NCJ Number
137561
Journal
Crime Laboratory Digest Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1992) Pages: 10-15
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Offenders' increasing use of computers to store records related to their criminal activities means that police must become aware of methods to collect and preserve computer evidence and should consider using the field assistance of the FBI Laboratory's Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART).
Abstract
The CART is staffed by both sworn and nonsworn computer professionals with a wide range of experience and proficiency in the examination of computer-related evidence and a sensitivity to the particular needs of the law enforcement community. The CART has a full range of computer hardware, as well as unique utility software for forensic examinations involving computers. Local police investigators should follow several guidelines when collecting computer evidence and shipping it to the FBI. They should take immediate action to protect the data stored on the computer's hard disk and associated floppy diskettes. They should also confiscate all the hardware and all the supporting software and documentation that is within the scope of the investigation. Finally, they must package it properly to avoid damage during shipment. Appended guidelines for the preservation, submission, and examination of computer evidence and 5 references