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Documentation and Forensic Analysis
Hello Everyone!
I'm currently away from the office conducting a recovery of video evidence from two digital video security systems for the District Attorney's office. Only a few weeks ago we conducted the Digital Video Evidence Recovery class in Virginia and a phrase I repeated several times in class is now running through my head: Read The Manual. Those of you that have attended any of my classes know that I am a big fan of documentation and the wealth of information that may be contained within those papers. This case is no exception.
Upon getting the call for conducting this case the research began. I turned the Internet inside out looking for websites with information and downloading PDF files of technical specifications, user manuals, and installation manuals. I found a lot of information on one of the systems - the newer more sophisticated model. The other system was older... much older. It may have been one of the first digital video security systems ever made and I found no documentation.
So I did the only thing I could - I called technical support. Surprisingly, the person I talked with was extremely helpful. Updating me on all the details they could remember about the system. They didn't have a wealth of documentation on the system but they did have an old training document on troubleshooting that particular system. In the end that document and the assistance provided by technical support was what I needed in order to get the case completed in a timely manner.
The moral of the story - documentation is great but people are also an excellent resource. Don't be afraid to call on people who may be able to help! "Read the Manual" is still my mantra for everything I do. Now I will also make the call to technical support (if they exist for the product) to get more information. I will also consult more often with other analysts and seek out more training so that I may gain more knowledge through experience - my own experience as well as others' experience.
If you are looking for a community to ask questions of or learn more information consider the following resources: The International Association for Identification is one of the oldest forensic organizations around and provides a wealth of information to its members. One of the newest organizations that looks promising is the Association of Forensic Multimedia Analysts. Their intent to provide research, technical review, certification, and an academic journal specifically for forensic video, audio and image analysis would greatly benefit the community. Two other resources worth checking out are the Forensic Video Analysis Listserv and Media-Geek.com. Both provide community forums for finding information or asking members questions. For more information on the Forensic Video Analysis Listserv, email Brad Doell at brad.doell@shaw.ca
Of course, Resolution Video offers several training classes on forensic image and video analysis to help you acquire knowledge and experience. Seats are still available for our Adobe Photoshop for Forensic Video Analysts class starting July 28 - 31, 2008 near Denver, CO. Newly listed to our website is our Adobe Photoshop for Forensics class offered September 22 - 24, 2008 in Boston, MA and the next offering of our Recovery of Digital Video Evidence class offered December 9 - 11, 2008 near Washington, DC. Both of these classes sold out last time and had a waiting list. If you are interested in attending, contact us today to reserve your seat.
More information on these classes and our other class offerings is available in this email below or on our website at www.resvid.com. Remember we limit our class sizes to ensure you get a personal training experience - contact us today to reserve your seat!
I'll see you in class!
Dorothy
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Dorothy Stout
Resolution Video Inc.
www.resvid.com
703-759-7803
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Adobe Photoshop for Forensic Video Analysts
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 Adobe Photoshop CS3 is a valuable tool for the examination and clarification of video evidence. Adobe Photoshop for Forensic Video Analysts is a 4-day class designed to introduce and build upon the necessary image processing skills for analog and digital video evidence.
Taught by two leading industry experts, George Reis and Casey Caudle, this class is an excellent opportunity for students new to Adobe Photoshop as well as experienced analysts. Topics include the forensic analysis workflow, pixel aspect ratio corrections, custom filters for de-blurring, sharpening and pattern elimination, and color isolation techniques.
Where & When
Broomfield Police Department
Broomfield, CO (near Denver)
July 28 - 31, 2008
Cost
$895.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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Forensic Video Analysis for Avid - Level 1
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 Learn practical analysis and enhancement techniques using the Avid system! This three-day class focuses on what you need to know for everyday examinations of video evidence. Multiple hands-on exercises on real video evidence ensure you understand and can apply these forensic examination techniques.
One of our previous students stated: " With your class, I can
better utilize the tools in the Avid system and feel confident in my
abilities. You really taught us practical applications."
This class is appropriate for people who are new to the Avid system as well as those people in need of a refresher. For more information and to register, click here.
Where & When
2 SEATS REMAINING
Lakewood Police Department
Lakewood, WA (near Seattle/Tacoma, WA)
July 28 - 30, 2008
Cost
$895.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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Forensic Digital Photography
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 With the digital camera you use to document incidents and crime scenes, gain
practical experience in forensic photography and photo problem solving. This
two-day class is full of exercises allowing you to see what works and what
doesn't!
Forensic Digital Photography covers such
topics as correcting bad exposures, fill flash, and common photography scenarios
such as night time, indoor, injuries, computers and cell phones. If you use a
digital camera for investigative documentation, this class is a must.
Where & When
Kent Police/Fire Training Center
Kent, WA (near Seattle)
September 3 - 4, 2008
Cost
$425.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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Adobe Photoshop for Forensics - NEW
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 Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Bridge are valuable image editing applications for
forensic analysis. Using them properly so that the results are acceptable in
court is critical!
Adobe Photoshop for Forensics is
recommended for anyone using Adobe Photoshop or another image editing
application for forensic image analysis. In this three-day hands-on workshop,
you will be introduced to the key features of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe
Bridge for the analysis of crime scene photos, latent prints, tire and footwear
impressions, toolmarks, questioned documents and video evidence.
Where &
When
MBTA Transit Police
Boston, MA
September 22 - 24, 2008
Cost
$625.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop
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 Learn techniques for processing and enhancing digital video evidence from recovery to image clarification. This four-day class provides effective techniques for the recovery, playback and analysis of video file as well as image processing techniques using Adobe Photoshop.
The first two days of Digital Video and Adobe Photoshop covers processes for handling codecs and players, file conversion techniques, and video file processing tools. The next two days covers image clarification techniques for digital video images using Adobe Photoshop CS3. After taking this class, many students remark "This class changed my approach to digital video evidence!"
Where & When
Pittsburg Police Department
Martinez, CA (near San Francisco)
October 28 - 31, 2008
Cost
$895.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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Forensic Video Analysis - Level 1
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 Understanding
video evidence is critical for Forensic Video Analysis. With the basic knowledge of the technology behind digital and analog video evidence,
the proper tools can be used to deliver the best evidence. Forensic Video Analysis - Level 1 delivers the details about video evidence technology and the tools available for analysis.
This class was designed to meet the needs of three types of students:
- Students who are new to Forensic Video Analysis and are looking to develop a capability and purchase equipment
- Students
who already have equipment but are in need of updated training on
analog and digital video technologies and the latest tools for analysis
- Students
who are looking for an introductory course on Forensic Video Analysis
prior to taking other basic week-long educational courses
Forensic Video Analysis - Level 1 is a hands-on class with practical, technical
training on processing techniques available to all organizations for
the examination of video evidence.
Where & When
Bakersfield Police Department
Bakersfield, CA
November 18 - 20, 2008
Cost
$895.00
Registration
Click here for more information and to access our on-line registration form.
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