Evidence Forensics — Exposing Tampered Recordings

A defense attorney receives the audio of a police interrogation. It sounds like a solid confession, but what if the detectives paused the recording while they coached the suspect on what to say? What if the defense attorney thinks photographic evidence has been altered to remove something or someone from a photo? Tampering may occur through editing as well as modification of a file’s metadata. For example, a file’s GPS metadata can be altered to show a misleading address for a recorded event. With video, a gun can be inserted into the client’s hands or exonerating details can be removed. What tests are available to help determine if evidence has been altered? Determining the proper testing tools depends upon the specifics of the case and the type of evidence to be tested. The testing results from qualified experts can deliver powerful case support and a devastating rebuttal to both the narrative and expert reports of opposing counsel.