Video Evidence Of Commercial Accident Is Allegedly Tampered With

Case Overview

This case involves allegations of evidence tampering in relation to a commercial transportation accident. A shipping container weighing approximately 20 tons was being lifted onto a ship by an industrial crane. As it was being hoisted up, the container dropped from a significant height killing 2 longshoremen and damaging the cargo inside. The crane had a DVR which recorded the incident. However, when OSHA attempted to retrieve the digital video footage from the crane, it was unavailable. It was alleged that the crane operator tampered with the video footage in order to conceal an operational error. An expert in digital video forensics was sought to determine whether or the digital video recorder was tampered with and, if possible, to retrieve the footage.

Questions to the Forensic expert and their responses

Please discuss your background in digital video forensics.

I have extensive experience in digital video forensics and have been practicing for 15+ years.

Are you able to review the case and/or inspect the video system to determine if there has been any tampering of evidence?

I would be able to review the case and inspect the video system to determine if there has been any tampering of evidence. DVRs record on endless loops and may store information for up to 4 weeks. Most video systems record over the oldest files with the newest information once the system's hard drive is full. In addition, I am aware of proper protocols and standards for handling such a device. Recovering deleted footage is possible, however, it is not guaranteed. I have worked on several cases that involved digital video recorders.

About the expert

This qualified forensic video examiner earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami. He is active in his field as a member of numerous societies including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Audio Engineering Society, Digital and Multimedia Scientific Area Committee, and National Technical Investigators Association. Formerly, he held roles as Forensic Examiner/Electronics Engineer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Forensic Examiner & Researcher at DL Technology, LLC. Currently, he a Forensic Audio and Video Examiner at a digital imaging firm.