Chapter 4 - Integrating a Quality Assurance Program in a Digital Forensic Laboratory

Abstract

This chapter provides a framework of implementing an effective quality system in a digital forensic laboratory. A quality system defines requirements for a digital forensic laboratory operation and its personnel to perform standardized processes that produce a consistent product. For example, examiners may be required to paginate, initial, and uniquely identify each page of their examination notes. This is done to ensure that the processes performed on a particular engagement are complete, organized, and properly associated with the engagement and processes performed on a computer. Implementing a quality management system in a digital forensic laboratory is a process of establishing a cycle for continuous improvement to laboratory operations and meeting or exceeding the client's needs. The quality system must be grown organically in the organization and must have full management support to be successful. Effectively launching a quality management system will require planning throughout the organization to obtain buy-in from management and employees.