Reference
Digital Request Types
Area search, tower dump, geofence, and other digital evidence requests
Digital Request Types
Reference for digital evidence request types in IronCase.
Request Types
| Type | Data Returned | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Area Search | All devices in geographic area during time window | Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) |
| Tower Dump | All devices communicating with specific cell towers | Carriers |
| Geofence | All devices transmitting GPS to Google in area | |
| CDR/TAR | Call detail records, text message records | Carriers |
| Ping | Real-time location of specific device | Carriers |
| GPS Tracker | Historical location data from installed tracker | Varies |
Area Search Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic area | Polygon or radius around point |
| Time window | Start and end datetime |
| Provider | Carrier to request from |
| Returns | Device identifiers in area during window |
Use cases:
- Crime scene area at time of incident
- Known meeting locations
- Route between locations
Tower Dump Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Cell tower IDs | Specific towers to query |
| Time window | Start and end datetime |
| Provider | Carrier operating tower |
| Returns | All devices with calls/texts through tower |
Use cases:
- Narrow geographic scope
- Call/SMS activity correlation
- Pattern analysis
Geofence Details
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic area | Polygon defining area |
| Time window | Start and end datetime |
| Provider | |
| Returns | Devices with GPS transmitted to Google |
Use cases:
- Precise location data (more accurate than cell)
- Device movement patterns
- Cross-reference with cell data
Data Retention Periods
Data retention varies by provider. Submit requests promptly.
| Provider | Typical Retention |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 7 days to 1 year |
| Verizon | 7 days to 1 year |
| T-Mobile | 7 days to 1 year |
| Varies by user settings |
IronCase tracks retention deadlines and alerts when data is at risk.
Request Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Draft | Created, not submitted |
| Warrant Pending | Awaiting judicial authorization |
| Submitted | Sent to provider |
| Processing | Provider working on request |
| Partial Response | Some data received |
| Complete | All data received |
| Rejected | Provider declined |
| Expired | Data retention deadline passed |
CalECPA Requirements
California requests require CalECPA notification tracking. See CalECPA Compliance.