Forensic Radio Frequency Propagation Surveys

The timely collection of digital evidence provides the investigator and court with ground truth data. The delivery of clear, concise, and confident witness testimony in the courtroom is vitally important in the effective presentation of evidence and ensuring witness credibility.

This course has been designed to enhance practitioner understanding of Radio Frequency Propagation Surveys (RFPS) and the practical skillset to undertake surveys and present survey results.

Topics include the cellular architecture, cellular and Wi-Fi generations, and the planning, deployment, and coverage objectives of mobile network operators.

The course explores the principles of Radio Frequency Propagation Surveys and techniques, including the integrity of and the reliance that can be placed on the collected data.

Instruction is also given on the preparation of intelligence and evidential standard RFPS reports. A full day on the presentation of evidence in the courtroom, delivered by an experienced Barrister, will improve courtroom confidence by providing an understanding of the theory, process, and practice of delivering witness testimony with an emphasis on clear and concise presentation of evidence, and key insights into the tactics and techniques used by Defence Lawyers.

The theory is supported by a series of scenario based practical exercises, which includes undertaking a survey and a courtroom roleplay relating to the presentation of evidence under examination in chief and cross examination.

This course has been developed and is delivered by RFPS practitioners, with experience planning communication networks and presenting expert evidence in court.

Accredited by City & Guilds: Passing this course offers an externally recognised qualification.

FSR Requirements: The content of this course is designed to support the technical knowledge and competence requirements specified for cell site analysis for geo-location as per Section 83 and 110 of the Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) Code of Practice.

Pre-Requisites:

Obligatory
• Basic maths skills,
• Computer literacy,
• Basic Windows skills (open Windows File Explorer, open and save text files using Notepad),
• Basic Microsoft Excel skills (open an Excel spreadsheet, import data into a spreadsheet from a text file, add tabs to a spreadsheet) and
• Basic mapping skills (import Excel data into Autoroute or MapPoint).

Note: Delegates will be unable to complete this course without the above pre-requisites.

Highly recommended
• An understanding of CDR and cell site interpretation and analysis and
• Previous exposure to RFPS surveys as part of cell site investigations is desirable.

Note: Basic skills in this area can be gained by pre-reading ‘Forensic Radio Survey Techniques for Cell Site Analysis’, Joseph Hoy, Wiley 2015.