Free DME & DFIR Resources

Although disc-based storage is not as widely used as it once was for digital evidence archiving, it remains a viable solution when properly implemented and managed. In fact, many of the world’s largest technology companies are using and/or exploring disc-based storage systems for long-term offline storage of petabytes of customer data (e.g. Facebook uses 10,000 Blu-ray discs to store 'cold' data). They do so, however, in a managed environment with a thorough understanding of the medium’s strengths and limitations.

Many in law enforcement use write-once disc-based media for MASTER evidence storage, as it continues to be recommended via various industry best practice documents. Unfortunately, not everyone involved in the evidence chain understands the limitations and best practices as they relate to the care and handling of disc-based media. Adhesive labels, permanent markers, and ballpoint pens have destroyed more evidence than I care to even think about.

Apple has a new tool for those who manage a herd of iPads or iPhones for schools or small businesses, a free Mac app aimed at making life easier for iOS-focused IT staff. Called Configurator, it allows admins to "mass configure and deploy iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch," 30 devices at a time.

Read full story >

HP made some big product announcements today that I've been patiently waiting for.  My patience is wearing thin though, as the two devices I am most anxious to get my hands on won't be out until this summer.  I was a bit peeved earlier when I heard that, but there's no doubt I'll wait rather than jump ship to another OS (he says as he writes this post from his original Palm Pre).

For those who have spent any time with all of the major mobile operating systems, it has been clear from day one webOS has the most potential.  True multi-tasking is a biggie, and nobody does it better.

Yes, I'll wait for the Pre 3 and HP Touchpad, but I'd better get a nice loyalty discount HP! 😉

Here's more (with video & pics) from CNET - http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20031111-1.html

I was hoping I’d be able to wrap this series up with this post, but it’s clear to me now that I won’t be able to. There’s simply too much to cover and I’m certain that at least a few are still scratching your heads (like I was), wondering why we shouldn’t just rely on the pixel matrices to calculate Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) from analog sources. It is critically important to understand that I am approaching this topic from a forensic perspective, with the goal of standardizing the methodology used for forensic processing, interpretation, and presentation.

POSITION INFORMATION -  Positions allocable to this class perform specialized photographic work for the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS -Takes photographs in various formats (e.g., still, digital, and black and white)
utilizing video and/or photographic equipment in order to assist deputy district attorneys with specific case needs.
Develops and prints photographs using the Noritsu photographic and film processing system for use as evidence in criminal prosecution.

For further information log-in to see the attached PDF file or contact Jack Nadelle.

DME stands for Digital & Multimedia Analysis, but it also stands for Digital Multimedia Analysis. They are two separate things.

Digital & Multimedia Analsysis includes all things digital, including multimedia.

Digital Multimedia Analysis is specific to multimedia.

I know what you're thinking..."Thanks, Captain Obvious!" 😄

By Elinor Mills

Microsoft is working on a patch to fix a hole in a 64-bit Windows 7 graphics display component that could be exploited to crash the system or potentially take control of the computer by running code remotely.

Full story:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20005420-245.html

Magnetic tape has been used as a storage medium continuously from one of the first contemporary computers onwards -- the UNIVAC, in 1951. That gives it 60 years of unbroken use, from gigantic reel-to-reel rolls of the stuff to tape cartridges that might one day hold 70 terabytes apiece.

Full story:
http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/mimssbits/26990/

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center has multiple vacancies available in the upcoming Digital Photography for Law Enforcement training program (DPLE 905). The program dates are: 06/02/2009-06/11/2009.

This eight-day program, with evening assignments, is an introductory digital photography school that acquaints students with a host of photographic concepts and skills including:

Who doesn't love free stuff? Even better, who doesn't love free stuff that actually works? Here's my Fab 5 list of Freeware programs, in no particular order. The quotes are from the respective Web site for each program. While I've found all of these programs helpful in one way or another, make sure you've read and understand my Web site Terms of Use before visiting any of these links.

This Friday, 9/30, is the cutoff date to be guaranteed a reservation in the LEVA block at the Coeur d'Alene Resort & Conference Center.

The 2011 Annual LEVA Training Conference returns to beautiful Coeur d'Alene this year and is just a few short weeks away. Click the links below for an updated conference schedule or to register today!

» 2011 LEVA Conference Schedule (PDF)
» Register Today!

In planning video production sessions for the November LEVA conference, LEVA would like to know what system you use to produce videos. For example, Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas, Avid, Adobe Premiere, etc. It will help us tailor subject areas that helps ensure the best possible training is provided.

Please direct your responses and any other suggested production topics to Mr. Jan Garvin, LEVA Training VP at training@leva.org.

A couple of years ago I did a series of posts on aspect ratio correction of DCCTV recordings; more specifically DCCTV recordings captured by analog CCTV cameras, and correcting Display Aspect Ratio (DAR) for forensic interpretation. I pointed out in my posts and the subsequent Video & Display Standards Chart, that the one exception that I'm aware of where a DCCTV recording captured by an analog CCTV camera shouldn't be displayed 4:3, was the relatively new 960H format.