A Supervisory Approach to Building Ethical Digital Forensic Frameworks through Participatory Action Research

Introduction: the integrity of digital forensic case handling plays a crucial role in safeguarding the public interest. Breaches in ethical compliance within the forensic process can undermine the credibility of investigations and erode public trust in their outcomes. Methods: the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. The research engaged stakeholders from both academic and professional sectors. Data collection was conducted through comprehensive literature reviews and structured stakeholder discussions to ensure the resulting framework reflects both theoretical and practical considerations. Results: the study introduced the Supervisory Framework to Respect Ethics or we call it SUFREE, a model specifically designed to address ethical oversight in the digital forensic process, specific to conditions in Indonesia. The framework was developed through iterative consultation and validation involving relevant experts, aiming to ensure methodological robustness and applicability within the Indonesian setting. Conclusion: the SUFREE framework offers a structured, ethics-focused supervisory model expected to enhance the quality, integrity, and professionalism of digital forensic practices in Indonesia, thereby contributing to improved public trust in forensic investigations.