Conducting Manual Examinations of Digital Devices at-Scene

Overview

Key facts

In some cases, front line law enforcement staff may find themselves in a scenario that requires them to interrogate the contents of a digital device at the scene of a given incident, without the use of specialist forensic tools - a ‘manual examination’. Such instances may include ad hoc inquiries into suspected crimes following any disclosures made when attending an incident, or, where periodic monitoring checks are being carried out on an offender’s device following the imposition of a supervisor order which dictates how the device should be used. Those undertaking this task must understand the following:

• How to approach the manual interrogation of a device.
• How to plan an effective manual examination of a device and define the remit of their conduct. 
• Where to look on a device for information that is potentially relevant to their inquiry.
• How to interpret what they see.
• How to collect such data.

• The potential benefits, limitations and consequences of their actions on a device.
• Cranfield University's Conducting Manual Examinations of Digital Devices at-Scene programme will teach you more about this topic.