Someone tampered with this video! Can you help me?

We have several tools and processes to evaluate file provenance and for the presence of AI. However, sometimes what people think is tampering, may just be part of the encoding process found in highly compressed security files.

We will evaluate with an open mind: Reviewing technical aspects such as block level structure, meta-data, and AI detection; and we alos examine at visual qualityies of a video to evaluated for anomalies often found in AI generated content.

Do I get a report with your work?

We often start with verbal reports, to determine the full scope of what is needed for the case, and if there is need to move forward.

Written Reports are typically required with the final delivery if there are derivative files you intend to use in court. It allows other experts to evaluate our work, if the opposing side deems it necessary. And it is our way of rebutting other expert opinions to help your case.

A report also explains the scientific basis for the work we perform, so the tiers of fact can have confidence in the findings. A proper report is also imperative to help protect everyone on appeal.

How do I get you files? Can I email?

Occasionally email can be used, but size is limited and some email server can compress the file (which we want to avoid).

We prefer to have an Online repository such is Dropbox, Transferability, or some other file sharing service. We offer a file server (Box.com) for uploading large files that is a simple drag and drop - but we can use what ever service you have, especially if other collaborators are already using it.

Case with lots of cameras and hours of footage are best delivered on a hard drive, using FedEx-ed or UPS tracked delivery. A good rule of thumb is what ever method you received the file, may be the proper way to get them to me.

If you had issues, or are unsure, please reach out and we will work with you on the best method for delivery.

I have screen recordings on the videos, is that good?

We always want to work with the originals, when ever they are available. Working with screen recordings or other derivatives will eliminate pertinent meta-data and file characteristics that are often imperative to the case.

That said, depending on the questions being asked, of us and of the case in general, screen captures and other derivatives may be acceptable - if it is "Best Evidence." But if the non-original changes certain parameters, even under the best evidence rules, it may not aid in answering questions in your case. Distortions, Artifacts, and NEW Meta-data, Bit rates and Frame rate are now "baked-in" to the file and may hinder the proper review.

      When in doubt, get the originals.

      When they exist, get the originals.

      If you want any kind of in-depth review, get the originals.

What is Camera Synchronization?

When you have multiple security cameras from one or more buildings, it helps to see overlapping perspectives or close proximity cameras in one view to track subject movements. We may be able to track to a camera with a better perspective to help ID clothing or other items, or to and area that shows a car or license plate, or to an alternate suspect for the crime, or perhaps other witnesses or victims.

Multiple Dash Cams and Body Cams, combined with other security and cell phone cameras, along with radio transmissions - can all piece together the provide a better perspective to activities that took place.

Camera Synchronization allow for a fuller picture along with comprehensive timings and movement maps that help the triers of fact understand complex scenes with lots of overlapping data.

This process also leads to previously unknown witnesses, pre- post-event tracking, information on motives and extenuating circumstances that helps law enforcement, prosecutors, and lawyers all have more information to do their jobs better.

Do you give testimony on your work?

Yes, we have been testifying in cases since 2009

Testimony if typically needed if you want to use any demonstratives in court. Unless the work is very basic processing, and the opposing side stipulates to the work done and allows them to be entered based on a report.

However, once we do extensive work, advanced precesses like Photogrammetry, or offer any type of opinion, it is almost guaranteed you will need our testimony to admit the evidence.

The good news is, this is an opportunity to educate the triers of fact and allow the lawyers to focus the jury on key area that the evidence shows. Our technical explanations can help strengthen seemingly weaker evidence or debunk seemingly strong evidence, when appropriate.