27 Nov Beyond the SOP: Digital Evidence Collection in Dynamic Crime Scenes

First watch this video on What is an SOP: What is a standard operating procedure (SOP)?

Then use the SOP for the Madison Police Department as a guide to complete this assignment: City of Madison SOP Digital Evidence collection

Assignment Overview: This case analysis explores the challenges of digital evidence collection in dynamic crime scenes, focusing on the balance between standard operating procedures, officer safety, and evidence preservation.

Scenario:
You are a police officer responding to a domestic violence call where the injured victim claims there is video evidence of the assault on the suspect’s smartwatch, which is synced to the suspect’s phone and cloud storage. While speaking with the victim on scene, the victim also claims there may be “kiddie porn” on the suspects devices. The suspect is still on scene and is becoming increasingly agitated while you sort out the incident. How do you handle this situation?

Please number your responses when answering the following questions:
1. Upon arrival on scene, how would you balance the immediate safety concerns and visible injuries observed on the victim with proper digital evidence collection procedures since the Suspect is still on scene?

2. Explain what an SOP is and why it is important for agencies to have SOPs.

3. Based on your department SOPs on digital forensic evidence, describe how you would secure and/or collect potential evidence at the scene? Refer to the MPD Standard Operating Procedures. (NOTE: If you are currently employed with a law enforcement agency, then use your own SOP)

4. Explain how your police officer actions in response to this scenario might affect the admissibility of the evidence in court.

Consider these factors in your response:
Chain of custody requirements, Risk of evidence loss, Suspect remaining on scene, Officer and victim safety, need for immediate evidence preservation, and department policy.

Assignment Requirements: Include a title page, a reference page of resources used to answer questions 1-4, and submit a typed MS Word document. Length: 2 pages max excluding title page and reference page. Minimum of two scholarly resources.

Clearly number your responses for grading. Use of proper grammar and sentence structure is expected.

Refer to Rubric for grading: Worth 100 points

Critical thinking and analysis used: 40 pts
Applying and understanding agency SOP procedures to this assignment: 30 pts
Organization and structure: 20 pts
Writing clarity, APA format, and organization of thoughts: 10 pts