Maintaining Chain of Custody: Preservation Tips for Digital Evidence

Digital evidence has become a cornerstone of modern investigations, with data from body cameras, dash cameras, surveillance systems, and mobile devices playing pivotal roles in solving cases and ensuring justice. However, the process of preserving digital evidence from the moment it is collected to when it is used in court is fraught with challenges.

iCrimeFighter provides a platform that ensures the secure storage and integrity of digital evidence once it’s ingested. While the initial collection and handling process is critical to preserving the chain of custody, iCrimeFighter offers the tools necessary to maintain that integrity throughout the investigation and beyond.

Why Digital Evidence Preservation Matters

When improperly handled, digital evidence can be:

iCrimeFighter: Preserving Evidence Post-Ingestion

Once digital evidence is ingested into iCrimeFighter, our platform takes over to ensure its long-term preservation and security:

1. Secure Cloud Storage: iCrimeFighter leverages secure, CJIS-compliant cloud storage, ensuring evidence is protected from unauthorized access or loss.
2. Chain of Custody Management: Every action taken on a piece of evidence is logged in a detailed audit trail, maintaining transparency.
3. User Permissions: Role-based permissions ensure only authorized personnel have access to specific files or cases.
4. Simple Sharing: Our secure sharing capabilities eliminate the need for risky downloads or manual transfers.

The Role of Initial Evidence Handling

While iCrimeFighter ensures security post-ingestion, the initial collection process is equally important. Agencies must adhere to best practices:

Bridging the Gap with iCrimeFighter

iCrimeFighter is designed to complement and enhance law enforcement evidence handling practices. By providing a secure, streamlined platform for storing, sharing, and managing data, we help agencies maintain integrity from ingestion to courtroom presentation.