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Abstract

Powerful information acquisition and processing capabilities, coupled with intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance features, have contributed to increased popularity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. In addition to the numerous beneficial uses, UAVs have been misused to launch illegal and sometimes criminal activities that pose direct threats to individuals, organizations, public safety and national security. Despite its increased importance, "drone forensics" remains a relatively unexplored research topic. There are regular news stories, both positive and negative, about the use of drones, and the opportunities, risks and threats they can pose to leading industries as well as the general public. Changes in public perception, increases in manufacturers and available models, falling commoditized pricing and rapidly advancing technology have all served to put drone devices in possession of many people around the globe. Use the drone as a menace to disrupt daily life such as flying a drone above or near an airport. As UAV technology continues to develop and prices continue to diminish, adoption will increase and present new challenges for first responders, through to digital investigation subject matter experts, across the law enforcement community. 

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