Images

[Vegas]

Can anyone help, we found some pictures of a disturbing nature in a users area and want some guidance. The matter has been reported to SLT but we are unsure of legal implications. I won't say anymore so can you PM me if you have any knowledge of this.

[j17sparky]

If they are illegal images then do NOT copy them, pass them on to anyone else, print them out, etc etc. Lock the users directory and pass the book up the chain and onto the police.

Copying and distributing illegal images, even if it is just as part of your investigation, is very severly punished.

[sparkeh]

I agree. Lock everything down and pass over to police.

[TechMonkey]

wouldn't even print them out. Lock account and check your LEA/County guidelines. Call them and they should have proceedures in place to take over and handle it. Don't try doing anything yourself as you could be dragged in.

[Netman]

If you even think for 1 second that they may be illegal, you need to isolate the server they are on and any machines the person may have had access to. Kill the power to it (them) and secure it under lock and key. Don't be tempted to copy them off the server or change anything - don't even shut it down - just pull the power lead on it.
Do not view the images (any further than you have) or show anyone else as you could end up commiting a crime yourself.
Write down everything you do (with dates and times) to cover your own back.

If you're certain that they are not illegal, then be guided by the head. Either way I would disable that users account so they can't interfere with anything.

[timzim]

I agree. Lock everything down and pass over to police.

It may not be up to you to get the police involved - I'd leave that decision to SLT. The responsibility ultimately lies with the Headteacher.

[sparkeh]

It may not be up to you to get the police involved - I'd leave that decision to SLT. The responsibility ultimately lies with the Headteacher.

If I found 'disturbing' images on my network I don't give monkeys what the SLT would say. The police would be alerted, either through them or me.

Look at this way, if the SLT told you not to, then you are involved in a cover up. I would not put myself in that position.

EDIT: btw I meant that the school should hand it over to the police, not saying the OP should do it directly. But still if I thought it should be passed on and wasn't, I would do it myself.

[TechMonkey]

Ok, just checked our policy document and basically says:

• STOP!!!
• Tell Line manager and HT
• Kill machine power if client. Decide with LM if server possible impact
• Lock device in secure area.
• Contact Internal Audit and hand over to them.

Thats it. Nothing else shoudl be done.

[ahuxham]

The only way I'd deem it illegal if it were images of Children under 16, otherwise its dealt with here, either through ICT, and Deputy Head, no need for the police to be contacted.

[imiddleton25]

We had a problem like this involving the police.
Lock all access to the account
With advice from police maded a backup with headteacher in room
Copy was then sealed in evidence bag and signed by me as a copy of info
Backup tapes containing it had to be taken out of service incase (in the end not needed)
But get the police involved early even if they tell you its not a problem it covers yoiu
our case police said no an issue but later whent to court and used as evidence in case

[plexer]

The only way I'd deem it illegal if it were images of Children under 16,

Should be persons under the age of 18 actually.

Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Ben

[Vegas]

Thanks for all the comments and help. It is being dealt with appropriately.

[witch]

The only way I'd deem it illegal if it were images of Children under 16, otherwise its dealt with here, either through ICT, and Deputy Head, no need for the police to be contacted.

Presumably unless it was something else illegal eg a snuff movie or evidence of drugs or other abuse??