Criminal investigations need strong evidence to support the allegations against the accused. Investigators recover evidence from digital sources. Digital forensics and data management services are a necessary part of these investigations. Law enforcement knows it’s the only way to collect the data. Here are the different pieces of evidence extracted from electronic devices.
Computer Documents and Files
Investigators extract computer documents and files based on what they are investigating. Fraud investigations involve collecting records of documents from the offender’s computer. Evidence of fraud can convict a criminal after they commit fraud. These files range from falsified contracts to data collected from a government organization. Extracting the documents and files gives the investigators evidence of the crime. The proof gives the court what it needs to prosecute the criminal. Collecting and managing digital evidence presents a legal avenue to justice.
Emails and Text Messages
A spouse that cheated has communications data on their computer or smartphone. Digital investigations offer services to collect emails, text messages, and conversations via apps. and the investigator extracts the deleted items. The files show where the person was when sending text messages or calling. Evidence in a divorce case supports the petitioner’s claim. If they don’t have proof of an affair, the person cannot prove the spouse cheated. Evidence might get them more money when a prenuptial agreement is in place.
Bank Transactions and Account Information
Criminals embezzling millions of dollars from a corporation use offshore bank accounts. Overseas accounts don’t have to follow U.S. regulations. This makes it easier for the money to go undetected through U.S. banking systems. Most investigations only involve searches for the U.S. accounts. Data extraction services reveal account details and help officers find the money.
Images Stored on Any Device
Images are useful in a variety of criminal cases, and some criminals use images as trophies. Digital forensics offers a way to collect the data and prosecute criminals. It prevents criminals from ever walking the streets again. Digital forensics teams understand how to carry out these investigations.
They collect data without violating the chain of custody, and investigators catalog all images for law enforcement agencies. Many images removed from hard drives are horrible, and they group the images based on the crime.
The indexing helps law enforcement officers find images of victims faster. These technicians use victims’ names for indexing when available. Once they identify the victims, the technicians transfer the images to the appropriate case file. The files stay organized, and officials use evidence for the right criminal case.
Browser History Information
Their browser history shows what a user viewed on their computer or smartphone. Investigators find websites related to the crime in the history and track movements. If the offender moved files, officers see where the files are now. Evidence is vital in all investigations.
Investigators need professionals who understand how to extract the evidence without mistakes. Data collection processes must follow all federal laws and regulations. Officers follow the proper chain of custody when transporting data to their agency. Learn more about how digital proof can help in criminal and civil investigations.
