How Do I Preserve Important Evidence?

1. Preserve the Original Source

Keep the original phone, camera, memory card, document, receipt or item in the condition in which it was found. Do not overwrite files, reset a device, discard packaging or throw away damaged property merely because copies exist.

For digital material, original files may contain creation dates, location data, device information and other metadata that can be lost when a screenshot, social-media upload or compressed copy is used instead.

2. Keep Original Photographs and Videos Unchanged

Do not crop, filter, rotate, annotate or repeatedly save over the originals. Create separate working copies for sharing, enlargement or explanation.

Keep related photographs together and avoid renaming the original files unless there is a compelling reason. Record which device created them and who was holding that device.

3. Make More Than One Secure Backup

Back up important files to a secure cloud account, computer or external drive. Keep at least one copy separate from the original device in case the phone is lost, damaged, seized or stops working.

Confirm that the backup actually opens and includes the full-resolution files. A thumbnail, screenshot or messaging-app preview may not preserve the same information as the original.

4. Save Complete Message Threads

Preserve the entire relevant conversation rather than selecting only isolated lines. Include names or account identifiers, dates, times, attachments, reactions and surrounding context.

Do not delete messages from text, iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, Messenger or other platforms. Screenshots can be useful, but they should supplement—not replace—the original thread or an available export.

5. Preserve Emails With Their Details

Keep the original email in the account and save any attachments. Preserve the sender, recipient, date, time, subject and full message chain.

Forwarding alone can change how information appears. Where practical, retain the original message and create a separate exported or printed copy for review.

6. Save Call Logs and Voicemails

Photograph or export relevant call logs showing incoming, outgoing and missed calls. Save important voicemails and note the caller, date, time and telephone number.

Some voicemail systems automatically delete older messages. Use the provider’s available saving or export method and keep a separate backup.

7. Preserve Social-Media Content Carefully

Save the complete post, profile name, account handle, date, time, caption, comments and visible web address when available. Screen-recording may help capture temporary stories or a sequence of content.

Do not argue publicly, impersonate someone, access a private account without permission or encourage others to delete or alter posts. Record what was publicly visible and discuss the next step with an attorney.

8. Identify Disappearing or Temporary Information

Hotel key records, security video, business CCTV, traffic footage, rideshare data, app messages and online posts may have short retention periods.

Write down the exact location, camera direction, business or property name, relevant date and narrow time range. Contact an attorney promptly so an appropriate preservation request can be considered.

9. Preserve Receipts and Transaction Records

Keep hotel bills, restaurant receipts, rideshare records, rental agreements, airline confirmations, medical charges, pharmacy receipts and credit-card notifications connected to the incident.

These records can help confirm location, timing, ownership, expense and the identity of a business or service provider.

10. Keep Medical and Police Documents Together

Preserve discharge instructions, prescriptions, photographs of injuries, medical bills, police information cards, report numbers, property receipts, citations and court papers.

Photograph paper documents as a backup, but retain the originals in a dry and secure folder.

11. Protect Physical Objects

Keep damaged clothing, footwear, luggage, safety equipment, packaging and other relevant items when it is safe and lawful to do so. Avoid cleaning, repairing or altering them before receiving appropriate guidance.

Store each item separately when cross-contamination or further damage is possible. Do not take property that belongs to another person or that police have instructed you not to disturb.

12. Keep a Basic Evidence Log

Create a simple list stating what each item is, who created or found it, when and where it was obtained, where the original is stored and who received a copy.

This does not need to be technical. The goal is to avoid confusion about origin, possession and later changes.

13. Avoid Unnecessary Handling and Sharing

Do not pass original devices and objects among numerous people. Share copies through a secure method and keep a note of who received them.

Avoid posting evidence publicly or sending it to large group chats. Public sharing can expose personal information, compress files and create conflicting versions.

14. Do Not Delete Material That Appears Unhelpful

An item can be relevant even when it seems unfavorable, confusing or unrelated. Selective deletion can create serious credibility and preservation problems.

Keep the complete record and allow an attorney to evaluate what matters.

15. What to Tell an Attorney

Explain what evidence exists, where each original is stored, whether any device is damaged or in police custody and which video, account or record may disappear soon.

Mention any editing, forwarding, deletion, account loss or device replacement that has already occurred. Accuracy is more important than pretending the evidence is perfectly preserved.

Official Resources

These official resources explain evidence handling and digital-evidence preservation principles.