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New FBI digital forensics lab partners with local law enforcement
By OBSERVER STAFF
observereditor@hcnonline.com
07/16/2008
Source: FBI web site
Andrew R. Bland, III, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Houston office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the opening of a new state-of-the art digital forensics laboratory which will better serve the region’s law enforcement community. This one-stop, full service forensics laboratory is the new home of the Greater Houston Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (GHRCFL). The GHRCFL is devoted entirely to the examination of digital evidence in support of local, state, and federal criminal investigations.
The GHRCFL first opened and began accepting requests for digital forensic services and training in March of 2005. Since that time, the increasing demand for digital forensic services and training warranted the opening of this new facility. This facility will allow the GHRCFL to grow and to add critical examiners, as needed. The GHRCFL is currently seeking additional law enforcement agencies within the region to become partners in this endeavor.
The GHRCFL is a unique partnership between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies representing federal, state and local governments operating within the Houston FBI territory. The FBI provides start-up and operational funding, training, and equipment. Participating law enforcement agencies provide their own forensic examiners, as well as additional staff for operating the RCFL. Participating agencies receive access to expert digital forensics examination and advisory services from the examiners on staff. The examiners from outside the FBI have access to sophisticated technical training and receive FBI digital forensic certification. Examiners receive continuing state of the art computer forensic instruction after certification is obtained. Currently, the GHRCFL participating agencies include the Houston Police Department, Pasadena Police Department, Rosenberg Police Department, Harris County Sherriff’s Office, and the Harris County Precinct 4 and 5 Constable’s Office.
Digital forensics is the application of science and engineering to the recovery of digital evidence. GHRCFL examiners apply their skill on a variety of digital devices such as computers, personal digital assistants, cell phones, and an assortment of other digital media devices. Examiners are also capable of extracting deleted, encrypted or damaged file information that may serve as evidence in a criminal investigation. In addition to supporting criminal, terrorism, and intelligence investigations through forensic data analysis, the GHRCFL will train local law enforcement in the handling of sensitive electronic equipment, computer investigative techniques, and a basic understanding of digital forensics.
The GHRCFL assumes a key role in solving crimes by conducting a comprehensive examination of digital evidence, providing a complete and timely report to the contributor, providing testimony as needed and acts as a regional focal point for digital evidence issues. The new laboratory will serve as a much needed resource for the FBI and other regional law enforcement agencies to make our families and communities safer.
For more information about the GHRCFL or to become a partner, visit www.ghrcfl.org.