Forensic video

Forensic Video Analysis is the scientific examination, comparison and/or evaluation of video in legal matters.

Listed below are common techniques that are required of forensic video analysts.

# Reliably digitize video tape footage onto a computer system. (This is commonly done via Non-Linear Editor (NLE) software.)
# Be able to demultiplex or separate camera views from multiplexed CCTV footage.
# Convert digital video from DVR (Digital Video Recorder) devices into digital video formats usable for forensic analysis.
# Perform clarification techniques such as frame averaging.
# Highlight someone or something of interest in the video.
# Enlarge portions of the video for areas of interest.

tandard Operating Procedures (SOP's)

A written, documented set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) should be established to outline the procedures that the analysts are expected to follow during the course of reviewing forensic video evidence. Listed below are items to consider when writing SOP's.

* This must be done so that it adheres to the standards of evidence and so it is admissible in a court of law.
* They must follow the proper Chain of Custody with that evidence.
* Special precautions must be taken to ensure that the evidence is properly protected and stored. In the case of analog video tapes, the record tab should be removed and for digital video it should be write protected.
* Considerations for peer review of casework should be made.
* Ongoing training should be included and planned. Through professional organizations such as American Academy of Forensic Science, IAI, NATIA, LEVA, local community college courses and also vendor specific training.

Equipment

A good high quality S-VHS VCR. It should have a built in Time Base Corrector (TBC) and be able to handle S-VHS tapes and utilize a S-Video connection.

A VCR that will play back other formats such as high density, 8 mm and High 8 mm decks are also recommended.

A video monitor capable of displaying the underscan and overscan area of a video signal.

A forensic video analysis system capable of digitizing analog video in an "'uncompressed, format.

A good quality printer. There are many types of dye-sublimation, laser and ink-jet printers available to choose from.

An external Time Base Corrector (TBC) in addition to any that might be internal to a playback VCR.

Organizations

* [http://www.aafs.org/: American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)]
* [http://www.natia.org: National Technical Investigators’ Association (NATIA)]
* [http://www.theiai.org: International Association for Identification (IAI)]
* [http://www.leva.org: Law Enforcement and Emergency Video Services Association (LEVA)]
* [http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/oct2003/2003_10_guide02.htm Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technologies (FBI)]
* [http://www.spie.org/Membership/index.cfm?fuseaction=TechnicalGroups : SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering - The Investigative Image Processing technical group (SPIE)]

oftware

* [http://www.cellforensics.com Cellforensics (Mobile Investigation Software)]
* [http://www.avid.com/forensic Avid Technology, Inc.]
* [http://www.cognitech.com Cognitech]
* [http://www.videoanalyst.com Intergraph Video Analyst.]
* [http://www.oceansystems.com/dtective Ocean Systems dTective]
* [http://www.paraben.com Paraben (Cell Phone)]
* [http://www.starwitness.com StarWitness]
* [http://www.salientstills.com Salient Stills]
* [http://www.amped.it Amped Five]
* [http://www.trec.com TREC, Inc. Forensic Video Image Enhancement & Analysis]
* [http://www.microception.com/videoversight.htm Microception, Inc. Forensic Interview Recording and Case Management]

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Knowledge Bases

* [http://discerning.com/topics/audiovideo/video_encoding.html Video Distribution]
* [http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/ Comprehensive Glossary on Video Formats]
* [http://www.videohelp.com/ How to Forum on Video Projects]
* [http://www.oceansystems.com/support/faq_06.htm Ocean Systems Knowledge Base]
* [http://www.avid.com/onlinesupport/ Avid Knowledge Base]
* [http://www.media-geek.com/ Media-Geek.com] - A community resource site for Forensic Media Analysts.

Understanding Proprietary DVR

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Training in Forensic Video Analysis

* [http://www.aafs.org/: American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)]
* [http://www.trijimi.com/viva.htm Video Advisors LLC]
* [http://www.resvid.com Resolution Video Inc.]
* [http://leva.org LEVA]
* [http://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/fsct8354 British Columbia Institute of Technology]
* [http://www.oceansystems.com/dtective/dtective_training.htm Ocean Systems]
* [http://www.pyramidvision.com VideoDetective^TM]