Cell Phone Forensics in a Correctional Setting: Guidebook

• NCJ Number: 248466
• Author(s): John S. Shaffer Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2014
• Length: 39 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-IJ-CX-K003
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Grant Sponsored); Guideline
• Award: The Operation of the Corrections Technology Center of Excellence

Annotation

This guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of cell phone forensic technologies, and the challenges presented and issues to consider in correctional settings.

Abstract

This guidebook was developed for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) based on recommendations from the NIJ Institutional Corrections Technology Working Group (TWG). The TWG, which consists of leaders from correctional agencies across the country, has recognized the growing importance of cell phone forensics as an investigative tool. This guidebook provides correctional administrators with a brief, yet comprehensive and informative, overview of cell phone forensic technologies. It reviews the evolving role of cell phone forensics in correctional institutions and presents issues to consider when acquiring and implementing these technologies, addressing various opportunities and challenges involved in selecting and implementing technologies in correctional settings. Methodologies used in preparing this guidebook include literature reviews of primary and secondary sources, as well as collecting input from corrections practitioners and technical experts with experience in conducting forensic examinations of confiscated mobile devices.