Assignment: Documenting the Electronic Crime Scene
Documentation of the electronic crime scene is a continuous process during the investigation that makes a permanent record of the scene. When documenting, an investigator should keep the following points in mind:
• It is essential to properly take note of the physical location and states of computers, digital storage media, and other electronic devices.
• Document the physical crime scene, noting the position of the mouse and the location of elements found near the system.
• Document details of any related or difficult-to-find electronic components.
• Record the state of computer systems, digital storage media, and electronic devices, including the power status of the computer.
• Take a photograph of the computer monitor's screen and note what was on the screen.
• The crime scene should be documented in detail and comprehensively at the time of the investigation.
Photographing the Scene
On arrival, the first step taken by the forensic team should be to photograph the scene. It is very important that this be done in a way that will not alter or damage the scene, and everything should be clearly visible.
The best course of action is to take various photographs of the crime scene. For example, an investigator should first take a photograph of the building and/or office number. This should be followed by an entry photograph (what is seen as one enters the crime scene) and then by a series of 360-degree photographs. These are overlapping photographs depicting the entire crime scene. It is important to proceed all the way from the entire scene down to the smallest piece of evidence.
Crime scene photographs should be taken of the work area, including things such as computer disks, handwritten documents, and other components of the system. Photos should also be taken of the back of the computer system to accurately show how cables are linked. If this cannot be done on-site, then all cables must be labeled so the computer system can be reconnected at the forensic laboratory and photographed.
Sketching the Scene
After securing the scene, the CFP has to prepare a sketch of the crime scene. This sketch should include all details about the objects present and their locations within the office area. As with photographs, forensic professionals prepare many sketches of the complete scene, all the way down to smallest piece of evidence.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.