Knowledge Base
Exporting Evidence Packages
Exporting Evidence Packages
Properly exporting and packaging evidence is crucial for maintaining chain of custody and ensuring admissibility in court proceedings. This comprehensive guide covers export formats, security measures, metadata preservation, and best practices for creating legally compliant evidence packages.
Evidence Export Overview
The Canvass Global evidence export system provides:
- Multiple export formats for different use cases
- Comprehensive chain of custody documentation
- Digital signatures and hash verification
- Metadata preservation and timestamps
- Court-ready evidence packaging
- Integration with evidence management systems
Complete Export Process
📦 Evidence Package Creation Workflow
1
Evidence Selection and Review
Select footage and related evidence for export, review quality and relevance.
Features: Multi-select tools, preview capability, quality assessment, relevance scoring
2
Format and Packaging Selection
Choose appropriate export format and packaging options based on intended use.
Features: Format recommendations, compatibility checking, size optimization
3
Metadata and Documentation
Generate comprehensive documentation including chain of custody and technical details.
Features: Automated documentation, custom reports, metadata extraction
4
Security and Verification
Apply digital signatures, encryption, and generate verification hashes.
Features: Digital signatures, hash generation, encryption options, tamper detection
5
Package Generation and Download
Create final evidence package and provide secure download options.
Features: Secure download links, package verification, delivery confirmation
Export Formats and Options
Court-Ready Package (Recommended)
- Original video files with metadata
- Complete chain of custody documentation
- Digital signatures and hash verification
- Technical analysis reports
- Compliance with court requirements
Best For: Court proceedings, formal evidence submission
Investigation Package
- Multiple format video files
- Enhanced metadata and analysis
- Investigation notes and annotations
- Related evidence cross-references
- Team collaboration features
Best For: Ongoing investigations, team collaboration
Media Package
- Compressed video for easy sharing
- Multiple resolution options
- Watermarked versions available
- Screenshot generation
- Privacy protection options
Best For: Public information requests, media sharing
Legacy System Integration
- Compatible with older systems
- Standard file formats (AVI, MOV)
- Simplified metadata structure
- Batch processing capabilities
- CSV documentation files
Best For: Legacy evidence management systems
Secure Transport Package
- Encrypted container files
- Password-protected access
- Secure transfer protocols
- Access logging and monitoring
- Self-destructing options
Best For: Sensitive investigations, federal cases
Prosecutor Package
- Trial-ready evidence organization
- Exhibit numbering and indexing
- Timeline and event correlation
- Technical expert reports
- Admissibility documentation
Best For: District attorney offices, trial preparation
Chain of Custody Documentation
🔗 Complete Chain of Custody Tracking
Every evidence package includes comprehensive chain of custody documentation:
Sample Chain of Custody Timeline
Officer J. Smith requested footage from Camera #12345
Camera Owner M. Johnson approved request and uploaded footage
System verified file integrity and applied digital signature
Officer J. Smith exported evidence package for Case #2024-001234
Detective L. Wilson received and verified evidence package
Custody Documentation Includes:
- Request Details: Who requested evidence and when
- Approval Process: Camera owner approval with timestamps
- File Handling: All file access and modification events
- Export Actions: Who exported evidence and for what purpose
- Verification Steps: Digital signature and hash verification results
- Transfer Records: Evidence transfer and receipt confirmations
Security Features and Integrity Protection
🔐 Evidence Security and Integrity Measures
Digital Signatures and Verification
- Digital Signatures: Cryptographic signatures for all evidence files
- Hash Verification: SHA-256 hashes for file integrity checking
- Timestamp Authority: Trusted timestamps for all actions
- Certificate Chain: Verifiable certificate chains for authenticity
- Tamper Detection: Automatic detection of any file modifications
Encryption and Access Control
- File Encryption: AES-256 encryption for evidence files
- Access Controls: Role-based access to evidence packages
- Audit Logging: Complete access logs for all evidence handling
- Key Management: Secure encryption key management and rotation
- Secure Transfer: Encrypted channels for evidence transfer
Evidence Package Contents
📁 Complete Evidence Package Structure
- Case_2024-001234_Evidence_Package/
- ├─ Video_Evidence/
- │ ├─ Camera_12345_2024-01-15_14-30-00.mp4
- │ ├─ Camera_12345_2024-01-15_14-30-00.meta
- │ └─ Camera_67890_2024-01-15_14-30-00.mp4
- ├─ Documentation/
- │ ├─ Chain_of_Custody.pdf
- │ ├─ Technical_Report.pdf
- │ ├─ Evidence_Summary.pdf
- │ └─ Camera_Specifications.pdf
- ├─ Verification/
- │ ├─ Digital_Signatures.p7s
- │ ├─ Hash_Verification.txt
- │ └─ Integrity_Report.pdf
- ├─ Metadata/
- │ ├─ Evidence_Index.json
- │ ├─ Timeline_Data.csv
- │ └─ System_Logs.txt
- └─ Package_Manifest.pdf
Package Components Explained:
- Video Evidence: Original footage files with preserved metadata
- Documentation: Reports, chain of custody, and technical specifications
