Dual-Camera Android Devices
Tablets and smart phones are coming equipped with two cameras, one on the back and another on the front. These two cameras make it easy for an investigator to gather and authenticate audio-visual records about physical evidence -- such as graffiti on a fence or the appearance of a murder scene.
The integrity of audio, video and photographic records is easy to enhance if the investigator's device enables multiple files to be attached to outgoing email. Android devices normally do allow multiple attachments to email.
Experience shows that records of email (especially email in an enterprise) are reasonably protected from tampering. This is one reason that email evidence is routinely accepted and relied upon in court.
Therefore, a pretty good technique for an investigator to collect evidence is to (1) make a video record with the back camera, (2) sign and authenticate the first record with a second video, made with the front camera, showing a statement of affirmation by the investigator and (3) send both videos as attachments to a single email addressed to multiple people.
Here is a demonstration:
The investigator can further enhance the integrity of records by speaking date and time directly into the videos made with the mobile device. The spoken date and time should approximately match the timestamp on the email to which the videos are attached.
Is the second video, which signs and authenticates the first video, required? Not necessarily. However, it is useful. It can be persuasive to a judge or jury, in that it visually and auditorily depicts an identified witness confirming a record and taking responsibility. It helps make the email and its attachments more like a formal, legal affidavit. An affidavit may be accorded special weight in an investigation or courtroom hearing.
Mr. Wright teaches the law of data security and investigations at the SANS Institute.
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