Case-based digital evidence management organizes evidence, from dispatch audio to BWC video, and makes sharing evidence easier.
FREMONT, CA: The role of digital evidence in sleuthing is growing. Digital evidence like videos, still photographs, audio recordings, digital tagging of physical evidence, social media activity, PDF documents, and other digital evidence has altered how investigators unearth the truth. Investigating digital evidence is crucial, but it comes with its own unique set of difficulties. Digital evidence, for example, generates a massive amount of data that is only expected to rise. The organization will learn from this manual how to improve processes involving gathering, storing, managing, investigating, and disseminating digital evidence.
Digital proof
Digital evidence capture and logging is the initial stage in an efficient workflow. Law enforcement officials can use many tools and methods to improve digital evidence quality. Not only cops capture digital evidence. Gas station CCTV or a civilian's cell phone camera may record video proof. Most third-party evidence is shot with a low-cost CCTV camera, reducing resolution, and investigators should always get the source file for third-party evidence. Compressed or transformed digital evidence might lose information and change speed or appearance. Obtaining the original file protects the chain of custody and ensures they have the most accurate information.
Digital evidence storage
Recordings are stored in the cloud, crime scenes or social media photographs are saved on a computer, shared evidence from a neighboring agency is on Dropbox, and CCTV footage is on external drives. Not having centralized digital evidence storage is a nightmare. A consolidated database should allow agencies to find what they need quickly. Evidence storage security is another consideration. Digital evidence on several devices and platforms increases the possibility of tampering or loss.
Evidence management
Digital evidence management should organize and manage data. Organizing data using tags and other metadata will save time and provide clues. For instance, a Mask-wearing person throws Molotov cocktail at a police cruiser. By labeling the video with "green glove," they may locate suspect footage before he wore a mask. The adoption of evidence management software may tag clips to make them easier to find. Logging metadata and automating retention timeframes depending on your CAD/RMS can boost user compliance and save time and money.
