The public expectation today is that if a crime occurs, there will be video/audio of the incident. There is a significant, specific skill set that investigators need to properly handle and process the digital multimedia evidence that gets collected. If the DME is not handled and processed carefully, according to best practices, the video/audio might not be interpreted accurately. This course exposes students to more advanced theory and hands-on techniques that conform to the Best Practices for the Acquisition and Processing of Digital Multimedia Evidence (DME).

“The Principles of Video/Image Compare and Contrast” focuses on scientific methods to compare and contrast characteristics of questioned objects to known objects within CCTV video images. The process of examining class characteristics and individual characteristics found in questioned evidence is examined in detail. Using a variety of scientific procedures in a forensic lab environment, analysts/examiners develop a scientific workflow involving the hands-on analysis, comparison, and evaluation of video evidence, culminating in scientific analytical report writing and court exhibits for courtroom presentation.

The increased use of digital video systems by the general public has made digital multimedia evidence (DME) a significant and integral part of modern criminal and civil investigations. Since there is no standard video recording system in use, the need for trained individuals who know how to properly recover this type of evidence has increased. Properly acquiring DME is crucial, as all other processes or use of the video is impacted by accuracy of the recovery. This course introduces and provides a fundamental understanding of DME, introduces the types of systems likely to be encountered, discusses legal issues related to DME, and focuses on the proper recovery of DME.