This is true because of the following: Computer storage devices (hard disks, diskettes, tape, and removable drives) can store the equivalent of thousands or millions of pages of information. When users desire to conceal criminal evidence, they often store the information in random order with deceptive file names. Directories and subdirectories that contain these files can also be electronically hidden from normal view. Special forensic software is required to detect these hidden directories. This requires that searching authorities examine all the stored data to determine whether it is included in the search warrant. This sorting process can take weeks or months, depending on the volume of data stored. This would make it impractical to attempt this kind of forensic analysis on site at the time of search warrant execution. Searching computer systems for criminal evidence is a highly technical process requiring expert skills in a properly controlled environment. The vast...
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