Legal implications must be considered if PICS is to realize the establishment of a well-rounded effort in this burgeoning area of computer forensics. Not only will this combined effort help to maximize the practical benefits that can be gleaned from the development of forensic tools, but also, it will enable PICS to serve as bridge between the necessary elements involved in infrastructure protection- public policy, legal directives, and technical capabilities.

In conjunction with this effort, PICS plans to create and maintain ongoing research that will assimilate new and existing knowledge, thus directing the attention of decisionmakers, scholars, law enforcement, officers of the court, and IT professionals. This will be realized through publications, event hosting, and speaker presentations. Potential areas of concern will include but are not limited to:

• issues involving digital evidence in computers and computer media
• analyzing information about events and data on complex computer networks
• authenticating digital documents, including databases, email, and deleted files
• basic methodologies and commonly used tools for collecting, extracting, and analyzing computer data
• claims of privilege issues when dealing with digital evidence in discovery disputes
• applications for court orders/search warrants in computer crime cases or civil discovery requests
• analysis of how traditional doctrines and procedures apply to computer forensics- i.e., pros and cons of traditional search and seizure protocols applied to digital evidence; how spoliation may apply to digital evidence discovery; how to define the scope of discovery when dealing with deleted files, messages, and digital communications
• the use of special masters and experts by the judiciary as related to precedent-defined roles

By collaborating with technical experts, legal professionals, computer industry leaders, and policymakers, PICS strives to call attention to current and future issues involving computer forensics and foster the necessary dialog between the aforementioned parties so that solutions to these issues can be realized."