Mobile phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants) are a key element of modern criminal investigation. As well as being used to make and receive phone calls, these are multifunctional devices for text messaging, taking pictures and managing diaries, with a large storage capacity.
The distinction between mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs and even computers is becoming blurred. Our investigators are able to analyse a wide variety of devices form leading manufacturers such as Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens, Sharp, NEC, Alcatel, Windows Pocket PC, Palm, Blackberry and HTC.
The digital evidence that can be found on mobile phone devices and PDAs include:
For forensic analysis, three components are relevant: the SIM (subscriber identity module) card memory, handset memory and a removable memory card. Each is examined separately using a variety of forensic techniques.
Our experts will produce evidential reports containing all the data recovered from the device as required by the investigating team. Any media recovered will be provided in CDROM or DVD format suitable for court. We will help clients prepare witness statement and, if required, personally deliver this in court. Our investigators have retrieved and analysed stored data in several different languages and recovered information from damaged devices.
Our procedures follow the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines and PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act) codes of practice to ensure the integrity and continuity of exhibits and the overall accuracy and quality of the evidence that we report and present. High standards have earned UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation for our laboratory.
