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Newport News Police Department
13. Computers and Other Electronic Equipment [83.2.5]
When an employee recovers computers, other electronic equipment (i.e., cell phones, flash drives,
etc.), or mobile data devices during an arrest, before placing the object(s) in P&E or booking the
suspect, the employee shall refer to OPS-483 Seizure of Computers and Other Electronic Equipment
regarding the recovery and safeguarding processes for useable data.
a. Static shielding and anti-static bags designed for electronic evidence will be used to preserve
digital evidence. (These bags will be available at each precinct and may be replenished through
the P&E Unit).
b. Mark the exterior of seized computers and other electronic equipment “Computer/Electronic
Seizure” before submission to P&E.
14. Stored Vehicle Keys
a. Keys of vehicles towed to the vehicle lot shall be given to the Towing Enforcement Unit. A copy
of the tow sheet will accompany the keys.
b. If the Towing Enforcement Unit is open for business, the keys will be given to the Towing
Enforcement Officer. After hours the keys and associate paperwork will be secured in a
temporary locker at Vehicle Services (525 Operations Drive), and an email will be sent to the
Towing Enforcement Officer.
F. Digital Images, Audio and Video Files [83.2.2; 83.2.4(b)]
1. Photographing Evidence: Photographing evidence is authorized in certain larceny and burglary cases
(VA Code §19.2-270.1). These digital images will be entered into the DataWorks Digital Crime Scene
System following procedure. Digital images will be utilized when legally permitted.
2. Digital Images
a. Still digital images taken for investigative purposes are items of evidence and will be entered into the
Department’s DataWorks Digital Crime Scene System administered by the Forensics Services Unit.
The system ensures image integrity for proper downloading, storage, and printing. Digital images
include, but are not limited to, those taken in the following circumstances and investigations:
1) Crime scenes.
2) Vehicular crashes.
3) Injury documentation.
4) Line-up and show-up identifications.
NOTE: Officers shall ensure that the correct date and time are set on the camera for
embedding into the photo file.
b. Digital images secured for investigations will be put into the system as the image was taken in
original, unaltered format. The resulting auto-generated number will be noted in the appropriate
case file.
c. Use the RAW, TIFF, or JPEG file format to digitize images. RAW images are preferred for
investigative work when possible. The JPEG format is typically used for non-investigative
photography assignments.
d. Digital photos submitted to Court will be printed on professional quality photographic paper.
Other photos are printed on standard paper. Photos will be printed in their original color.
1) Requests for photos printed on photographic paper will be submitted to the Forensic Services
Unit. Allow for a two-week turnaround time.
2) Still photographs will be documented with the date, time, and location of the photograph; the
name of the person taking a photograph; and a brief description of the photograph
3) Additional photos will be printed on an “as needed” basis for trial and ongoing investigations.
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