Authentication and the Use of Audit Trails
In order for video evidence to be admitted at trial, the tendering party must prove that the images are authentic. There are a number of technical approaches that are available to assist with video authentication. This post will address the use of audit trails as part of the process of establishing authentication. Proper...
Authenticating Monitor Photographs
The proper method of presenting surveillance video evidence at trial is to show all relevant authenticated images that have been exported from the DVR or server. Occasionally, the only evidence of the original video that exists is photographs taken of the video monitor at the surveillance location. This less than ideal situation can...
Date and Time Stamp Accuracy
Date and time stamps are superimposed on video images for the laudatory purpose of indicating the time the events depicted actually occurred. In reality, date and time stamps are often inaccurate. Inaccuracy occurs for a variety of reasons including failure to account for Daylight Savings Time, failure to account for the correct time...
Video Evidence
The admissibility of video evidence at trial is contingent upon the tendering party establishing the authenticity of the video. Authentication is the process of proving that the video images are in fact that which is purported. It must be established that the video accurately depicts what is shown and that no material changes...