Examination of Firearms Review: 2007 to 2010 - Interpol

6.3 Evidentiary problems with emerging technologies
Nelson states that in spite of a concerted effort by law enforcement to
teach first responders how to properly seize electronic evidence, we still
see instances where the last access dates of files have been altered by
untrained investigators or officers looking at the evidence post-seizure
(79). She states that it appears to be particularly alluring to take a look at
anything involving sex, but trampling on the evidence in their eager- ness
to see what they have provides for the defence counsel a fortuitous result
in which proper forensic procedures were not followed and the dates of last
access by the defendant are now permanently lost or altered (80).
6.4 Hand held devices
The Apple iPhone was released in the US in June 2007 and in late 2009
Apple released the 3GS version with 32GB storage capacity. The iPhone
has internet connectivity, GPS navigation, camera and video capability.
Apple promotes the iPhone feature “Remote Wipe” which can be launched
as its name suggests remotely by the authorized user to protect their
private information in the event that the phone becomes lost or stolen, or
by inference when it is seized by a law enforcement agency. Apple
promotes this feature stating “Your iPhone contains information you don’t
want in the hands of a stranger. So if you lose your iPhone and displaying
a message on it hasn’t resulted in its safe return, you can remotely lock it
with a passcode or initiate a remote wipe and restore factory settings (81)”.
6.5 Practitioner welfare
The University of New Hampshire, Crimes Against Children Research
Centre published a survey of work exposure to child pornography in
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces and affiliates in
November 2009. The report concluded that the well‐being of personnel
who investigate child pornography cases is a matter of concern, not just for
compassionate reasons, but also because unrelieved stress can lead to a
reduction of productivity and retention of the specialized and highly trained
staff who investigate these crimes. It recommended the undertaking of
further research to systematically examine what characteristics or
circumstances place some individuals at risk for adverse reactions and
what agency policies and practices best alleviate negative impacts for
those doing this important work (82). The report claimed to be the first step
to answering critical questions about the impact of viewing child
pornography on law en‐ forcement investigators. The findings indicated
that some law enforcement personnel suffer ill effects, while others cope
well (83). Application of this International Standard requires compliance
with national laws, rules and regulations. The International Standard
outlines the minimum requirements necessary for enabling transfer of
digital evidence between jurisdictions. It provides a framework for the
development of processes and procedures for the identification, collection,
acquisition and preservation of digital evidence (84).
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