Course Description:
In today’s world, nearly every crime scene contains some form of digital evidence. Whether it’s a smartphone on the seat of a vehicle, a computer in a suspect’s home, or IoT devices hidden in plain sight, first responders are increasingly the first link in the chain of digital evidence preservation. This course provides essential training for patrol officers, deputies, and other first responders to recognize, secure, and properly handle digital evidence without compromising its integrity or admissibility.
Designed with real-world scenarios and frontline responsibilities in mind, this self-paced course offers step-by-step instruction on identifying common digital devices, preserving evidence according to national standards, and understanding the legal boundaries that protect both officers and investigations. Participants will gain critical skills through engaging lessons, checklists, and hands-on simulations that reflect what’s encountered in the field.
This training aligns with best practices from NIST, SWGDE, and ACPO guidelines, and empowers first responders to act with confidence, clarity, and professionalism in the digital age.
✅ What You'll Learn:
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How to recognize and handle mobile phones, computers, and IoT devices at a crime scene
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Techniques to prevent digital evidence tampering or data loss
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Legal considerations: plain view doctrine, consent, warrants, and exigent circumstances
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Step-by-step protocols for documentation, labeling, and secure transport
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How to preserve chain of custody and properly interact with digital forensic units
🎓 Included With This Course:
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10+ concise modules with video instruction
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Interactive quizzes and realistic scenario exercises
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Downloadable checklists for field use
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Certificate of Completion aligned with NIST & SWGDE first responder guidance
Duration: 4–6 hours total
Delivery: Self-paced online
Who Should Take This Course: Patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies, border agents, and any frontline personnel likely to encounter digital evidence