When handling a locked smart device, which action should be taken first?

The correct action to take first when handling a locked smart device is to attempt to obtain the password. This step is crucial because accessing the device's contents without the password can be challenging, and there may be important information relevant to an investigation stored within it. By attempting to obtain the password at this stage, law enforcement can potentially access critical evidence without compromising the device's integrity or causing data loss. Furthermore, many smart devices are designed to encrypt data, and entering the wrong password multiple times may trigger security features that could lead to data being locked or deleted.

Documenting the time and date is important but does not address the immediate need to access the device's data. Powering off the device could lead to data loss or may lock the device further, complicating access. Placing the device into an evidence bag is a necessary step in the chain of custody but should occur after determining the best strategy to access its contents, ensuring that any evidence can be preserved and analyzed effectively. Thus, prioritizing efforts to obtain the password is essential for maximizing the potential for successful data retrieval.