Résumé
Electronic evidence is, by its very nature, fragile. It can be altered, damaged, or destroyed by improper handling or improper examination. This guide suggests methods that will help preserve the integrity of such evidence. Chapter 1 profiles the variety of electronic devices commonly encountered at crime scenes and the potential evidence that may be found in each type. Chapter 2 describes and lists the investigative tools and equipment used to document, disassemble and remove, package and transport. Chapter 3 outlines the steps required to secure and evaluate the crime scene, while protecting the integrity of all evidence. Chapter 4 provides guidelines for documenting the scene. Chapter 5 suggests evidence-collection procedures for nonelectronic evidence, stand-alone and laptop computer evidence, computers in a complex environment, and other electronic devices and peripheral evidence. Chapter 6 addresses procedures for packaging, transportation, and storage of electronic evidence. The concluding chapter provides guidelines for the forensic examination of electronic evidence in a variety of crime categories.