In our last column we discussed the seizure process, stressing the important elements of planning, methodology, interviewing, documentation and thoroughness. The acceptability of evidence gathered will be influenced and possibly accepted or refuted as a result of carrying out the tasks described by these elements in a professional and methodical way. Each step by itself cannot make a successful case, however, any step that is flawed or missed may cause a case to fail. This column is devoted to the acquisition process. This activity, when done properly, forms the basis for further analysis of data and provides the potential for capturing relevant evidence. The methodologies followed during the acquisition process are critical to the validity of any evidence found. In addition, following a formal plan will ensure that all relevant data is captured for later analysis.
['Hank Wolfe']
Evidence acquisition