ACPO Guidelines for Digital Based Evidence
Introduction As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective handling of computer-based electronic evidence is more critical than ever. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in the United Kingdom has established principles to guide investigators in the proper collection, preservation, and presentation of electronic evidence. In this article, we'll delve into the key ACPO principles and provide real-world examples to illustrate their application. Principle 1: No action taken by law enforcement agencies or their agents should change data held on a computer or storage media, which may subsequently be relied upon in court. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of electronic evidence. Any actions taken during an investigation should not alter the original data. For instance, when seizing a computer, investigators should create a forensically sound copy of the hard drive to preserve the original state. Altering the data co