Telephone Record Evidence

Telecommunication evidence’ is the broad term used to describe any data/information retained or otherwise available from the communication service provider (CSP, such as ‘T-Mobile’ and ‘Orange’), and which has probative value for investigative or legal purposes. ‘Call Data Records’ (CDRs), sometimes referred to as ‘Call Detail Records’ (CDRs), are statements that provide information relating to the usage of the telecommunication services provided by a given operator by a specific user. The following information would be created and retained...

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ACPO Guide Electronic evidence

The fragile nature of digital evidence, coupled with the complexity and skill required to conduct an assessment that will bear the scrutiny of a court of law, makes it important to independently validate and verify the findings of the forensic assessor. One of the fundamental tenants ‘Best Practice’ for the evaluation of electronic evidence – including telecommunication data – is that assessments are made on forensically sound and digitally perfect copies of the original media. This ensures that the target media cannot be tainted or corrupted,...

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Regulation of investigatory powers act 2000

An investigation into people trafficking across European borders, a requirement to tap and listen in on the conversations of a known drug baron, intercepting emails within a paedophile ring, attempting to crack a terrorist’s encrypted drive containing plans for attacks. What does each of these scenarios have in common? They all require the support of a legislative tool known as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). The RIP Act, commonly referred to as RIPA, was introduced in the year 2000 in order to establish much needed protocols...

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Facebook Evidence

Facebook™ is a social networking service that allows users to interact with other Internet users, sharing media and messages. A user is able to contact other individuals by adding them to their ‘friends list’, which enables them to be able to write on other friends’ walls (i.e. a space for public commentary) and leave tags on photographs. Users are also able to communicate by sending instant messages which can sometimes be stored on the user’s machine and messages, similar to emails. The owner of the account is able to adjust privacy settings so...

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An introduction to Cell Site Analysis

The Soham murders involving Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells was one of the most high profile cases to be reported and documented in the last ten years. Cell site analysis played a critical part in the investigation throughout and ultimately helped to convict Ian Huntley of murder. Cell site analysis aims to determine the geographical location of a mobile phone through analysis of data records, transmit and receive beacons (cell sites) and signal strength of a specific area. Although not an exact science, it is a technique that can be applied...

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