question for private sector members,
what are your thoughts on changing file fomats of evidence files at the request of clients so they can view them? Obviously there are evidential implications as they are not viewing the files within their native environment.
But, also, what about the cost/time implications?
I had one today who could not read a load of WPS files. Not a challenging task for us but still time/hastle as it all has to be done formally.
It's done all the time in the eDiscovery world, so I don't think it's a major hassle at all. Note that ED tools are more suited to this task than CF tools if you're working in bulk.
I try keep a chain of evidence formats an present them to a client so they can always go back as far as they need where possible.
Actually doing something this AM that is just that - full capture of native data and then migrating to a format that can be usable by the attorneys. Part of the reason they had me involved was so I could attest to why and how the changes are made should the evidence ever be challenged.
Also, some of the new "bridge tools" (my term, not theirs) for software that performs some forensic/investigative functions but also some e-disco functions to bridge the gap are priced well, can handle lots of native formats and export to PDF (which can be read x-platform and ingested into just about any large scale e-discovery software).
For video files recovered from cell/mobile phones, we tend to convert them into a easily readable format (avi) but also provide the client with the original files.
Same.
I provide original format, and requested format.
"But, also, what about the cost/time implications? "
Thoughts on that. Yes bill - IF you brought it up when developing scope of work. Make sure to ask up front what they will be reviewing the data in and ask to co-ordinate with either in house staff of hosting partner. It is usually an afterthought for most attorneys as they just assume data is data. This will (hopefully) at least get them thinking along those terms. "What do I review it in? I don't know I just open it in XYZ. Does that matter?" Or something like that so you get an opening to start explaining the differences and what extra time/costs can be associated with conversions early in the engagement. In your case where you hit a format that might not me as common, stop and call to explain the situation and be upfront about the hurdles. I think the worst thing is to anticipate that they will have issues, convert, not bill, not tell and then in the future have expectations that this is just something you "do".
I think that last post is very helpful,
it seems a waste of money from the clients perspective for us to charge for converting hundreds of wps files to Word files and we have pointed them towards various easy solutions from their end.
Easy one this; results have to be provided in either a format that the client can view them in or with a method in which they can view them. Otherwise what's the point of the job? And time and/or costs are charged for, as with any other part of the job. Unless of course it's pro bono or charitable! wink