Manual Outlines Policies and Procedures for Digital Evidence

• NCJ Number: 242280
• Date Published: January 2013
• Author(s): National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
• Award: Operate the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) - National Center

Annotation

This article discusses the development of a manual that provides guidance to law enforcement on implementing policies and procedures for handling digital evidence.

Abstract

The manual was developed by the Electronic Crime Technology Center of Excellence (ECTCoE) with the purpose of giving “law enforcement agencies a collection of documents that can serve as a starting point for developing policies and procedures for the collection, handling and processing of digital evidence.” The manual will be available online through the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) Web site. The different sections of the manual will cover case assignment and prioritization; equipment testing, validation, and updates; evidence and property handling; search and seizure; storage of evidence and retention policy; reports; materials and supplies; computer forensic lab access; release of information to the media; quality assurance policy and process; and sample forms.