So… let's say hypothetically, one individual has a nice Pelican 1510.
Hypothetically, let us also presume that this individual also has a few things in there. Like large number of CDs,DVDs, USB flash drives, USB drives, various cases and associated cabling to take on 1.8" ZIF to all the way an full size IDE. Hard drive duplicators, and even a gov. grade sanitizer.
Let us also presume that there is a list of the items in the case, with original purchase dates, source, and country of origin.
Let us also presume there is a small laptop in the case with large number of very useful software packages, and some license dongles.
Let us also presume that this individual goes to an airport for a flight from the east coast to central US.
What would this individuals expectations should be for TSA screening?
We are not talking what should happen, but what will happen.
I am posing this question because described individual had an interesting experience.
TSA will flag you and pull you aside and take everything out of the case.
You forgot to add one very important thing to the items in the case - a laminated copy of the TSA rules for carry-on items. You can download the PDF from their website.
I have the same case with about the same gear (Hard Copy 3, write blockers, six hard drives, cables, adapters, small screw drivers, security bits, etc. Before I put the list in there, I lost the screw drivers every time even though they were well under the 7" rule. Now when they open the case the first thing they see is the laminated TSA rules. I haven't had a problem since. When I was asked why I replied so we all know the rules before we play the game. He laughed, closed the case and I was on my way.
Let us also presume there is a small laptop in the case with large number of very useful software packages, and some license dongles.
I rarely take my license dongles when I fly and never out of the country, especially when traveling to countries for which the US has export restrictions.
Using such things as USB over Ethernet, I can reach my dongles as long as I have Internet access and that way I don't risk having a $4500 license seized.
The facility where the collection was performed has no Internet connection.
The facility where the collection was performed has no Internet connection.
I also take a wireless USB cellular modem. It works just fine and the bandwidth requirements are low (for verifying the dongle).
Granted, this won't work 100% of the time. But it hasn't been a problem for me to this point.
Besides, in both civil and criminal investigations, the rules have changed.
Now a days, you can specify your requirements as part of the discovery process and these can include such things as Internet/VPN access.
My point was, simply, that you don't need to always travel with a fist full of dongles.
Thats not nearly as impressive as pulling out a massive swathe of dongles like some huge crowded keychain to an ancient castle.
My point was, simply, that you don't need to always travel with a fist full of dongles.
Blasphemy!!! )
Come on bro. wink
No Internet, no broadband cell, no cell of any sort, nothing that makes even a bit of RF peep.
And yes, heavy handed search at this facility is not an optional excursion.
Concentrate - back to the original point - TSA, airport, search . . .
The facility where the collection was performed has no Internet connection.
I also take a wireless USB cellular modem. It works just fine and the bandwidth requirements are low (for verifying the dongle).
Granted, this won't work 100% of the time. But it hasn't been a problem for me to this point.
Besides, in both civil and criminal investigations, the rules have changed.
Now a days, you can specify your requirements as part of the discovery process and these can include such things as Internet/VPN access.
My point was, simply, that you don't need to always travel with a fist full of dongles.
slightly alternate approach……
Federal law requires that TSA personnel NOT be able to open any case containing a firearm. If you put a gun of pretty much any sort, including a flare gun for example, into your forensic case, you are required to lock the case with a lock that only you can open. See this link for full details http//
should keep your goodies safe )