Electronic Devices

This section details how to properly locate, document, collect, label, package, store, and preserve three major categories of electronic devices during fire scene evidence collection and for subsequent use in testing or legal proceedings.  A wide array of electronic devices may be present at a fire scene. Electronic device analysis can be complicated and must be done by an experienced professional. It is very easy to unintentionally compromise the evidentiary value of electronic devices during fire scene evidence collection if the devices are not handled properly. Do not attempt to operate electronic devices or obtain information from them in the field. If you have questions or concerns about a particular electronic device, consult your laboratory prior to touching the device. Follow the procedures in this section to implement fire scene evidence collection best practices for electronic devices. If you are unsure which electronic devices fire scene evidence collection procedure to use or do not have sufficient experience to execute the procedure, consult your laboratory prior to collection.

 

Select a type of evidence to review its collection and packaging procedures.

Remember to also review the Checklists prior to collection and prior to releasing the scene.