Free DME & DFIR Resources

So, I ditched Windows 8 Consumer Preview for Windows 8 Release Preview Friday night, and so far, so good.  I've even noticed that I've actually started using some the Metro style apps included by default, which I hadn't used at all in the Consumer Preview really.

If you're interested in checking out the new Windows 8 Release Preview visit http://preview.windows.com/

The new Xbox 360 dashboard released earlier this week is a total overhaul with a bunch of new features, most notably the on-demand streaming HD video via Netflix. Yeah, the new design layout is "cool", the new Wii like avatars are neat, the Xbox LIVE Party feature somewhat interesting, copying complete games to your hard drive could be handy, yada, yada, yada. The Netflix integration and partnership is definitely the new killer ap for the Xbox, and quite possibly a saving grace for Netflix.

A look behind H.264, the world's most popular video codec, including encoding parameters and royalty concerns.

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At the request of the public safety community, UL has begun development of a performance standard for tactical (e.g., hand-deployed, covert placement, robot-mounted) and operational (e.g., body-worn) video camera systems. We are seeking input from end users to determine your needs and requirements: who uses which systems, when and how they are typically used, and what features are used.

We would appreciate your completing a questionnaire using the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/tacticalcamera

Your input is requested by June 30th so that it can be used to guide the path forward and help to ensure that the standard meets the needs of end users.

The Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association International, Inc. (LEVA) has launched an entirely new website for members and visitors! I'm proud to have been given the opportunity to work with LEVA on providing new capabilities and services for LEVA members, and hope everyone enjoys the new site.

Visit www.leva.org today!

Posted on behalf of the City of Eugene, Oregon.

Application period: August 1 at midnight - Oct. 10, 2008

FORENSIC ANALYST
City of Eugene
$25.41-$32.40 / Hour (*salary currently under negotiation)

Performs a variety of complex and specialized technical tasks collecting, preserving, and identifying criminal evidence at the crime scene and/or analyzing evidence in the laboratory; analyzes evidence in conjunction with investigation activities and provides expert testimony in court on methods and results of analysis. One year of general work experience required. Work experience in an analytical or forensic laboratory is preferred. Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Forensic Science.

A close friend shared something with me a few years ago. Something he said to his therapist when they asked "Why did you choose to focus on child exploitation, and why would you do such a thing for so long (much of it, on his own time)?"

You've heard the answer before, but maybe, just maybe, if you read all my posts from this weekend, you'll get it.

"If not me, then who?"

I don't see anyone else working for free doing this. Nobody else creating their own jobs. Jobs that never existed before, until they made others realize somebody needed to be doing these jobs.

I don't recall others stepping up and saying "Please, give me more to do for less or no money, and fewer benefits!"

Oh, I see volunteers. I know there are millions of others like us.  But clearly, you're missing the point.

For him, me and others like us...this is all about "me".

Earlier this evening Jim Hoerricks, author of the book "Forensic Photoshop", announced the availability of a new online training course - "An Introduction to Forensic Photoshop". Jim's new online course is hosted and provided through the American Institute of Forensic Eduction, Inc..

LEVA recently announced that the New York State Police will be hosting their Photographic/Video Comparison course in Albany, NY April 4th through the 8th.

Photographic/Video Comparisons focuses on the science of comparing known objects, vehicles, clothing and humans with CCTV images of questioned objects, vehicles, clothing and humans. The process of cataloguing class characteristics and unique characteristics found in questioned evidence is examined in detail. Using Adobe Photoshop and other generally accepted scientific tools for imaging comparison work,analysts/examiners develop a scientific workflow involving the hands-on analysis of video evidence, criminal-case report writing and courtroom presentation.

Complete details and application forms are available via the LEVA website.

I recently posted another brief tutorial for Media-Geek.com members which gives a quick overview of the various options and settings related to sharing your profile and content with non-members.  Topics briefly discussed in this tutorial include your profile URL, availability settings for your profile and storage space, as well as the new profile "badge" and invitation features.

As you may know, all Media-Geek.com member tutorials are available via the Help menu once you sign in.  Additionally, I've recently added all of our tutorials to the "Training Videos" category in our Video Library.  Should you have any questions or comments, as always, please post them to the member forums, shoot me a PM, or feel free to use our contact form.  Thanks for participating, and remember to tell your peers & colleagues to Sign-Up, Sign-In, and Contribute!

As each day passes law enforcement and government agencies struggle with managing more sources of digital evidence and multimedia, like body worn cameras. The massive amounts of data storage required have led many to finally consider secure cloud-based storage solutions, but as some have found out, despite the minimal capital investment cloud storage costs can quickly exceed the LE & IT budgets of even the largest agencies. Let's break this down and talk specifically about digital evidence and archiving.

How are you archiving all of your digital evidence today? A tiered storage solution? Hybrid cloud solution? LTO tape? Hard drives? Optical discs (i.e. CD-R, DVD+/-R, BD-R)? Lots of questions and options, so lets talk specifically to the last group; those using optical discs.

Upcoming training events from Ocean Systems. Hope to see you in class!

Forensic Video Analysis – FVA 101 (4-Day)
June 9 @ 9:00 am - June 12 @ 5:00 pm
Ocean Systems, 4016 Blackburn Lane, Burtonsville, MD 20866 United States
+ Google Map
Introduction to Forensic Video Analysis is 4 day course that provides a comprehensive approach to your casework for both digital and analog video evidence with a primary focus on our stream-lined workflows and digital media processing. It is intended for anyone who is new to the field of FVA or persons who have not been formally trained using these tools.
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DVR Assessment & Video Recovery (3-Day)
June 16 @ 9:00 am - June 18 @ 5:00 pm
Brighton Fire Department – Station 1,
3100 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 United States
+ Google Map
This 3 day class will provide students with an overview of the multiple challenges and issues that may arise or should be considered when acquiring digital video evidence using multiple techniques. This course is recommended for anyone who will be responsible for the recovery of digital video evidence from CCTV systems, from Patrol Officers and Technicians to Forensic Video Analysts.
Generate a proposal – Training Auto Quote »

On March 11th, 2009 the mixed martial arts community, and quite frankly the world, lost a great man. Charles "Mask" Lewis was a pioneer, and probably the best example in recent history of why you can't judge someone by the way they look on the outside; it's what is inside that counts. I'm still struggling with this tragedy and although this isn't typically the forum where I'd share MMA or fighting related posts or issues, this is much more than that. Below is the post I left for Punkass and Skrape on 3/12, as well as a tribute video put together by the TapouT Live radio crew. RIP MASK - Always Believe.