Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, Second Edition

Published April 14, 2008

Chapter 1. Electronic Devices: Types, Description and Potential Evidence

Introduction

Internally attached computer hard drives, external drives, and other electronic devices at a crime scene may contain information that can be useful as evidence in a criminal investigation or prosecution. The devices themselves and the information they contain may be used as digital evidence. In this chapter, such devices will be identified, along with general information about their evidential value.

Some devices require internal or external power to maintain stored information. For these devices, the power must be maintained to preserve the information stored. For additional information about maintaining power to these devices, please refer to chapter 3 of this guide, the device manufacturer’s Web site, or other reliable sources of information.