Digital Evidence

The Digital Evidence Unit receives requests to analyze evidence that is submitted in three areas: forensic computer, video, and audio analysis.

The North Carolina State Crime Laboratory was the first agency in the world to become ASCLD-LAB accredited in digital evidence in December 2003. The Crime Lab is an important resource for laboratories nationwide that are interested in obtaining accreditation in the digital evidence discipline.

Digital Media Analysis

Computers, cellular phones, and vehicles seized during a criminal investigation may contain vital evidence. Forensic computer analysis provides law enforcement and criminal justice agencies the recovery and analysis of computer digital evidence, especially in crimes involving children. 
  
Crimes against children such as sexual exploitation of a child, indecent liberties, statutory rape, and child pornography, account for the majority of computer submissions. 
  
Other computer cases involve homicides, conspiracy to commit murder, financial crimes, fraud, and identity theft

Video Analysis

Digital Video Recordings (DVR) and video tapes often document the commission of a crime and provide the only leads to the investigator. The Crime Lab receives requests throughout the state to analyze video evidence, especially video surveillance footage.

Audio Analysis

When criminals leave behind audio evidence about a crime, law enforcement can request forensic audio analysis to enhance and preserve the evidence. Often these audio recordings are muffled or unclear and must be enhanced using state-of-the-art computer digital enhancement techniques in order to be understood.

For more information, please contact the Crime Lab.