The Expert Podcast

• Vehicle forensics involves recovering and analyzing records to uncover information about a vehicle's activity, similar to how medical forensics examines a body.
• This investigative process provides insights into the vehicle's history and its owner's actions.
• Key Components in Vehicle Forensics
  1. Black Box (Electronic Control Unit - ECM):
     • Manages operational aspects such as the engine, transmission, door locks, lights, and horn.
     • Can record details like throttle position, brake pressure, airbag deployment, and anti-lock brake status.
     • May include GPS data to track locations and movements.
  2. Infotainment System:
     • Stores Bluetooth connections, app data, text messages, emails, and phone call logs.
     • Provides insight into the owner's mobile device usage and activities.
  3. Electronic Control Units (ECU):
     • Monitors mechanical components such as the exhaust system, brakes, and air conditioning.
     • Records data like tire rotation speeds, coolant levels, and system temperatures.
     • Useful for accident investigations or verifying vehicle activity, such as passenger presence.
  4. E-Call Units:
     • Emergency systems that detect collisions or rollovers and automatically dial 911.
     • Includes data like GPS coordinates, VIN number, seatbelt status, and more.
     • Similar to systems like OnStar.
  5. Key Fobs:
     • Modern key fobs store data such as lock/unlock times and VIN numbers.
     • Records can provide additional information when paired or extracted.
  6. Cameras:
     • Backup and dashboard cameras record footage that may help solve crimes.
     • Backup cameras have been mandatory in new vehicles since 2012–2014.
• Applications of Vehicle Forensics
  • Investigations in cases of fraud, divorce, financial disputes, and more.
  • Provides detailed data about vehicle activity, often surpassing what mobile devices can collect.
  • Examples include detecting additional passengers in vehicles or reconstructing accident scenarios.
• Conclusion
  • Vehicles store vast amounts of data through their electronics, making them critical resources for forensic investigations.
  • Understanding these components can uncover valuable insights into a subject's activities and locations.