NCJ Number
204494
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 8,10,12,14,15
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
February 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the establishment of the digital evidence discipline as a part of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) to ensure the analysis of digital evidence in the law enforcement community.
Abstract
With the establishment of the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) in 1998 came the digital evidence discipline which included examinations in the areas of computer forensics, audio analysis, video analysis, and imaging analysis. In 2003, after examining the feasibility of having digital evidence become part of an existing laboratory accreditation program, the digital evidence discipline was added to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). The ASCLD/LAB has been accrediting forensic crime labs since 1982 offering accreditation in the various forensic disciplines. The ASCLD/LAB Manual consists of statements of principles, basic standards, 145 criteria for evaluation of standards and discussions to provide more detailed explanations of the criteria. The preparation for ASCLD/LAB accreditation can be a long and detailed process. Policies and procedures must be written and examiners must demonstrate continued compliance with the requirements. With analyzes performed in the crime labs resulting in prosecution and conviction, there must be a standard of acceptability. Accreditation can supply this standard. Accreditation improves quality, access performance, provides independent review, and demonstrates standards are being met or achieved. With the inclusion of digital evidence in its accreditation process, ASCLD/LAB has set a standard of acceptability for digital evidence.