Rules for obtaining digital evidence by police officers

(Source: Australasian Centre for Policing Research)

• OFFICER SAFETY COMES FIRST!
   
• Search any visible or broken cable. If you have doubts about the safety of handling, ask an expert.
   
• Make sure you have the right to frisk and lift the evidence.
   
• DO NOT use the keyboard or mouse.
   
• DO NOT attempt to examine the contents of the computer, you could alter evidence.
   
• Record all actions for lifting samples.
   
• If the computer system is closed, DO NOT open.
   
• If the computer system is open, shoot the screen before going further.
   
• DO NOT close the computer system in the normal manner. Remove the power cord from the computer directly, not from the socket. Make sure you do this safely.
   
• Do not ignore other types of evidence such as fingerprints on the equipment.