What does the term "seizing" refer to in the context of cell phone searches?

In the context of cell phone searches, "seizing" specifically refers to the act of holding onto evidence for investigation purposes. When law enforcement seizes a cell phone, they are not just taking possession of it; they are doing so with the intent to preserve any potential evidence that may be contained within the device. This is crucial in criminal investigations, as cell phones can contain a wealth of information, including communications, location data, and multimedia files that may be pivotal to a case. Properly seizing a cell phone ensures that this evidence can be analyzed and used in legal proceedings, while also adhering to the legal standards set forth regarding evidence collection and privacy rights.