Crime Scene Surveying for IoT Investigations: National Training and Technical Assistance Program

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology connecting smart devices to the Internet. As these IoT devices diversify and rapidly evolve in size, shape, and form to integrate seamlessly into households, assessing crime scenes for such devices becomes challenging. Research efforts provide detailed guidelines for investigators but often overlook that IoT data is stored not only on devices and their applications but also on cloud storage and other connected devices through wireless communication. Furthermore, there is a lack of robust and user-friendly tools specifically designed to aid in the survey of crime scenes and facilitate investigations by detecting nearby wireless devices. This Technical Training and Assistance (TTA) program aims to address this gap by providing research-based, scientifically, legally, and operationally sound training and developing a publicly accessible smartphone application. This application will be designed to scan crime scenes by detecting beaconing signals from nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. An example legal procedure will also be designed to secure this evidence lawfully, establish a chain of custody, introduce relevant expert witnesses and specialized knowledge testimonies, develop persuasive exhibits, and formulate a prosecutorial strategy. In addition, Purdue and NW3C will collaborate closely to create exemplary presentations and compelling demonstration exhibits. This collaboration is crucial in clarifying the digital evidence obtained from IoT technologies and illustrating its pivotal role in investigations, legal proceedings, and trials. These joint efforts align with the LECC’s objectives of enhancing awareness, expanding educational opportunities, and bolstering the capabilities of criminal justice professionals. Moreover, face-to-face training sessions, along with live and on-demand webinars, are planned to bridge the existing educational gap for numerous attendees. These sessions will focus on the legal procedures to preserve, acquire, and exhibit digital evidence from IoT devices. This TTA program will include online databases/resources for IoT device capabilities and vulnerabilities, and related training modules executed with all sample presentations and exhibits. All technical assistance resources will be hosted on the secure portal maintained by NW3C and currently accessible to over 130,000 U.S. criminal justice practitioners. Purdue and NW3C have long history of successful collaboration in developing and implementing TTA programs. This extensive experience and expertise gives Purdue University the confidence that, in partnership with NW3C, it has an unparalleled ability to create and implement this national, integrated, and collaborative program. This TTA is specifically designed to support criminal investigators, digital forensic examiners, and prosecutors who are encountering the challenges of IoT evidence.