Digital Evidence and Retention
Keywords
Digital, Evidence, Retention, Forensics, Unit, Outsource, Mandatory, Training, Retain, Guidance, Follow, Policy, NPCC, MoPI, CPIA, Original, Exhibit, Image, Extraction, Acquisition, Files, Reports, Case, Hard, Drive, Server, Network.
Publication Number
PUB 1307
FOI Reference Number
16415
Request Title
Digital Evidence and Retention
Date Range
N/A
Information Requested
Please could you answer the following questions below in relation to digital evidence and the retention of digital evidence in your force.
1) Does your force have a digital forensics unit or do you outsource?
a) DF unit
b) Outsource
c) Both
2) Do you complete mandatory training on how to retain digital evidence?
a) Yes
b) No
3) What retention guidance does your force follow for the retention of digital evidence?
a) NPCC
b) MoPI
c) CPIA
d) Own retention policy
e) Other (please specify)
4) How do you retain digital evidence?
a) Keep the original exhibit
b) Keep the image/extraction/acquisition files from the exhibit
c) Keep on the reports
d) All of the above
e) a & b
f) b & c
g) Other (please specify)
5) How is the extraction of digital evidence stored?
a) On a case hard drive
b) Sever/network
c) Other (please specify)
6) Is all digital evidence retained in the same way regardless on the type of case?
a) Yes
b) No
Disclosure with Exemptions
Full Disclosure
Information Correct as at
07 December 2021
Date of Disclosure
08 December 2021
Related Documents/Links
Drug driver samples - Forensic analysis 2019 to 2021
FOI 16415 Response
Having completed enquiries within Essex Police in respect of Section 1(1)(a), Essex Police does hold information relating to your request, Essex Police can confirm in respect of Section 1(1)(b) the following data:
Caveat: The data is correct as at 07 December 2021.
1) Does your force have a digital forensics unit or do you outsource?
Essex Police have a Digital Forensics Unit.
2) Do you complete mandatory training on how to retain digital evidence?
Yes.
3) What retention guidance does your force follow for the retention of digital evidence?
Essex Police follows NPCC, MoPI and CPIA guidance.
4) How do you retain digital evidence?
Essex Police keep the image/extraction/acquisition files from the exhibit. In addition, data extracted from victims and witnesses is redacted as per consent/DPN. Only consented data is retained.
5) How is the extraction of digital evidence stored?
Digital evidence is initially stored on server by the Digital Forensics Unit before being archived to tape. The Digital Media Hubs store digital evidence on an Optical disc.
6) Is all digital evidence retained in the same way regardless on the type of case?
No.