Surveillance video as evidence: retrieval process, preservation and legal effect

Prerequisites for the video to be accepted

Surveillance video is electronic data. To be probative, it usually needs to meet three points: Originality (not edited), Integrity (continuous without missing parts), Time accuracy (time watermark is credible).

Common situations that cause damage to the power of proof

Standardized retrieval process

• Application: Submit in writing or in the system, indicating the reason, time and location.
• Approval: Approved by the authorized person, and the identity and documents involved in the transfer from external units should be verified.
• Extract: Operated by the administrator, export the original format file, Record the device number, camera number, and time range at the same time.
• Archive: Calculate and record the file hash value, archive the original, and provide a copy to the outside world.
• Transfer: Fill in the transfer list, sign and confirm it by both parties, and keep a copy.

Daily preparations

It will be too late to discover the problem until it needs to be reviewed. It is recommended to do this regularly:

• The point table, numbering and installation location map of the entire network are kept up to date, allowing you to quickly locate which camera it is.
• Enable NTP time synchronization and check the deviation between the device time and the standard time once a month.
• The number of storage days meets business requirements, and key areas are appropriately extended.
• Regularly check the integrity of the video. If the recording is interrupted, immediately investigate and record the reasons.