Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence... 

In what is probably the first published and peer-reviewed research paper of its kind, the title of this blog is, essentially, what I and my colleagues have argued.

Digital Investigation Journal has published our research in its December 2011 edition under the title: "Historic cell site analysis – Overview of principles and survey methodologies". In the paper, we make a number of scientifically-justified recommendations on how cell site analysis surveys should be carried out.

There are still a handful of places remaining on our popular "responding to computer misuse" training course in February.

This month's cell site blog takes a look at an obscure case involving international roaming. Dr Iain Brodie tackles an unusual case involving breaking and entering.

Call data records were supplied, but they showed an unexpected pattern of calls which would leave even the most experienced cell site analyst baffled.

This is featured in the case study below. If you require more information, please feel free to get in touch on 01789 261200.

Case study: An unusual international roaming scenario

By Dr Iain Brodie, Cell Site Expert

CCL-Forensics' cell site analysts recently carried out investigations for a case from about a year ago in which the suspect was accused of a spate of breaking and entering.

I was initially very puzzled by the call data records for the suspect's phone, some of which are reproduced below:

As you can see, the call data records appeared to show some very rapid movement of the suspect's phone – including international roaming. After further analysis, we had to admit that we were a little stumped.

However, ANPR data was subsequently for the suspect's vehicle was subsequently made available to us. This, together with some eyewitness reports, made the case much clearer and we were able to piece together what had happened, and identify the culprit.

Take a look at the ANPR data to find out what had happened.

The idiosyncrasies of call data records are the subject of this month's cell site blog. Dr Iain Brodie takes a look at how the differences between mobile phone networks can affect cell site analysis.

CCL-Forensics' newest software tool, dunk!, is now available for free download.

Dunk! is a web cookie analysis tool which can add a new dimension to internet history evidence.

An updated set of epilog signature files has been developed, covering Apple iOS5 with more coming in the following weeks.

Hills, mountains and even tower blocks form the subject of this month's cell site blog. Matthew Tart looks at how landscape and terrain can affect cell site analysis.

CCL-Forensics has, once again, maintained its certification to ISO9001:2008 following a six monthly audit.

The second in our series of CCTV question-and-answer 'blogs' focusing on the presentation of evidence in court.

Ian Rogers looks at what can make - or break - a court presentation.

High demand on phone networks is the suject of this month's cell site "blog".  

Nick Patrick-Gleed looks at how congestion caused by high call volumes should be tackled when carrying our cell site analysis.