Study Notes on Digital Evidence in Criminal Investigations

Digital Evidence Overview

  • Information valuable to investigations stored on electronic devices.
  • Sources include Body-Worn Cameras (BWC), dash cameras, interview room cameras, drones, CCTV.

Objectives

  • Define common types of evidence.
  • Evaluate privacy exceptions and legal limitations.
  • Analyze digital evidence benefits and challenges.

Digital Evidence Types

  • Cell Phones:

    • Common digital evidence source; contains calls, texts, photos, GPS data, internet searches, social media.
    • Burner Phones: Unregistered phones without contracts.
    • Access requires warrant, consent, or exigent circumstances.
    • Code-breaking software can retrieve deleted information.

  • Computers:

    • Reveal search history, photos, and videos.

  • Smart Watches:

    • Record calls, texts, GPS, heart rate information.

  • Other Devices:

    • Includes Alexa, digital cameras, tablets, doorbell cameras.
    • Information retrievable from cloud storage by police.

Benefits of Digital Evidence

  • Establish timelines, verify locations, determine activities.

Challenges of Digital Evidence

  • Time-consuming and costly analysis.
  • Must maintain chain of custody.
  • Need to secure devices (e.g., airplane mode, signal blocking).