Appropriate Response
FCL recognises that digital evidence is extremely volatile and can degrade rapidly. FCL will respond to your needs in the most timely, appropriate and cost effective manner.
Contractual Issues
Following your enquiry, FCL will prepare a written forensic investigation plan that covers agreed objectives, sources of evidence, initial time and cost estimations. This, together with our standard forensic contract, will form the agreement between us.
When we have received your written instructions to proceed we will proceed with the investigation as soon as practicable.
Confidentiality
FCL will treat your information with the strictest of confidence. Our contract contains a strict confidentiality clause that survives the termination of our contract with a client.
Your secrets are safe with us.
Delivery and Collection
FCL will collect and deliver your equipment containing digital evidence. FCL will ensure that all movement is recorded and that the chain of custody is maintained.
Our driver has a current government security clearance.
Covert Acquisition
Covert acquisition is often necessary when the suspect is not aware of the ongoing investigation or when there is a serious possibility of attempted destruction of evidence or alert any other involved parties. FCL has considerable experience in running covert acquisitions so that they can be successfully completed in a legal and ethical manner.
Laboratory Work
The majority of forensic work is carried out at the FCL Laboratory. This covers the acquisition of data that was not acquired on the client site and the analysis of the recovered data. FCL has a range of tools and techniques to analyse the recovered evidence. All operations are carried out using the FCL ISO 9001 quality procedures that have been certified by BSI. All work carried out by FCL adheres to the ACPO guidelines and FCL ensures that the highest evidential standards are maintained as well as the security and confidentiality of all material relating to the investigation.
Investigation Report
Once the required client objectives have been met, FCL will produce a report on the case. The report will address the identification and continuity of the evidence, describe the procedures that were used, the summary of results, observations, conclusions and, where appropriate, recommendations. The report will include any relevant extracts referred to in the report that supports our analysis or conclusions.
Statements and Expert Witnesses
Cases undertaken by FCL often require the production of formal UK S9 witness statements, affidavits or exhibit bundles. FCL has experience in the production of these documents. On occasion, expert opinion is needed to support or interpret forensic evidence. Other requirements for different jurisdictions are handled as appropriate.