- Verification: Digital signatures and integrity verification tools
- Metadata: Structured data about evidence and system operations
- Package Manifest: Complete inventory of package contents
Court Compliance and Admissibility
⚖️ Legal Compliance and Court Admissibility
Evidence Standards Compliance
- Federal Rules of Evidence: Compliance with FRE 901, 902, and 1001-1008
- Authentication Requirements: Complete authentication documentation
- Best Evidence Rule: Original digital files with integrity verification
- Hearsay Exceptions: Proper documentation for business records exception
- Foundation Requirements: Technical foundation for digital evidence
Documentation for Court
- Technical Expert Reports: Expert analysis of video authenticity and quality
- System Documentation: Technical specifications of recording and storage systems
- Operator Testimony: Statements from camera operators and law enforcement
- Chain of Custody Affidavits: Sworn statements regarding evidence handling
- Admissibility Memoranda: Legal arguments for evidence admissibility
Verification and Quality Assurance
✅ Evidence Verification Tools
Automated Verification
- File Integrity Checks: Automatic verification of file completeness
- Format Validation: Ensure files meet required format specifications
- Metadata Verification: Validate timestamp and camera information accuracy
- Digital Signature Validation: Verify cryptographic signatures
- Quality Assessment: Automated quality scoring for video evidence
Manual Review Process
- Content Review: Manual review of video content for relevance
- Quality Assessment: Human evaluation of video quality and usefulness
- Documentation Review: Verification of completeness and accuracy
- Legal Review: Assessment of admissibility and legal compliance
- Final Approval: Supervisor approval before evidence export
Integration with Evidence Management Systems
Compatible Systems
- BEAST (Best Evidence and Asset Storage Technology): Direct integration
- DEMS (Digital Evidence Management System): API integration
- FileOnQ: File transfer protocol integration
- Omnigo Records Management: Case number synchronization
- NICE Investigate: Evidence package import
- Axon Evidence: Direct upload capabilities
Integration Features
- Automatic Import: Direct import into evidence management systems
- Case Number Linking: Automatic association with existing case files
- Metadata Synchronization: Preserve metadata across systems
- Workflow Integration: Fit into existing evidence processing workflows
- Audit Trail Preservation: Maintain chain of custody across systems
Export Security and Access Controls
Access Control Features
- Role-Based Permissions: Control who can export evidence
- Supervisor Approval: Require approval for sensitive evidence exports
- Audit Logging: Log all export activities and access attempts
- Time-Limited Access: Exports expire after specified periods
- IP Restrictions: Limit access to specific network locations
Secure Delivery Options
- Secure Download Links: Time-limited, password-protected downloads
- Encrypted Email: Secure email delivery with encryption
- Physical Media: Export to encrypted USB drives or DVDs
- Secure FTP: Transfer via secure FTP protocols
- Cloud Storage Integration: Secure cloud storage delivery
Export Tip: Always verify the integrity of exported evidence packages using the provided hash verification tools before submitting to court or sharing with prosecutors.
Batch Export and Automation
Batch Processing Features
- Multi-Case Export: Export evidence from multiple cases simultaneously
- Template-Based Export: Use predefined templates for consistent packaging
- Scheduled Exports: Automate regular export processes
- Bulk Documentation: Generate documentation for multiple cases
- Progress Monitoring: Track progress of large batch exports
Automation Options
- Triggered Exports: Automatic export based on case status changes
- Integration Workflows: Automated handoff to other systems
- Notification Systems: Automatic notifications when exports complete
- Error Handling: Automatic retry for failed exports
- Quality Assurance: Automated quality checks before export
Mobile Export Capabilities
Field Export Features
- Mobile Package Creation: Create evidence packages from mobile devices
- Quick Export: Simplified export process for field use
- Offline Preparation: Prepare exports offline for later upload
- Cloud Synchronization: Sync mobile exports with main system
- Field Notes Integration: Include field notes in evidence packages
Mobile Security: Mobile exports require additional security measures including device encryption and secure authentication. Follow department mobile device policies.
Troubleshooting Export Issues
Common Export Problems
- Large File Sizes: Use compression options or split large exports
- Network Timeouts: Use batch processing for large evidence sets
- Format Compatibility: Check system requirements for destination systems
- Verification Failures: Re-export with fresh hash generation
- Access Denied: Verify permissions and approval requirements
Support and Recovery
- Export Recovery: Resume interrupted exports
- Technical Support: 24/7 support for critical evidence exports
- Backup Options: Alternative export methods for system failures
- Emergency Procedures: Expedited export for urgent court deadlines
Remember: Evidence export is a critical process that requires attention to detail, security consciousness, and adherence to legal requirements. Always verify exported packages before use in legal proceedings.