Handling of Audio/Video Evidence

[TDMedia]

Hi.

Can anyone tell me if there is an established set of guidelines for the proper handling of video evidence, digital statement recordings, etc?

I have owned a digital media company for 25 years. For the past seven years, I did a good deal of work with the FBI, criminal attorneys, insurance investigators, and detectives in every major US city. This involved securing audio/video evidence related to crimes against traveling jewelers and also enhancing surveillance video and preparing it for trials. Additionally, I was entrusted with the duplication of media, when necessary.

Using common sense, I prepared my own Evidence Custody Forms and composed my own written statements documenting the movement of tapes, CD's, DVD's, and other media through my studio. However, I have never been able to find a universally-accepted set of standards for the proper handling of such media. Even the Feds couldn't point me in the right direction, and I wonder if some of the microcassette to CD transfers I did for them may have been illegal.

Any advice?

[JEpstein]

Hi.

Can anyone tell me if there is an established set of guidelines for the proper handling of video evidence, digital statement recordings, etc?

I have owned a digital media company for 25 years. For the past seven years, I did a good deal of work with the FBI, criminal attorneys, insurance investigators, and detectives in every major US city. This involved securing audio/video evidence related to crimes against traveling jewelers and also enhancing surveillance video and preparing it for trials. Additionally, I was entrusted with the duplication of media, when necessary.

Using common sense, I prepared my own Evidence Custody Forms and composed my own written statements documenting the movement of tapes, CD's, DVD's, and other media through my studio. However, I have never been able to find a universally-accepted set of standards for the proper handling of such media. Even the Feds couldn't point me in the right direction, and I wonder if some of the microcassette to CD transfers I did for them may have been illegal.

Any advice?

Yes I do know. TDmedia. TD media has written forms on the issue and I believe may be putting in to place a handbook on handling such media given the lack of good guidance to such evidence. I understand he may be even adding a chapter on digital media.

Your last sentence throws me though. Why do you think some of the transfers would have been illegal? If they created the media under legal privilege then they own it to copy. Especially if its to prepare for trial or to give to opposing counsel or even just for ease of handling.

[TDMedia]

>>>>Your last sentence throws me though. Why do you think some of the transfers would have been illegal?<<<<

I suppose "illegal" was the wrong term. I'm mostly concerned that my procedures might be called into question and that I will not have a solid set of standards on which to base my defense.

Also, I am interested in offering this service to outside agencies, attorneys, etc and I do not want to be embarrassed when I reveal to clients that I've been doing this for so many years without any specific policies and procedures!

By the way, are you Jeff Epstein from Syosset?