How-to Guides
Submit Digital Request
How to request area searches, tower dumps, and geofences
How to Submit a Digital Evidence Request
This guide shows you how to submit requests for digital evidence like area searches, tower dumps, and geofences.
Types of Requests
| Type | What It Returns |
|---|---|
| Area Search | All devices in a geographic area during a time window |
| Tower Dump | All devices that communicated with specific cell towers |
| Geofence | All devices that transmitted GPS data to Google in an area |
Steps
- Open your case
- Go to Digital Evidence tab
- Click New Request
- Select request type
- Define parameters:
- Geographic area (polygon or radius)
- Date/time range
- Service provider
- Link to search warrant (if obtained)
- Click Submit
Geographic Parameters
For Area Searches and Geofences
- Draw a polygon on the map, or
- Set a center point and radius
For Tower Dumps
- Select specific cell tower IDs
Linking a Warrant
If you have a warrant authorizing the request:
- Click Link Warrant
- Select the warrant from your case
- The request shows the warrant reference
If you don't have a warrant yet:
- Save the request as Draft
- Obtain the warrant
- Link it later before submitting to the provider
Tracking Status
After submission, track your request:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Not yet submitted |
| Warrant Pending | Awaiting judicial authorization |
| Submitted | Sent to provider |
| Processing | Provider working on it |
| Partial Response | Some data received |
| Complete | All data received |
Data Retention Warning
Providers purge data quickly—sometimes within 7 days. Submit requests promptly.
IronCase tracks data retention deadlines and alerts you when data is at risk.