ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT – EVIDENCE

PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER ON THE WELCOME PAGE BEFORE READING THIS

ELECTRONIC – GENERAL ADVICE

It’s important to preserve all information from any media, be it hard disks, floppy disks, tape or any other storage media.  This should be obtained without any way compromising the original data.  If you are downloading the material onto storage media, then try and make sure you use new blank storage media, and have an adequate supply of replacement disks, tapes etc… Break out the record/erase tab to prevent accidental erasure, and write the date and time on each item and place in a sealed envelope ready to hand to the police.

Calls on landline ‘phones/answering machines:

• If you get a call which you are suspicious of, remain calm and try to show no emotion, put the handset to one side then leave for a few minutes.  If the caller is talking or making noises, try to record it (a dictaphone would be ideal) and retain the tape, as per information above.  Return later and replace the handset.  Record the date and time of the call as well as the details, dial 1471.  It’s important that you try not to react; for instance; if you receive 19 silent calls, then on the 20th you start shouting and reacting, the stalker will be satisfied that all the previous calls have been worth it so will be encouraged to carry on.  Don’t let their persistence pay!  
• Contact you telephone company for advice, particularly if they have a malicious calls section. They can work with the police to help gain the evidence you need.

 Mobile ‘phones/pagers:

• Do not tamper with or dispose of the mobile phone/pager or SIM card.  Write down and save any text messages or the contents of the call and the time they were received.  See calls on landline above if you receive a call.
• Contact your communications company for advice

Photographic/Video

• If you have access to a video camera or still camera (film/digital), try to record covertly any evidence you can that the stalker is ‘active’, making sure you record the location and any other relevant detail clearly, ensure you have the date, time, location noted.  If you have any neighbours, friends or family willing to do this too, this will help greatly.  It is essential that nobody puts themselves in any danger, yours or your helper’s safety must NOT be compromised. 
• Ensure the evidence is passed to the police as soon as possible

Computers

• Save information received onto disk and print out a hard copy of the relevant data.  Do NOT delete the original.
• Only open emails if you know the originator, ensure your computer is secure and virus protected.

(c) Copyright Tracey Morgan 2008