PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE SOCO IN THE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AS VIEWED BY SELECTED SOCO PERSONNEL OF PROVINCIAL AND REGIONAL CRIME LABORATORY

This study aims to determine the problems encountered by the SOCO in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The gathering of data was conducted in Quezon Provincial Crime Laboratory located at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City as well as Regional Crime Laboratory located at Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang Laguna through descriptive research. A total of 20 respondents answered questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Results revealed that there are many problems encountered by the SOCO in terms of collecting and preserving physical evidence. Lighting is the utmost problem of the SOCO in terms of the equipment which is very important in collecting evidence in a crime scene. Likewise, on the steps implemented in collecting and preserving physical evidence, it turns out that the problems arise not only in their part but also to the first responders who secure the crime scene. Similarly, securing the evidence through evidence bag was a problem. However, wearing of gloves and noting and recording of the physical conditions of the crime scene was always implemented. Meanwhile, in terms of collection of physical evidence, the respondents’ two main problems are the carelessness of the first responder who first gained access at the crime scene and planting/distorting physical evidence to mislead them. On the contrary, investigators do not let personal feeling affect the investigation of the crime scene. Philippines is a tropical country therefore unusual weather condition was the number one problem encountered by the respondents in terms of preservation of physical evidence. However, taking notes and maintaining the chain of custody were the least problems they encountered. The SOCO should enhance their knowledge and skills in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The study revealed that problems arise not only in the equipment but in the persons involved in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The PNP in behalf of the government should take this concerns seriously in order for justice to prevail. This study aims to determine the problems encountered by the SOCO in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The gathering of data was conducted in Quezon Provincial Crime Laboratory located at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City as well as Regional Crime Laboratory located at Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang Laguna through descriptive research. A total of 20 respondents answered questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Results revealed that there are many problems encountered by the SOCO in terms of collecting and preserving physical evidence. Lighting is the utmost problem of the SOCO in terms of the equipment which is very important in collecting evidence in a crime scene. Likewise, on the steps implemented in collecting and preserving physical evidence, it turns out that the problems arise not only in their part but also to the first responders who secure the crime scene. Similarly, securing the evidence through evidence bag was a problem. However, wearing of gloves and noting and recording of the physical conditions of the crime scene was always implemented. Meanwhile, in terms of collection of physical evidence, the respondents’ two main problems are the carelessness of the first responder who first gained access at the crime scene and planting/distorting physical evidence to mislead them. On the contrary, investigators do not let personal feeling affect the investigation of the crime scene. Philippines is a tropical country therefore unusual weather condition was the number one problem encountered by the respondents in terms of preservation of physical evidence. However, taking notes and maintaining the chain of custody were the least problems they encountered. The SOCO should enhance their knowledge and skills in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The study revealed that problems arise not only in the equipment but in the persons involved in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The PNP in behalf of the government should take this concerns seriously in order for justice to prevail. This study aims to determine the problems encountered by the SOCO in the collection and preservation of physical evidence. The gathering of data was conducted in Quezon Provincial Crime Laboratory located at Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City as well as Regional Crime Laboratory located at Camp Vicente Lim, Canlubang Laguna through descriptive research. A total of 20 respondents answered questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Results revealed that there are many problems encountered by the SOCO in terms of collecting and preserving physical evidence. Lighting is the utmost problem of the SOCO in terms of the equipment which is very important in collecting evidence in a crime scene. Likewise, on the steps implemented in collecting and preserving physical evidence, it turns out that the problems arise not only in their part but