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Fact Sheets
The following documents are available for you to review:- Introduction to RCFLs(File information: intro_to_RCFLs.doc; 290 KB; Last Modified: 03/29/06)
- Accreditation Factsheet(File information: Accreditation_Factsheet.doc; 290 KB; Last Modified: 03/29/06)
- Benefits of Participation(File information: Benefits_of_Participation.doc; 290 KB; Last Modified: 03/29/06)
- Examination Best Practices(File information: ExaminationBestPractices.doc; 453 KB; Last Modified: 04/21/05)
- Governance Board Fact Sheet(File information: GovernanceBoard.doc; 290 KB; Last Modified: 03/29/06)
- Site Selection Fact Sheet(File information: Site_Selection_Fact_Sheet.doc; 290 KB; Last Modified: 03/29/06)
RCFL Brochure
- Introduction to RCFLs(File information: NPO_Brochure.pdf; 2.7MB; Last Modified: 01/29/07)
RCFL FAQ
What is an RCFL?
It's one stop, full service forensics laboratory and training center devoted to the examination of digital evidence.What do RCFLs do exactly?
They conduct forensics examinations of digital media, such as computers, PDAs, and digital cameras, in support of an investigation and/or prosecution of a federal, state or local crime.What types of crimes does an RCFL help investigate?
RCFL investigations span all types of criminal activity including:- Terrorism
- Child Pornography
- Crimes of Violence
- Trade Secret Theft
- Theft or Destruction to Intellectual Property
- Internet Crimes
- Fraud
- Financial Crimes
- Property Crimes
When was the first RCFL opened?
The first RCFL was established in San Diego, California in 1999, and a second site opened shortly thereafter in Dallas, Texas in 2000. RCFLs in Kansas City, Missouri, and Chicago, Illinois opened in 2003, while the New Jersey RCFL opened in 2004, followed by the Silicon Valley RCFL in Menlo Park, California in January, 2005; the Houston RCFL in March, 2005, the Intermountain West RCFL in Salt Lake City, Utah in July, 2005; the Northwest RCFL in Portland, Oregon opened in September 2005, and the newest facility, the Rocky Mountain RCFL in Denver, Colorado on January 18, 2006.Additional facilities will debut in the cities of Buffalo, New York; Dayton, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and; Louisville, Kentucky.
How does the RCFL accept cases?
RCFLs examine evidence submitted in criminal investigations only. All examinations regardless of submitting agency are prioritized according to published criteria. While requests for direct technical support are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the RCFL responds as resources permit.How much does it cost to establish an RCFL?
RCFL start-up costs vary from site to site depending upon the number of personnel assigned, real estate costs, and site preparation/renovation.What are the primary forensics responsibilities of an RCFL?
These responsibilities include:- Conduct a comprehensive examination of digital evidence
- Provide a complete and timely report to the contributor
- Provide testimony as needed
- Act as a regional focal point for digital evidence issues
Success Stories
Chicago RCFL
- Ex-Governor George Ryan Found Guilty Former Illinois Governor George Ryan was convicted of all 18 felony charges against him, along with Chicago businessman Larry Warner. The Chicago RCFL supplied digital forensics support to federal prosecutors... (Posted: 04/18/06)
- Former Trader Receives Heavy Sentence Although it appeared to be a suicide, an investigation supported by the CGRCFL that was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chicago Police Department (a CGRCFL participating agency), and the U.S. Attorney's Office revealed a far different conclusion... (Posted: 03/01/06)
Heart of America RCFL
- Alleged Abduction Was a Hoax On April 11, 2006, 16-year old Kelsey Stelting placed a frantic 9-1-1 call, claiming that she was abducted at gunpoint while outside her Independence, Missouri home. An Amber Alert was issued, and the FBI brought in 30 agents to join police and county officers in the search. The Heart of America RCFL was part of the team – as is often the case when an Amber Alert is issued within an RCFL’s service area. Now safely at home, the teenager admitted that it was all a hoax. Click here to read a joint statement from the Independence Police Department and the FBI. (Posted: 4/14/06).
North Texas RCFL
- This RCFL began operations in 2001 and continues to positively impact the North Texas region where it is based. The RCFL mostly supports investigations into child pornography, computer intrusion and financial fraud. Highlights of past successes include(Full story)...
San Diego RCFL
- International Child Pornography Ring Busted Dubbed “Operation Hamlet,” the investigation of an international child pornography ring led by the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and supported by the SDRCFL - who invested over 500 man hours in this investigation - was dismantled, with one of the main participants recently sentenced to life in prison... (Posted: 03/06/06)
- Former Congressman Sentenced Ex-Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham was sentenced on March 3rd to 8 years and four months in prison for conspiring to commit bribery, honest services fraud, and tax evasion. The SDRCFL supported this investigation... (Posted: 03/06/06)
A suspect, christened the "gap tooth bandit," was identified in the robbery of several banks in the San Diego area. Authorities seized a computer from his residence, and provided it to the San Diego RCFL for examination. The demand notes found on the computer matched the demand notes that were presented during the robberies. Although the demand notes were not saved to the hard drive, the examiner was still able to retrieve them...(Full story).