Case Study

The Vancouver Police Department was established in 1886; the Forensics Services Section was formed in 2005. When the case study was conducted, the Section was part of the Investigative Services Division and it included three units: the Financial Crime Squad, Forensic Firearm and Tool Mark, and the Forensic Identification Squad. The Section is a Governmental organization with a provincial mandate and it investigates all crimes referred to it for further attention. Each unit has specialized functions and responsibilities, including collecting evidence and conducting forensic examinations.

The case study examined the Financial Crime Squad and the Forensic Identification Squad, with particular focus on the long-term preservation of digital photographs taken at crime scenes and all other digital records that are evidence in an investigation (e.g., e-mail messages, spreadsheets, word-processed documents, etc.). The purpose of these records is to function as exhibits and therefore must be admissible in court as evidence. The presentation of evidence in court can serve to convict or exonerate suspects.

The main objectives of the case study were: to devise policies for management and long-term preservation of digital images; and to improve upon the current electronic crime recording system. While general knowledge gained in the course of this case study has contributed to the research outcomes, specifics of the case study are restricted.