Digital Evidence must be collected in a forensically sound way; if you are presented with evidence in the form of an electronic device, computer or phone, do NOT switch it on.
We use special equipment and software tools which collect digital data in a way which does not alter it and which the courts will accept as a true and exact copy. Any change to this procedure could damage your legal case.
Please instruct your staff not to switch on, or operate, the computer or phone. Regardless of their motive, it is likely to prejudice the weight or even the admissability of the evidence found.
As with most evidence, the chain of custody is important and strict controls, including the use of contemporaneous notes, should be used in order to protect the validity of the material collected.
We conduct our work with reference to the ACPO Guidelines .