for circular or oval scenes, moving outward along radii.

Zone Method

The crime scene is divided into quadrants, and each searcher is assigned one quadrant.

Strip Method

Searchers follow each other from outside toward the center in a straight path.

Tailing

A method of gathering information by following a subject.

Shadowing

Another term for tailing.

Informant

A person providing information to investigators, either openly or anonymously.

Bugging

Using equipment to listen and record conversations discreetly.

Interview (Informative)

Questioning individuals who are not suspects but may have knowledge of the crime.

Objective of Investigation

Identify criminals, determine motive, and prevent crimes.

Flashover

Transition in a fire when most combustible surfaces ignite simultaneously.

Ignition

The start of combustion; a complex process where flammable vapors and oxygen meet.

Radiation

Transfer of heat through a gas or vacuum, similar to light.

Conduction

Transfer of heat within a solid from hotter to cooler areas.

Preservation of Scene

The greatest concern for firemen or investigators at a crime/fire scene.

Solitary Fire Setter

Most malicious fires are set secretly by an individual for revenge, gratification, or psychotic reasons.

Raise the Alarm

The primary course of action in case of a fire.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

Main product of combustion; non-poisonous but lowers oxygen levels.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Poisonous gas produced during restricted combustion.

Fire Resistance

The ability of structural elements to resist fire before failing.

Class D Fire

Fire caused by certain metals (magnesium, potassium, zinc, etc.).

Class A Fire

Fire from burning wood, paper, textiles, or other carbonaceous materials; extinguished by quenching/cooling.

Components of Fire

Fuel, oxygen, and heat. (Gas is NOT a component)

Charring

Fire pattern indicator observed in structural fires to determine travel and origin.

Crazing

Fine, irregular network of lines in glass or wood caused by fire.

Timing Device

Tool used by arsonists to delay fire ignition and establish alibi.

Accelerants

Substances identifiable by distinct odors, commonly gasoline, kerosene, or turpentine, used to start fires.

62.

Sniffer – Catalytic combustion device used to detect flammable vapors.

Pyromania

An irresistible impulse to start fires for gratification.

PD 1185

Known as the “Fire Code of the Philippines.”

Blasting Agent

Material or mixture of fuel and oxidizer used to detonate explosives.

Flammable/Combustible Materials

Easily set on fire. (Corrosive is NOT flammable)

Combustible Liquid

Material with flash point at or above 37.8°C (100°F).

Flammable Liquid

Any liquid that ignites upon contact with organic matter.

Electrical Arc

Extremely hot luminous bridge formed by current between two conductors.

Fire

Active principle of burning; characterized by heat and light.

Class B Fire

Fire involving flammable liquids and gases.

Convection

Mass movement of a fluid (liquid or gas) under influence of temperature/density differences.

Boiling Point

Temperature at which a liquid converts to vapor.

Start of Evasive Action

First action by traffic units to avoid hazards or collisions.

Traffic

Movement of vehicles and pedestrians on roads/highways.

Triangulation

Method of locating a spot using measurements from two or more reference points.

Gravity

Force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth.

Non-Fatal Accident

Motor vehicle accident resulting in injury but no death.

RA 4136

“Traffic and Land Transportation Code of the Philippines.”

Traffic Accident

An occurrence producing unintended injury, death, or property damage.

Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident

Accident involving motor vehicles on a traffic way.

Traffic Citation

Order commanding violator to appear in court without detainment.

Initial Contact

First accidental touching of an object or collision.

Traffic Safety Components

Engineering, Education, Enforcement. (Evaluation is NOT included)

RA 9165

“Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

Hallucinogens

Drugs producing perceptual alteration, emotional changes, or thought disruption.

Narcotics

Drugs producing stupor, dullness of mind, or delusions.

Prostitution

Profession of sexual intercourse for money or profit.

Cannabis sativa L

Scientific name of the Indian hemp plant.

Opium

Original component of heroin and morphine.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

Inter-department agency enforcing anti-illegal drug laws.

Vice

Harmful conduct leading to depravity or corruption of mind and body.

Shabu

Most common form of stimulant (methamphetamine).

Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

Chemical name of shabu.

Codeine

Derivative of opium used as a cough reliever.

Opium Poppy

Any part of Papaver somniferum, including seeds.

Drug Dependence

Psychological addiction to drugs.

Prescription Drugs

Commercial drugs legally dispensed only with a physician’s order.

Drug

Chemical substance altering the structure and functioning of a living organism.

Interviewing Witnesses

Usually the initial step to obtain information for determining fire origin and cause.