Law Enforcement Agencies Can Follow the "LEEDIR" To Secure Data Storage

• NCJ Number: 248399
• Journal: Techbeat Dated: September/ October 2014 Pages: 14-17
• Author(s): Becky Lewis
• Date Published: October 2014
• Length: 5 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance

Annotation

This article describes the features and uses of an app called "LEEDIR" (Large Emergency Event Digital Information Repository), which assists law enforcement in collecting evidence from smartphone and surveillance cameras belonging to the public, storing it in the Cloud for investigative use.

Abstract

LEEDIR is provided as a free service by Amazon Web Services and CitizenGlobal Inc. Any law enforcement agency in the Nation with a qualifying event can access and activate LEEDIR through an easy-to-use Web interface. Members of the public can go to the same site and download an app that enables them to upload their digital data to a secure, remote central storage repository. Using LEEDIR keeps an agency's own servers from being flooded and keeps storage free for other uses. A qualifying event that enables free access to LEEDIR is one that has more than 5,000 witnesses and involves multiple types of first responders and multiple jurisdictions, or a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina that covers at least 5 square miles. The lead law enforcement agency gains free access to the website by filling out a form requesting that the site go live and putting the word out to the public to download the app. The app is available in both iPhone and Android versions. Users have the option of uploading digital data anonymously or leaving contact information for followup. Designated investigators receive administrator access and can access and manage the data as it is submitted. The agency can download leads or followup to its own servers if desired. The original submissions also remain in the Cloud, timed and validated by hashtags in case certification is needed for court.