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Forensic Handling of User Generated Audio Recordings

NCJ Number
305413
Author(s)
Benjamin F. Miller; Fraser A. Robertson ; Robert C. Maher
Date Published
October 2021
Annotation

The authors propose a standard forensic methodology for handling user generated recordings (UGRs), including best  practices for assessing authenticity and timeline synchronization.

Abstract

User generated recordings (UGRs) are common in audio forensic examination. The prevalence of handheld private recording devices, stationary doorbell cameras, law enforcement body cameras, and other systems capable of creating UGRs at public incidents is only expected to increase with the development of new and less expensive recording technology. It is increasingly likely that an audio forensic examiner will have to deal with an ad hoc collection of unsynchronized UGRs from mobile and stationary audio recording devices. The examiner’s tasks will include proper time synchronization, deducing microphone positions, and reducing the presence of competing sound sources and noise. (Published Abstract Provided)