Off-the-shelf ‘Multi-Media’ solutions and network storage security do not properly account for evidence processing policy enforcement, auditing and verification of evidence file management.

Authenticating the user to the Digital Evidence Locker and RMS, all requests for evidence processing are made to the Locker, which is the master-controller and auditor for the system. A users’ access to a particular case is based on RMS permissions; no rights management of the evidence system is required. The system tracks a user’s current cases, allowing efficient processing, management and viewing of evidence and case information.

Cryptographic ‘DNA’ is computed for files as they are processed, and securely stored for verification of authenticity against the original file. Documents, images, audio and video files are processed when the user ‘browses’ to any local device or network location and selects files for processing. Integration with the department’s in-car video data allows users to browse, filter and preview video before adding an event to a case. The associated file metadata is submitted to the Locker for processing, and the Evidence Storage Server processes incoming files for secured network access.

Processing a digital camera captures all photographs on the device, confirming picture sequence, and logging the model and serial number of the camera. Photographs from one camera may be assigned to separate cases; however, the original ‘Processed Camera’ can be reconstructed for review. All photographic information (f-stop, focal length, etc.) is preserved, and available for review within the client program.

Audited users can submit selected evidence, or entire cases, for processing by Media Robot Servers. The robot burns selected evidence files to optical media generating a web page ‘Evidence Log’ with active links to the files included on the disc. If the evidence includes specialized video formats, the required viewer program can be burned to disc, also. The disc is labeled with the case number, date and contact information of the intended recipient.