Digital Scene Forensics

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand what digital evidence is, and, why it may be present at a crime scene.

• Identify potential digital ‘investigative opportunities’ that may be present at a crime scene and how these may support or relate to an inquiry.

• Understand when a line of inquiry may be ‘reasonable’ if it involves a digital device.

• Develop a digital evidence strategy for a given scene which considers the handling, collection and potential analysis of digital devices and their data.

• Balance digital and traditional evidence types, minimising the risk of contamination of either. 

• Make key decisions regarding the investigative value of a device and the need to seize it, considering necessity, proportionality and legality.

• Understand the application of triage, both on a device and decision-based triage approaches.

• Evaluate the application of an understanding of the breadth of sources of digital evidence and intelligence at the crime scene, and critically assess the value of resulting data.

• Identify suitable approaches for processing scenes containing digital devices.

• Identify suitable approaches for dealing with a range of devices in a range of ‘states’, including computers, mobile phones and routers.

• Critically appraise the nature and form of data derived from scene-based sources of digital evidence. 
   

Core content

Core content includes:

• An introduction to what digital evidence is, where does it come from and how do we examine it.

• The nature of digital evidence sources in the crime scene.

• Adaptation of a forensic strategy to integrate digital scene evidence.

• Consideration of data stored/residing on a range of technologies, both local and cloud-based.

• Consideration of data stored/residing on ‘non-standard’ devices.

• Triage and analysis techniques/approaches.

• Key decision making and strategic approaches to a scene. 

Upgrade to a professional qualification

This course will be taught at Masters standard as it is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme. Registering for this Short Course for Credit and successfully passing the associated assessment will gain you 10 Cranfield credits. These could then be used to apply for a transfer towards a PgCert/PgDip or MSc in the Forensic Programme should you wish to complete one of these courses within 5 years.

Find out more about Short Course Credit Points

Who should attend

• Those operating in a professional investigative role where digital devices are encountered as part of their inquiries.

• Law enforcement, first responders, and crime scene attenders / investigators.

• Students studying forensic investigation disciplines.

Speakers

• Dr Graeme Horsman

Concessions

Accommodation options and prices

If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here.  Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL